Wellness Chat with Noa Ries, Noa’s Perky Bum Workout, + a Pitaya Cherry Smoothie!

I  L O V E  chatting with mama entrepreneurs who are spreading their passion for wellness and learning about their journeys so I was super excited to swap stories + wellness tips with Noa Ries, a certified personal trainer and the founder of Vie Active (an incredibly cute fitness apparel line--I mean just check out these gorgeously marbled leggings!).

Read on for our Q+A, a workout from Noa, and a Post Workout Pitaya Cherry Smoothie from moi!

Sophie: Noa, I admire your energy and drive so much – you have built a business from the ground up, all while doing something you’re incredibly passionate about! Can you tell me a little about how you started Vie Active?

Noa: Thank you!! I grew up running and swimming laps at Bondi Beach, Australia with my father who taught me that “the body only does what the mind tells it to.” When he died very suddenly in 2008, working out became my therapy, and exercise quickly became more about sanity than vanity. The following year, I left my career in advertising to become a personal trainer. In February of 2012 at 4pm one afternoon, I had an epiphany when I realized I was still in my workout clothes, had not had time for a shower, and felt REALLY unstylish. I thought to myself–why do I have to make this conscious decision every day between being stylish and being fit? Surely I can be both! But as a modern woman (with two kids) I don’t have time for five outfit changes during the day. The following year, Vie Active was launched with a mission to truly fuse performance and style. Vie Active was designed to enable, empower, and inspire women to put their oxygen mask on first and realize the benefits of living an Active Life.

S: We're in a fresh, beautiful new year and many women have set intentions and goals centered around fitness. What are your tips for ensuring that these intentions stay present throughout the whole year, instead of dwindling away by early spring?

N: As modern women today, we work damn hard and we wear many hats at work (business owner, manager, leader, sales, marketing, product development… the list does not end) and at home (mother, wife, sister, friend, chef, chauffeur, counsellor, cleaner, etc.–you get the picture). But the problem with wearing all of these hats is that if you fall, those around you fall too. This is why it is critical and why at the start of this year instead of making New Years resolutions that you won’t keep past February, I think it's important to just focus on putting yourself first. Put Your Oxygen Mask on First (PYOMOF).

When you fly on an airplane, the flight attendant instructs you to put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others. Why is this an important rule for ensuring survival? Because if you run out of oxygen, you can’t help anyone else with their oxygen mask. This is an important metaphor for most modern women I know who run around taking care of everything and everyone else except themselves.

If you don’t take care of yourself, you can experience burnout, stress, fatigue, reduced mental effectiveness, health problems, anxiety, frustration, inability to sleep, and reduced happiness.  It’s time to let go of the guilt and the excuses, and put your oxygen mask first by making your own health and fitness a non-negotiable investment in your own well-being.

S: You're a marathon runner + triathlete! What motivates you to workout rain or shine? And what tips do you have for anyone looking to make sure that their workouts absolutely happen (instead of giving in to sleeping in or skipping the gym for brunch)?

I workout for sanity more than vanity and while life certainly does get in the way (I have two kids and a startup business), I try to workout 3-5 x every week. I know that if I do this, I will be so much happier, more energetic, and more focused and productive. I schedule in my workouts in advance much like my meetings so I can plan out my week. My ideal week would have me working out 5 times a week, but often life gets in the way (kids are sick, I have an early call, or meeting) and so I only get 3-4 in. I know myself well enough to know that if I don’t work out at least twice in one week, everything and everyone around me suffers.

S: I've always found that work-out sessions with my husband, Adi, or my friends are the most fun. Any advice on how to inspire friends, sisters, mamas, hubbies–anyone really–to join you on a run, spin sesh, or yoga flow?

N: I think "sweat-working" is the new networking! There are SO many different types of workouts now, and I am all about killing two birds with one stone so I love catching up with my friends or family for a workout. If I want to chat, I'll do a hike or bike ride. If it's more about just having fun together, then we will head to Body By Simone or Soulcycle together.

S: How do you create balance between being an entrepreneur and a mother, while still finding time for self-care?

N: I think work/life/balance is a total fallacy, and if you keep striving for it you end up feeling like a failure. It's impossible to have 8 neat hours of life, work, and rest each day. I know that every day I am going to be compromising one of the areas in my life, but I just try to focus on the positive, know that I am doing my best, and treat myself kindly. I think health and fitness are the best investment in anyone's wellbeing and the flow on effect for everyone and everything else in your life is huge.

N: Sophie, how did you get started in the health & fitness industry and what sparked the idea to found your own company and wellness brand?

S: Philosophie began with me simply wishing that I could have an amazing blend of superfoods and proteins together in one, convenient jar. I didn’t want to run out of camu camu or another individual ingredient and then feel like my smoothie wasn’t complete, so I went all over LA searching for high quality, fair-trade, organic superfoods and then began packing them into mason jars and little bags. I started giving the blends to friends and family and making everyone workout and nutrition guides. One day, I was in the sea in Israel with my husband, Adi, and he turned to me and said, “You should really grow what you’re doing and share it with more people, make it a company.” And since that day, Philosophie has blossomed into something much bigger than I had ever imagined. Our products have helped everyone from George Clooney to my own dad and are continuing to help so many more people discover wellness and feel as vibrant + alive as they can.

N: Through your holistic approach to wellbeing, how do you live an active life and what is your favorite way to stay fit?

S: I love awakening to a morning of intention setting followed by a yoga flow, either at home with my kiddies or at the studio. The rush of a good spin or kickboxing sesh and the beauty and serenity of an outdoor hike or walk also does wonders!

N: Being both an entrepreneur and a mother can cause for a busy schedule. What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?

S: I love a relaxing Thai massage, swinging by Venice to visit all of my beautiful soul sisters, and then closing the day with something simple, maybe taking an evening stroll in nature, and then having a movie night with my hubby + the kids!

N: As a raw food chef What is your favorite healthy dish to make?

S: I love a powerhouse post-workout salad! After a hard sweat sesh, I’ll toss together mixed leafy greens, fermented turnips, kimchi, sprouted pumpkin seeds, tahini, garlic, and pesto—it’s super nourishing and oh-so-yummy!

N: We love your idea of creating an easier, more inspiring way to maintain health and wellness. What does living a healthy and active life mean to you?

S: Doing everything from a place of love—which means working out because I actually love the movements that I’m having my body do, or eating because I love how the food tastes and how it makes me feel. The moment you do something that’s “good for you” without having any passion for it is the moment you lose your glow. So it’s simple—find recipes for nourishing dishes you can’t wait to make,  buy or make natural, non-toxic beauty products that smell and feel amazing, or sign up for a workout class that is the highlight of your day.


Perky Bum Workout

Who doesn't want a perky bum? It's an area that we, as women, always focus our workouts around with the goal of having that perfectly lifted tush. Noa shares her favorite moves so that you can achieve your goals this weekend...no gym needed!

Squats

Donkey Kick  

Progressive Squats

Skate Lunges

Post Workout Pitaya Cherry Smoothie

After Noa’s hard sweat sesh, I love whipping up this rejuvenating + oh-so-yummy smoothie! Pitaya (also known as dragonfruit) is packed with vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium (a key mineral that promotes healthy bones and muscles!), and the anti-inflammatory cherries prevent post-workout muscle aches and pains. Toss in a spoonful of Berry Bliss for an added boost of plant-based protein and a powerhouse blend of organic acai, goji, pomegranate, camu camu, mangosteen, and maca!

Gather This:

Do This:

Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth + creamy. Pour in your favorite glass and enjoy!

Do you know an amazing mama entrepreneur I should chat with on the blog? Let us know on Twitter with #myphilosophie!

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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

Winter Wellness Rituals to THRIVE in the Cold

Sophie Jaffe Winter Rituals

Winter is the season of softness and pause. It kicks off with the holidays where we loosen up on our routine and rituals and take off time for the holidays, celebrations and indulgences. We're all about indulging with intention here at Philosophie but find it so important to invest in wellness rituals to THRIVE during the winter instead of letting it wear you down.

Implement some winter wellness rituals into your routine so you can be at your BEST during the winter season and be present to all the wonderful celebrations during this time of the year. Following these tips can help you keep your body, mind, and soul strong during the cold & winter season. 

STOCK UP ON YOUR FAVORITE SUPERFOODS AND GET FREE SHIPPING WHEN YOU SPEND $75+

 

Superfood Coffee for Energy

SIP ON YOUR FAVORITE LATTES & ELIXIRS

There's nothing like a warm coffee, superfood elixir, latte or tea to warm you up during the winter. Transform your daily coffee into a superfood coffee or blend up Cacao Magic or Berry Bliss with milk and a little honey for an instant superfood elixir. A hot beverage instantly allows us to unwind. If you’re not a coffee drinker, tea or hot cocoa are great alternatives to keep you toasty.

 

CARVE SOME TIME OUT OF EACH DAY FOR SELF LOVE

Even if it’s just five minutes, finding some time in your day for some winter self love & care will can instantly elevate your mood and self-image. The cold often strips skin of moisture and with the dropping temperature we are more susceptible to colds & flus. And with the less daytime hours many experience a seasonal depression so caring for your energy, mental wellbeing and self-care are needed.

Using a deep-moisturizing mask or Chrysalis Water are great ways to rectify scaly, sullen skin. Many skincare enthusiasts also recommend dry body brushing in the winter, to exfoliate the skin and to increase circulation.

 

Chrysalis Water Healing Mist

SLEEP, SLEEP & MORE SLEEP 

In winter, the days become shorter, and our bodies begin to crave a little more rest and relaxation. To avoid midwinter exhaustion, ensure you’re getting a good 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Ease your body to relaxation with chamomile tea and a spoonful of raw high vibrational, nutrient-dense honey.

 

GET FUN & FESTIVE IN THE KITCHEN

A favorite holiday tradition is baking with the family. Baking is a great way to practice following directions and build self-esteem. When a recipe is baked perfectly, you have achieved a great goal for your mental health. The best part is you get to enjoy the delicious warm food. Plus, who doesn’t want their home to smell like freshly baked cookies?

 

Cacao Walnut Vegan Brownies

MOVE YOUR BODY

Winter tends to bring out the worst in the couch potatoes among us: as soon as the weather drops, we’re in front of the TV refusing to budge. Unfortunately, that’s possibly the worst thing we could do for our bodies and minds in the winter.

Since we need endorphins all year round, we’ve got to keep up our exercise in the colder months. Whether it’s a crisp winter walk or a group yoga class done in the comfort of a studio (or even at home), getting your body moving is vital.

 

FIND THE THING THAT RELAXES YOU

It’s so important to keep sight of the strategies and habits which curb our stress levels in the winter. For you, stress release might mean writing in your journal, or listening to music, or taking a long stroll on the beach – whatever it takes to get your mind off everyday stresses.

 

EAT WITH LOVE & INTENTION

Just because it’s not summer anymore doesn’t mean you should let go of your balanced diet and intuitive eating. In fact, it’s perhaps even more critical in the winter to eat healthy and mindfully. To ward off all of those unwanted colds and flu, choose hearty, tummy-warming foods such as vegetable stew which will keep you satisfied and energized through lethargic winter days.

Remember to stay hydrated, too! To support your immune system further, you might also want to supplement your diet with a multivitamin, if you’re not taking one already.

 

What are your some of your favorite self-care tips in winter? Share yours with me in the comments below!

Summer HIIT Workout With Bodyweight

Sophie Jaffe workout

During these summer days when the weather is still gorgeously beautiful we love to get outside for a quick workout. Try out this 20 minute 4x4 workout - no equipment needed! Do these 4 toning and strengthening exercises for 1 minute each for a total of 4 rounds, capping off your HIIT sesh with a bonus round of push-ups. 


Moving the body helps to keep us mentally and physically strong, balanced and grounded. Remember to cool down with some yummy yoga stretches and then mix up a superfood smoothie using Philosophie superfoods! Try out this Blissful Berry Pineapple Smoothie for a post workout treat!

 

STOCK UP ON YOUR FAVORITE SUPERFOODS AND GET FREE SHIPPING WHEN YOU SPEND $75+


1) Jumping Jack Squats

Do as many as you can for 1 minute.

jumping squats sophie jaffe workout

 

2) Side Plank

Hold on each side for 10 seconds, then switch back and forth for a full minute. Build that strength from within. Lift your top leg and hold!

 

sophie jaffe side plank workout

 

3) Front Leg Lift Into Warrior 3

Extend your leg behind you, flexing the foot as if it's against an imaginary back wall. Repeat on both sides for 1 minute.

sophie jaffe leg lift workout

 

4) Side Lunges

Alternate your feet for these lunges. Go for 12 on each leg!

sophie jaffe side lunges workout

 

Bonus 

Push Ups – do as many as you can do for 1 minute. 

sophie jaffe pushups

 

Cool down + stretch. 

Starting in Child's Pose, flow through some yoga asanas on your own to stretch out your joints and muscles. 

5 Benefits of Chlorophyll

chlorophyll water

It’s no secret that keeping your body well-hydrated does wonders for your overall health and wellbeing. It keeps us well-balanced and overflowing with energy. When you harness the power of plants you provide your body with vibrant skin, optimal digestion, a strong gut, and immunity.


Liquid chlorophyll is a fantastic detoxification and energizing supplement for the body and can help reset the system to get it back on track. Chlorophyll cleanses your system, boosts your energy, and hydrates and by adding fresh lemon juice with some mint you’re making a drink that tastes great and totally hydrates and boosts your body. If you’re someone who isn’t a big fan of the taste of chlorophyll, sneaking a few drops into your morning smoothie is an excellent way to get all the benefits of chlorophyll.


Our Sunshine Drops with liquid chlorophyll & mint essential oils help to eliminate harmful bacteria from the body, hydrates the skin, boosts your energy and ignites your senses!

green water

Here are 5 benefits of chlorophyll:

Helps with Hunger and Cravings

The best you can do for your body is to focus on a nourished, well-balanced diet and physical activity. There have been studies that compounds containing chlorophyll can help to suppress hunger and therefore, support weight loss.  


Changes Your Body Odor

Chlorophyll is good for the body from the inside out. Body odor is caused, not by sweat itself, but by the bacteria on your skin that feed on the sweat. When you consume chlorophyll, you are flooding your body with the molecule. The chlorophyll then binds to the compounds that would otherwise feed bacteria and cause bad odors.


Supports Cleansing & Detoxifying

We are CONSTANTLY taking on external & environmental pollutants like toxic metals. Chlorophyll has been shown to bind with toxic metals to lessen absorption. Chlorophyll has also been shown to support the liver’s natural ability to remove toxins and waste from the body, which is known as detoxification.

girls with chlorophyll water


Relieves Systemic Redness and Swelling

Traditional medicine has long used green leaves for infections. Modern approaches with limited effectiveness and a list of side effects, natural remedies are back in the spotlight. Studies have found that consuming your greens help reduce swelling and redness in the body.


Helps with Skin Health

Chlorophyll is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, which all play an important role in the radiance, rejuvenation and vitality of your skin.

sunflowers & green chlorophyll water

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