​I've tried tons of protein-based supplemental foods...bars, shakes, powders, even protein-infused water! I workout on average 5x a week and don't eat a lot of high-protein foods (like meat) so I need high-protein  supplements like these to keep me satiated and fuel muscle repair.

As existing brands have improved their protein formulas and new brands have entered the protein space touting better flavors, I've found a few brands that make protein products I'm satisfied with over the years. Still, it feels like even the protein products I like have their pitfalls; either they contain too much sugar or they have a strange, cardboard like texture. Sometimes, even the bars labeled with words like "natural" and "organic" contain unnecessary fillers, chemicals, or sugar alcohol, so I'm always on the hunt for a clean, delicious-tasting alternative. 

Scrolling from our Instagram (@thecleanmethod) I came across a company that claimed to have created the "cleanest" vegan protein powder. With a description like this, I had to get my hands on it and give it a try! After some back and forth DM'ing with the company, named Pure Charge Nutrition, they were kind enough to send me two blends to test: Dark Cocoa and Vanilla Bean. What I immediately loved about Pure Charge Nutrition was their passion for their clean protein products, and the fact that they made it clear that they were seeking an honest, no BS review!

Upon receipt of the two 100% plant-based proteins, one thing on their packaging stood out to me immediately: you could count the ingredients in each formula on one hand -- literally! If you're a fit foodie like me that's obsessed with finding products that are made as close to nature as possible, you know they're incredibly rare. But PCN Protein Powders might have just made the cut.

​Here's what was in both formulas:

• A proprietary protein blend (consisting of two plant-based ingredients: Pea Protein & Organic Brown Rice Protein)
• Natural Flavors
• Stevia Extract 

Plus, both formulas (Dark Cocoa and Vanilla Bean) have 21 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar!

That's it! The only difference between the Dark Cocoa and Vanilla Bean flavored protein powder formulas was one ingredient: the Organic Alkalized Cocoa Powder found in the former. 

In addition to the minimal ingredients, these protein powders met all of the other "clean" criteria we use to evaluate products. They're all-natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, diary-free, soy-free and hypoallergenic, making either flavor fitting for paleo, vegans, gluten-free foodies or anyone with common food sensitivities and allergies following a strict or restrictive diet. Their ingredients were free from artificial additives, colors, sweeteners, sugars, bulking agents, stabilizers, emulsifiers and fillers.  In addition to their clean ingredients, both formulas contain complete Amino Acid profiles, which are necessary for your body to actually rebuild protein and repair muscles following a workout. 

Even though I was thrilled with the minimal amount of ingredients, I wondered if the protein powders would taste good as a result. After all, how good can pretty simply made protein taste? 

Apparently - delicious!

I tried tried PCN Vanilla Bean Plant Protein first and I was totally satisfied with the flavor! It could have passed for vanilla ice cream, without the chalky texture that I find in so many other protein powders and even bars. (I did, however, take the company's suggestion and mix the powder with 4 oz water and 3 oz unsweetened non-dairy milk - in my case, pea milk - to ensure a smooth texture.) Per usual, I also added some greens and fruit to my smoothie.  I loved that these extra ingredients didn't kill the protein's natural Vanilla flavor. I had my smoothie first thing in the morning, about 2 hours before I hit the gym, and the combination of nutrients and Amino Acid building clean protein gave me the perfect, healthy energy boost to start my day. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't feel bloated after sipping my PCN Vanilla Bean Plant Protein smoothie, especially because I combined fruit and veggies with the protein. That's likely because PCN intentionally created an easily digestible formula with a high thermic effect. 

I'm not a huge chocolate fan but I really enjoyed the Dark Cocoa protein powder that I incorporated into my smoothie the next day as a snack, about 30 minutes after my workout. (Aside from first thing in the morning and before bed, a great time to have your smoothie is after a workout to spark muscle recovery.) I didn't add any veggies or fruit to this one (with the exception of a banana -- and some Chia seeds that I usually add for Omega 3s) because I thought that might interact with the flavor. As I was taking one level scoop from the tub, I noticed that the protein was super high in iron (180%, as was the Vanilla flavor, to be exact.) This makes sense for plant-based consumers, like vegans, interested in Pure Charge Nutrition's protein powders, because vegans can be at risk for iron-deficiency anemia. This is because the type of iron that is easily consumed by the body (Heme iron) is found in the animal products that vegans avoid. 

Are you looking for a clean and easily digestible protein formula that promotes muscle recovery and strength gains without skimping on a smooth texture and flavor? Look no further than the alkaline-forming 100% compete plant protein formulas from Pure Charge Nutrition and start charging through your day with a little help from nature along the way. 

For more information, including nutrient profiles and pricing, visit www.PureChargeNutrition.com. ​Don't forget to check out their subscription-based service, which allows you to save money and ensure you never run out of your protein! Also follow them on Instagram (@pure_charge_nutrition) for more news and deals. 

You likely already know the power of superfoods but we all know that with busy schedules it can be hard to actually eat all the foods that can provide us with such benefits. 

That's why I'm rounding up some of the best superfood supplements. While some of these are pricier than others, we all know that health is our most important investment. ​

Why superfoods? Superfoods can boost your immunity, fight free radicals, improve your metabolism, increase your energy and improve the appearance of your skin, hair, etc. 

What are superfoods? Superfoods are foods - mostly plant-based - that are considered to be nutritionally dense and thus, good for our bodies.

What are some examples of superfoods? Kale, blueberries, salmon, maca, spirulina...to name a few. 

Why these 'superfood' supplements? Because these are made from the purest ingredients, so your body can actually absorb it. 

Incorporating superfood ingredients like organic Baobab fruit and organic Peruvian Maca root, this skin-brightening elixir contains vitamins like C and E, essential to collage renewal and overall skin health.  

​

Hum's Raw Beauty Superfood blend is tasty and filled with important elements, like apadptogens, enzymes and probiotics. ​

Created from all-natural herbs and essential vitamins, this gluten-free and vegan formula boosts the immune system, improves indigestion and revitalizes the skin and hair. 

Made from organic green superfoods, this formula includes Digestive Enzymes, Immune enhancing Mushrooms, Acidophilus, Linseed and MSM -- making this a perfect daily vitamin supplement and for strong hair, skin and nails. 

​Okay, so I knew about fitness trackers and how they can help us monitor things like our movement and our sleep.

But I did not know these gadgets have gotten so advanced that you can now attach them to your bras and undies to give your clothes that extra "smart" edge.

Meet Spire.
Spire health tag works with your existent clothes to monitor your stress levels, activity, sleep and quality and breathing patterns. You apply it to each piece of clothing you wear most and wash your clothes as you normally would.  

How does it work?
Spire works by measuring the expansion and contraction of your chest while breathing to identify when you are tense, calm or asleep, and delivers customized insights via its accompanying smartphone app about your overall health.


Pretty sweet. I'm next to try. 

Crystals have long been used as healing instruments, believed to emit positive energy and vibes.

While there are many different ways to use crystals - from holding them in the palm of your hand, to looking upon them with focused intent, to placing them underneath your pillow - as Supermodel Miranda Kerr does at night - one of the most popular ways to absorb the healing properties of crystals is to incorporate them into your home. 
​
Even if you're not a designer, you've likely heard of the Chinese system of arranging objects to promote healthy energy flow, known as Feng Shui. Adding crystals to your home can be likened to this concept, albeit crystals redirect the flow of energy not by rearranging objects, but by transmitting unique energies of their own. 

In order to access the healing and harmonious properties of crystals, it's best to begin by understanding the unique properties and benefits of each crystal. Below, I've hand-selected three of the most popular crystals that concurrently serve as beautiful and functional pieces of decor for the home. (These crystals also happen to be my personal favorites for their natural beauty and healing properties.) 

Quartz Crystal
Quartz Crystal is a pure and powerful energy source, known as 'the universal stone.'

Benefits: stimulates brain function, elevates alertness and consciousness
How to incorporate into your home: Quartz Crystal comes in a variety of cuts (like clusters and chunks) and is incorporated into a variety of household items, from lamps and  pillows to adorable salt and pepper shakers. Given the natural beauty of this universal stone, it's also incorporated into many statement pieces, like the beautiful John Richard Natural Quartz Sprites Collection.

Amethyst Crystal
Amethyst is a type of Quartz, known for its deep purple huge and affiliated with the Zodiac signs: Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn. 
Benefits: cure hangovers, relieve drunkenness, connect to inner spirituality, cut through illusion, enhance psychic ability 
How to incorporate into your home: Amethyst is the root of many different home goods - ranging from embellished pillows, to luxurytrinkets and even posh tissue boxes. There were so many beautiful amethyst pieces to choose from that I included six of my favorites below. I also loved the amethyst and black diamond waste bin that matched the beautiful tissue box and soap dispenser!

Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz is an opaque pink crystal that is affiliated with the Zodiac signs Libra and Taurus and known as the "love stone."
Benefits: strengthens relationships, dispels negativity, creates a calm atmosphere
How to incorporate into your home: Rose Quartz is embedded into highly functional pieces for the home, fromlighting tobowls tobathroom sets and coasters. 

Questions? Comments? Drop me a comment below! 
xo Christina Lee | TheRealChristinaLee.com @therealchristinalee

Climate change matters.

Not just for the preservation of our beautiful Earth, but for the preservation of our people.

Climate change and its damaging effects are rooted in science, not subjectivity.

If we care about the health of our generation and those to come, we need to make a stance to curb climate change. This includes holding the current administration accountable for decisions made to slash funding to important agencies like the EPA, whose mission is to protect our environment and health. 

We cannot have healthy people without a healthy environment. We cannot have a healthy environment without healthy people.

Climate change factors such as extreme temperatures, poor air quality, natural disasters, water contamination and changes in infectious agents pose a direct threat to our health, including the increase of:

• heat-related death and illness
• worsened chronic conditions (such as cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease)
• hospital admissions (due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures)
  
• allergic reactions
  
• asthmatic episodes
• death and injury resulting from extreme events / natural disasters
• economic devastation
• vector-borne diseases, transmitted by mosquitoes, fleas and ticks
  
• water-related illnesses due to water contamination

These are just some of the risks posed to our health as a result of the devastating implications of climate change. The good news is each and every one of us can make a difference.

Want to help preserve our beautiful planet and our people?

Join your fellow citizens as they leverage their local communities, Congress and the media to make a difference in the health of world. Regardless of your political party, Citizens' Climate Lobby is empowering citizens to help solve key climate change issues, strengthen the economy and ensure a healthy future for our children and the generations to come.

Let's leave this Earth better, not worse. 

For more information on climate change, including substantiating evidence and its effects on our health, visit GlobalChange.Gov. 

I noticed a considerable difference in my perspective and mindset once I began meditating daily.  While I've known that numerous academic studies prove meditation's powerful ability to mold matter in our brain, it wasn't until I practiced meditation daily that I whole-heartedly believed what science had already proved to be true.  
​
Through meditation and positive affirmations (like the mantras and videos I've included below), I became calmer, happier and more adept at coping with life's daily battles, and I know the same can be true for you!

Though these affirmations may be practiced at any time of day, I began my meditation routine nightly before bed to improve my sleep. For years, I struggled with restless sleep; I'd have trouble falling asleep and wake up frequently throughout the night thinking of things to take care of the following day.  Scrolling through Instagram late at night or reading something stimulating only worsened my sleeplessness. (Though I was never diagnosed with insomnia, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea - which only added to my chronic lethargy!)

​Mediating daily significantly improved not only the quality of my sleep, but the quality of my life!

Now, I begin and end each and everyday with positive affirmations, like the ones below. 

 Of course, you may customize the affirmations so they best serve you, and you may say them aloud or quietly to yourself. I find it most beneficial to lay comfortable in a peaceful and secure place while I practice, though you might be inclined to practice differently. (Some find it most beneficial to speak affirmations aloud to oneself in the mirror.) 

No matter how you practice,  just be sure to breathe and believe each word with a deep sense of conviction to experience the profound sense of bliss that meditation has to offer.

I am healthy.
I am happy.
I am safe.
I am at peace.
I approach all things with joy and ease.
Nothing is too difficult for me.
The universe protects me.
I see all beings as beautiful works of divine art.
I, myself, am beautiful.
I have everything I need to achieve all of my dreams.
I am more than enough.
I am one-of-a-kind.
I was created to fulfill a unique purpose.
I am a masterpiece.
I am a divine gift - and I possess unique, divine gifts.
I know my purpose is to share my divine gifts with the universe.
I am light.
I am whole. 

Full version of the above guided meditation is available for free on iTunes.

Given their constant exposure, it's no surprise that celebs aren't quick to share intimately personal details of their lives. But as consumers demand greater authenticity from the media, more and more celebrities are courageously sharing more than their love lives and achievements on the records.  Of recent, several notable celebrities have opened up about their battles with mental illness, including messages about self-love and self-image. Their messages are authentic, empowering and timely, as nearly 25% of Americans over the age of 18 have been diagnosed with some form of mental illness. 

Most recently, Lo Bosworth of The Hills opened about her 'Worst Year Ever'  in a blogpost, chronicling her battle with rippling anxiety and depression. Lo describes her experience as a "60 day long panic attack." After receiving months of treatment and medication without significant improvement and tons of confusion, a blood test revealed that Lo was low in VitaminB12 and D, due to  mutations in her MTHFR and MAOA genes that make such essential nutrients hard to process. (A deficiency in either of these can lead to anxiety and depression.) After supplementing with bioavailable nutrients and coming to terms with her body, mind and journey, Lo encourages anyone struggling, "I'm living proof that you should fight, you should explore, you should take your health into your own hands and be your own advocate, and that you CAN come out the other side with some serious scars, but feeling like a brand new human being."

Singer Ellie Goulding recently shared her struggle with anxiety and panic attacks when she burst onto the music scene in 2010 with Lights. In a contributed piece to Well + Good, Goulding describes the physical and emotional pain she experienced as a result of unpredictable panic attacks and paralyzing nerves before performing. Worsened by insecurities, career pressure and life in the pubic eye, Goulding's anxiety lessened and inner-confidence improved when she began practicing positive affirmations and  sticking to a boxing & kickboxing regimen. Goulding explains that  "seeing and feeling myself get better and stronger" helped her tackle her insecurities and improve her anxiety.

 Two months ago, supermodel and reality TV star Kendall Jenner penned a post on her app about her struggle with anxiety. Kendall previously opened up about her panic attacks, especially when flying, on Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Jenner calls her struggle with anxiety a "work in progress," explaining some of the techniques she uses to cope, including breathing exercises and mental visualization. Kendall's honest message is a comfort to many, especially her fans that battle anxiety, the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in America.