Hi Lauren!
Let me first just "gush" over you. I am so inspired by you, both personally and professionally. I know that you have a huge fan base and have heard it all, but I am in the "puppy love" phase, as I am a new lither. In any case, keep up the FABULOUS work.
I was a gym junkie burnout and you have given me new motivation and excitement around fitness! Thank, you thank you!!!! I have so many questions for you around well being (many of which are addressed on your blog, thank you again)! Let me just choose one that I'm conflicted with everyday (we can address my "wino" tendencies next time).
Can you help me make better (or the best) choices with my ever so favorite addictive little beans? I love latte's, coffee, cappuccinos (all things caffeinated)! I read a lot about nutrition and I will go on a vegan kick, so I will think soy is the better choice (but it has more sugar and an impact on estrogen levels). I will then go back to my old faithful skim, but then Alicia says how cruel they are to the animals and how they are pumped with hormones (If you get her book, go right to the recipes, don't read the first few chapters).
Also, do i choose raw sugar, Stevia (is this safe?) or Splenda?! Help!!! Thanks SO much in advance! Again, you are a true inspiration and genius! I "heart" you ; )
Thanks, Jen
Jen, you made my morning with this email! So sweet. Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad Lithe has re-invented and recaptured that fitness spark in you! I get the coffee and wine question a lot. Let me preface this by saying that I don't judge anyone's food choices, but I do think that moderation is important with all things. I love coffee. I don't wan't to ever live without it. With that said, too much of anything isn't a good thing and I have cut back recently.
Caffeine, just like refined foods and sugar, for example, temporarily stimulate the adrenal glands only to zap your energy. Try to only have a cup in the am and a cup around 2-3 PM and see how you feel. For many reasons, I hardly ever eat/drink dairy. Personally, dairy drains me, makes me mucusy, gives me acne, slows me down and yep, I am an animal lover and I prefer to be hormone-free.
I believe that there are far better ways to get your Calcium and vitamin D. In my opinion, the dairy industry is a business and, well...I digress. Experiment and try soy, hemp, almond or rice milk in your coffee (the better the bean, the less milk and or sugar you need). If you're a milk person this will take some getting used to, but if you eliminate dairy, you'll be amazed at how great you feel.
Liz Solms, vegetarian and owner of Sweet Pea Nourishment here in Philly always says not to be afraid of soy-It's part of a woman's healthy diet! Liz is a green tea drinker and recommends it as a replacement. You can't overdo it with green tea, so if you want the caffeine buzz, it's a much healthier option.
When it comes to the sweet stuff, stay away from Splenda and Equal, they are Neurotoxins and are not good for you. Stevia is okay and raw sugar is the best a coffee house can offer. When at home, use agave to keep your blood sugar levels steady.
I agree, Alicia's book is great! Make sure you pick up The China Study and The Thrive Diet Vegan Nutrition Guide -They will both change your life and your outlook!
Illustration via Sara Singh.
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