By Briana Stockton

I love the taste and smell of coffee, not so much for the caffeine effect, rather the ritual of it. There are many different studies both promoting health benefits of black coffee and explaining the dangerous effects.
I personally take breaks from coffee for weeks at a time, sometimes months. What I drink instead is “dandy blend.” The dandy blend is a powder that dissolves instantly in hot or cold liquids. I use it for a great almond milk latte. I have never tried it as a substitute for ice coffee, but a few of my clients have and it is one of their favorites.

You can use dandy blend in any recipe calling for coffee. It is a great added flavor. It is naturally sweetened with the fructose contain in the roots of dandelion and chicory (favorite herbs in Europe and Asia).
Dandy blend has no caffeine, acidity or bitterness like old stale coffee. There are also no additives, preservatives or artificial flavors. Gluten is completely eliminated in the extraction process. Another great perk is no pesticides or irradiation occurs during the process of packaging.

This blend contains over 50 trace minerals, plus vitamins, macro minerals and other health promoting substances.
If you live in the LA district you can order “Dandy Lattes” or buy a container of the “Dandy Blend” at Café OM on Fountain between Fairfax and Crescent Heights in West Hollywood, CA. Otherwise you can visit www.dandyblend.com

FITNESS
It’s a NEW YEAR and NO EXSCUSES!!

Let’s make this list of resolutions realistic and awarding. Just because the 1st has come and gone, doesn’t mean you can’t start now!!

Week one, take all the stairs instead of elevators or escalators. And take out Dairy and processed sugars.

Week two, continue, and add a 20 min walk or run in your am, lunch break or after work or dinner. Start adding more raw foods during your days and organic cooked at night.

Week three, continue, and add an intense hour long weight lifting or interval cardio workout three days a week. Drop soda and juice and only drink water or unpasteurized juices. Food combined your meals correctly, especially your cooked meals.

Week four, continue all, and add a Saturday or Sunday outdoors activity. Drop all alcoholic drinks.

Now look and the mirror and smile with pride, you have begun your year of healthier then last and will continue to be active and eat right because you feel and look so good!!