My Bone Broth Hack (+ a promotion!)

There is nothing better than comfort foods, am I right?! I'm sure bone broth is not news to you guys, but it has quickly become one of my absolute favorite comfort foods. Plus, the health benefits seem to be endless. Now you guys have heard about collagen at this point I'm assuming. Well, bone broth is probably the #1 source of collagen (and the best way to get it into your diet). Just a cup of this stuff daily, and you're on your way to better immunity, hair, skin, nails, gut, and overall health! Sounds pretty good right? Read on for some of my favorite things about bone broth.

1. It is one of the best sources of gelatin/collagen, so it's got major benefits for your hair, skin, and nails - especially your skin. It helps to banish wrinkles, improve the elasticity, and decrease cellulite. I've noticed a huge difference in my skin since I started using it - my face is clearer, brighter, smoother, and healthier.
2. Bone broth helps to heal leaky gut in a major way. The reason for this is because it builds probiotics and protects the lining of your gut. This also helps to fight food sensitivities. Even if you don't have gut problems, it is still great for overall gut health.
3. Like I said above, it's a major source of gelatin, which means it's pretty darn good for your joints also. Gelatin acts like a cushion for your joints, so for all of you with sore knees, wrists, and elbows, start drinking this and I bet you see a difference.
4. Because it has such a large benefit on your gut, it also benefits your overall health and immunity, as well as your inflammatory response. Inflammation is such a huge problem in our world right now (it's what causes almost all disease), and bone broth can help lower the inflammation levels in your body.
5. I stole this last one from my favorite doctor, but had to include. Bone broth also helps the detoxification process, because it is a source of potassium, glycine, sulfur, and glutamine - all of which aid in cellular and liver detoxification. 

Is bone broth worth the hype? I think it is. I've noticed a big difference since I started drinking it, in my skin as well as my gut, but you do need to drink it regularly. Issue is, it's really not easy to make it in my tiny NYC kitchen (nor do I feel like it's safe to be simmering something on my stove for days at a time). I know I could make it in a slow cooker - which I will try some day when I actually purchase a slow cooker - but I'm all about quick and easy. 

This is where Kettle & Fire steps in. Kettle & Fire is my favorite source for bone broth. It comes in disposable cartons that you can heat the broth in, portioned out so that you can enjoy one full carton at a time. They make it so darn easy to consume bone broth on a regular basis - which you should be doing if you want to see the benefits - without all the hassle of having to make it yourself. Plus, it tastes delicious, and I always add extra ingredients to mine for the additional health benefits. In these photos, I'm drinking mine with some crushed garlic and turmeric. Yum!

I want you guys to reap the benefits also, so today, I'm giving you 20% off Kettle & Fire! Just use code CASUALCLASSIC20 at checkout. Let me know how you like it! xo

Kombucha Mocktail

I don't know about you guys, but there are a WHOLE lotta people doing juiceless January (meaning, no alcohol for the entire month). I honestly don't drink all that frequently and really do enjoy a good cocktail or a glass of wine every so often, plus, January is my birthday month, so I am not one of those people. I do although, really love to substitute a delicious kombucha spritzer in place of an alcoholic beverage. I can't claim responsibility for this recipe, because that goes to momma Pauly who is the genius in the kitchen. Although I did put my own little twist on it. The great thing about this is that you can add vodka, or you can omit it, and honestly, you won't taste the difference either way. It's a great way to get away with looking like you're having a drink when you're not. Oh, and it's low in sugar, good for your gut, and just plain refreshing.

One word of warning though... do NOT use a cocktail shaker when making this. I stupidly did so (not considering that kombucha was involved), and it exploded all over the kitchen. Oopsies!!!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup kombucha
• 1/2 cup soda water
• Juice from 1 full lime
• Splash of coconut water
• Muddled mint + fresh mint leaves
• 1-2 shots of vodka (optional of course)

Directions:

1. Muddle the mint and a little bit of lime in the bottom of a glass.
2. Combine the kombucha, soda water, coconut water and lime juice in the glass, add ice, and stir.
3. Top with fresh mint leaves!