Green Lemonade

Today we continue to celebrate the week with the wonderful team from Organic Avenue. Organic Avenue is adored for its L.O.V.E. (Live. Organic. Vegan. Experience.) juices, cleanses and delicious organic foods.

Just in case you missed the fun here yesterday with Organic Avenue’s lovely Fernanda Niven, we’re spending the week celebrating healthy, happy and fit living. Today, Kalyn from the Organic Avenue boutique in Southampton, New York is with us to share her inspiration.

Can you give us a little insight into your favorite things to do to be healthy?
My key to maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle is balance. Equal parts nourishment by eating whole unprocessed foods for energy, exercise through high endurance cardio workouts and outdoor runs, and spiritual vitality through yoga and personal reflection time is my equation for optimal wellness.

What are some of your favorite go-to resources for organic produce and foods for those of us on a budget?
Always try to buy your fruits and veggies when they are in season! Prices are always lower for these items when there is a natural abundance. For those who don’t want to give up their favorites until they are in season- try buying items from organic markets and freezing them, I enjoy frozen organic peaches straight from The Milk Pail in Watermill, NY all year round in my smoothies thanks to this trick.

If people wanted to reset after a period of indulgence, what Organic Avenue program might they consider? And if Organic Avenue may not be an option right now, is there one change you might recommend people make for a few days to “reset”?
What I find so great about Organic Avenue is that you can uniquely customize your detox cleanse to your own particular comfort level. Can’t last 5 days? Not sure if you can go without solids for more than 5 hours? You can still reap the benefits of a detox cleanse with Organic Avenue because of the individuality of our programs. On the other hand, if you have been particularly naughty with your diet and think it will take 14 days to rid your body of the nasty things you’ve been dumping in it, Organic Avenue can put you on a plan for that too. For those unable to reach Organic Avenue for a cleanse, I would suggest buying a raw foods cookbook such as Ani’s Raw Food Essentials enabling you to prepare your own easy, delicious, and raw dishes.

Can you recommend a retreat or spa for someone who would like a little supervision in their indulgence resetting/detox program? Or even something closer to home to consider? What do you do?
I would highly suggest Canyon Ranch as a destination for those who would like to be supervised on a detox program. Everyone who I know comes back a changed person both looking and feeling great. Go with your Mom or a friend and have an unforgettable bonding experience. A friend of mine even met her husband there thanks to the incredible experience they shared on their week long stay.

What inspired you to start enjoying a more veggie-centric lifestyle?
The desire to feel GREAT. All of the pesticide saturated, preservative infused, and genetically altered meats, vegetables, and fruits readily and cheaply available in the produce section alongside the processed foods on the shelves of big name supermarkets are energy draining and health suppressing, not to mention unethical.

What one piece of advice would you give to people just learning about the benefits of a more veggie centric lifestyle?
Visit a raw or vegan restaurant or market and strike up a conversation with someone you meet there. I promise you will have a wonderful conversation and make a great friend from the experience. Although at first you may feel like you are holding an interrogation with your flow of questions, I’m sure your subject will feel more flattered to share their story and knowledge of their vibrant lifestyle rather then inconvenienced. Who doesn’t like talking about themselves? Or better yet, who doesn’t want to be a part of the improvement of another individual??

Is there a favorite treat you would recommend newcomers to Organic Avenue to pick up?
Stop by the store and have a taste of every sample you can get your hands on! Don’t be shy with the green juices, as they are the ones that will change your life! In order to really appreciate our product, you really have to experience the juice. My personal favorite is the Green Mylk made only with cucumber, celery, spinach, almond mylk, and cinnamon.

Some people are intimidated by green juice……what would you recommend?
Young L.O.V.E. is made out of three ingredients, cucumber, celery, and spinach, and it’s simple and light taste makes you feel healthier before your second sip. For those who consider themselves picky eaters, think back of a time when you put an Oreo cookie or the likes in your mouth. Check out the ingredients and then buy yourself a Young L.O.V.E.

When you are traveling and can’t get an Organic Avenue juice or smoothie fix, what do you suggest eating to stay healthy and energized?
Organic Avenue carries this great product by Dr. Robert Young, puripHy, which enables you to control the alkalinity of your water as to maintain your body’s pH level. Maintaining this level is the key goal of a raw and vegan diet. For snacking, we have a choice selection of yummy dehydrated goods all packaged in a convenient size for traveling which easily fits in a purse or tote. I highly suggest the crowd favorite, Organic Avenue Kale chips.

Thank you for your healthy tips and tricks Kalyn. We’ll look forward to seeing you out at the Organic Avenue boutique in Southampton!