Learn How to Eat Healthy with Clean Eating Goddess, Jen Udashkin

We at Notable.ca believe in living a healthy lifestyle.

And while our lives are always busy, that’s never an excuse to forgo healthy habits in our daily routines.

So this summer we will be offering a series of exclusive workshops that will cover everything from health and wellness to nutrition and spirituality. And all with the best well-being experts in the industry.

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We kicked off the series last week with Notable.ca Founder and CEO Julian Brass at an amazing one-hour yoga session at 889 Yoga in Toronto. And then followed it up with an enlightening hike (yes, literally) through Vancouver’s Lynn Valley with To Vogue or Bust lifestyle blogger Alexandra Grant.

Now, the third installment of our series takes place on Saturday, June 11th from 11am-noon at Breather, where Montreal-based clean eating blogger Jen Udashkin – publisher of cleaneatinggoddess – will lead a one-hour cooking demonstration of three different breakfast-style recipes for young professionals on the go.

(Please note spots are limited; apply below for a chance to attend.)

Udashkin is outspoken about inspiring those around her to live a healthy, nutritious life – one full of mindfulness, balance, and integrity. We sat down with her to find out how prioritizing healthy habits allowed her to maximize everything from her outlook on life to productivity and overall happiness…

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What first triggered your decision to lead a healthy lifestyle?
Over five years ago my mom was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 50. As a young, healthy woman who exercised and never drank alcohol or smoked, I thought, ‘how is this possible?’ In taking a closer look at the food we as a family labelled as healthy (think fat- and sugar-free), I realized just how many chemicals we were ingesting every day. I stopped looking at calories and fat content and began making sure I understood and could pronounce every ingredient on a food label. Cooking wholesome meals to rebuild my mom’s immunity became a priority.

Do you have a morning ritual? Can you lead us through it?
I wake up every morning and have a glass of warm water with lemon. I sometimes add magnesium drops if things are running slow, if you know what I mean. It really helps cleanse the body and get things moving! I then post on my Instagram, feed my dog, and have fruit and coffee. Then off to the gym!

What do you believe to be the key(s) to happiness?
Finding balance in all areas of life is the key to my happiness. Working hard, eating well, exercise, and indulging are all components of my happiness. Moderation and mindfulness are essential to balance, and I try and practice these on a daily basis. It is also important to remember to be present, especially in this technological age. Live the moment through your eyes, not through your phone! In my home, no phones are allowed after 10pm, and never during meal times (especially at restaurants).

If you could give one tip to everyone, the one thing they should all be doing to live a more well-balanced life, what would it be?
Preparation! Make a schedule. Prepare your meals in advance. Set goals ahead of time. Set reminders. Lay out ground rules. I try and do my weekly prep on a Sunday or Monday for the entire week.

What’s your favourite healthy snack?
Right now it’s carrots, bananas, and celery with peanut butter. I also love having my raw carrot cake bites ready to go in the fridge. It’s also key to hydrate. I love water with lemon, or unsweetened iced tea. My new favourite is Pure Leaf Unsweetened Iced Tea, a brewed tea with no sugar, calories or artificial sweeteners. It’s the perfect complement to my healthy diet.

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What place in the world inspires you the most to create new recipes?
Italy. I have been lucky enough to travel to many amazing places, but Italy is still my favourite food city. Being celiac, you would think a place where pasta and pizza are a main food group would not be ideal for me; however, their focus on simple, high quality ingredients is inspiring. Believe it or not, they are one of the most gluten-free-friendly countries around. I am so excited to travel there again in September for our honeymoon!

What’s the biggest challenge you face when coming up with new recipes?
Definitely keeping things innovative. It seems there is an abundance of clean eating cooks out there sharing new recipes for black bean brownies or cauliflower pizza. I try to always stay true to myself and what I love to eat. If I am sharing a recipe with my readers, it’s because it is tried, tested, and of course delicious!

What 5 items should everyone always have in their kitchen?
Broccoli, nuts, dark chocolate, protein-packed pasta (quinoa or chickpea) and organic, free range eggs! And if I could sneak in a sixth, I would definitely include my unsweetened Pure Leaf tea!

If you could pick your last meal on earth, what would it be and why?
I get asked this a lot. Everyone assumes it would be something super healthy like a spirulina chia smoothie. It would be a plate of French fries with ketchup. I’d accept a fresh pizza from Borgo Antico in Florence as well. As mentioned earlier, everything in moderation. Balance = happiness!

Don’t forget: Spots to attend our exclusive workshop with Jen Udashkin on Saturday, June 11th are very limited. Apply below for a chance to join us.

* A confirmation email will be sent to confirmed participants by Friday June 10th, 2016.

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