(New Video Post) What Do You Need to Succeed? #SelfLoveSaturday

Happy Self Love Saturday,

This post is going up late because I was speaking on a panel for The Toronto Black Film Festival on “How to Make A Web Series” It was a great panel with a packed room and it gave me a good boost. Literally last night I was feeling a little doubtful and confused and today I was reminded that I’ve done a lot of work and still have more to go. I’m grateful.

Anyway today’s video goes with my thoughts for today and I ask a simple question? What Do You Need To Succeed? Once you think about it, then ask yourself if any of this stuff currently in your life? The environment? The people? Whatever it is, whatever you need, start today.

(New Video Post) Who is In Your Circle of Influence #SelfLoveSaturday




“Love in your mind produces love in your life. This is the meaning of heaven.
Fear in your mind produces fear in your life. This is the meaning of hell.”

I’m re-reading “A Return to Love” By Marianne Williamson. It is such a beautiful and eye opening book and probably the best thing I’ve done for myself this month. I’ve hit the chapter on “Relationships” and Marianne simply puts it that all of the relationships in our lives are for the purpose of teaching. We are to teach the people in our life something and they are to teach us something and all of it is strategically put together by God. Reading this gave me a big “a-ha” because I’ve been analyzing my friends a lot in the last little while and why we’re in each other’s lives, but Marianne Williamson reminded me it’s about teaching. I often forget how important the teaching process is, and both positive and not so positive experiences can teach us something that will change our lives and perspective forever. This is a necessary part of growth. Check out my video below, inspired by “A Return To Love” and the below quote for a little more #selflovesaturday inspiration.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.




(New Video Post) Broken Camera – But The Show Must Go On! #SelfLoveSaturday

img_4465

Happy Self Love Saturday!

My camera is broken 🙁 It hurts me to type that. I gave it in to the repair shop yesterday and all the camera stores I went to gave me the same report that it would take 3-6 weeks because of the holidays…womp womp :(.

But as disappointed as I am the show must go on. That was the lesson for me this week, regardless whatever bumps, heart aches, unexpected repairs, and whatever other BS comes in your way, the show doesn’t stop! You have to keep going.

What is “the show”? The show is your goals, your dreams, your long term plans, your true self, your best self, it’s the thing that is most important to you — The path to this doesn’t stop because of stress, depression, defeat, financial strains etc. Stay focused on the course, deal with the problems as they come in the best way possible, in the way that serves you in the end. Learn the lesson, grow and prosper! All week that message has been slapping me in the face, asking me “what is important to you? Why? How will you do it?”  I have a cough/cold right now and I had an audition yesterday where I had to sing SING 4 songs. So I tied my boot straps tight, drank all the tea my pantry had to offer, hot tottied my way to bed every night and sweat through all the layers of clothes I had on to make sure something resembling “Andrea the singer” would show up to my audition.

My camera’s broken but that doesn’t stop me from posting and talking about my weekly Self Love Message because it’s not about my camera in the end, it’s not about a super polished image and a bunch of likes, it’s about my journey and talking about it with the community of people who have constantly encouraged and inspired me to keep going.

The show must go on.

Today my message to you, is no matter what you’re going through, stay focused on the long term goal,  take a deep breath, talk to a friend or family member if you can’t solve the issue on your own and aim for success. Your goals don’t stop, your growth don’t stop. YOU don’t stop! The show must go on.




(New Video Post) Gloing Up? What Now? #SelfLoveSaturday

strategic-plan-cycle

Happy Self Love Saturday!!!

So we’re in phase one of the “Glo Up” what do we do now? This is when we plan, strategize and then execute. We know we want better for ourselves and to change and now the only thing to focus on is how? How, why and what do we need to do? I love strategy, it gives me energy to come up with a new plan and I’m truly excited when I begin to execute it. The last 2 weeks have been spent, dreaming, analyzing and planning for my future and accepting my present state. I feel hopeful, grateful and a lot more energized.

Take this weekend to make a plan for yourself, check out my video below and let me know how your beginning is going!

#21DayDetox [Vlog] #SelfLoveSaturday

Happy Self love Saturday!

It’s official, we’re cleansing! I have a lot of toxins to get rid of from my body, mind and spirit and I’m starting with a 21 Day Detox! I did this detox earlier in the year and I prefer to call it a “reset” because that’s what it was for me, removing certain foods from my diet not only resulted in over all weight loss, but I had more energy, felt better about myself and my mind set was in a better place — THAT is where I want to be now.

I’m in a new phase of my self love journey and I think it’s important to start with a blank slate and for me that always begins with taking care of my body. To hold my self accountable I’m going to be doing 21 days of daily uploads following my meal plans and day to day changes along the way of this cleanse and I highly encourage you to join me. You can use the hashtag #21Day on social media and tag me Twitter @MissAndreaLewis or IG @AndreaLewis. Check out the guide below and let me know in the comments if you’re down for the change! screen-shot-2016-10-29-at-2-40-23-am

screen-shot-2016-10-29-at-2-40-34-am

screen-shot-2016-10-29-at-2-41-10-am

screen-shot-2016-10-29-at-2-41-41-am

(New Video Post) Fears, Reboots and Updates – #SelfloveSaturday

This is a quick post to give you guys an up date on how my 10 day cleanse went, for the most part it went really well, I lost a couple pounds, but my intent was not to lose weight but rather just clear my system and give myself a reboot for September/October because I’ve got a lot coming up in the next couple months with “Black Actress” and my music! Woop! Woop! Let’s also talk about fear? I’ve been getting in my head a bit and having a bit of fear for running a marathon but luckily I’m aware that the fear is trying to cripple me and I’m working on getting over it and trust and believe me I will be running a marathon in the next 2 months! So like I said, this is a quick update video, hope you’re all having a great #selflovesaturday! xo

(New post) 10 Day Juice Cleanse – How to Guide and Recipes!

juicing-weight-loss2

It’s Juicing Time!!!

It’s about that time of year again, my body feels like it needs an oil change and a moment to collect itself and get my energy and focus back in the right place! For everyone that wrote me on instagram, twitter or Facebook and wanted to be apart of this 10 day cleanse I’m giving you a virtual high five, now let’s get started. If this is your first time doing a cleanse the steps below will help to guide you and walk you through this process and welcome to the juicing club! I’ve written out a basic guide line for the way your next 10 days should play out in terms of “meals” and a bunch of different juice and smoothie recipes, some I’ve tried and some came from other people but all of them are good and will give you the nutrients you need over the next 10 days.

First things first make sure your equipment is up to par, whether you’re using a juicer, blender or both, make sure that everything is clean and working. Next check your fridge, see what you have and what you’ll need to stock up on at the grocery store. I suggest over the weekend getting all of your veggies, fruits, seeds, coconut water etc so that on Monday you can start without a hitch! Also ease yourself into the cleanse, over the next few days add more fruits and veggies to your diet, eat more fish. Stay away from dairy, red meats and sugars, make your transition as easy as possible.

Even though this is a juice cleanse, which means you’ll only be drinking for the next 10 days don’t be afraid to listen to your body and don’t go over board, if at any time you feel you need food then please have a salad, nuts, or fruits and keep going! Take notes, mark your progress and how you feel during the next few days. I can tell you this from my own experience day 3 or 4 might be tough and you may hate this whole thing but once you get past those days its smooth sailing! And please don’t forget WATER!! Over the next 10 days drink as much water as possible, I’m talking by the gallons, you’ll need it and it’s good for you! Like I mentioned before I’ve listed a bunch of recipes but you know your own taste buds, mix it up, experiment and make sure to have a variety of fruits and vegetables! Best of luck and please tag me in any pics or posts just cause…I like it! 🙂 #juicenation

Oh and if you need convincing or inspiration please check out the films “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead” and “Hunger for Change” these films will keep you motivated! As well keep in mind that when you’re finished the cleanse you’ll need to ease yourself back into eating solid foods, don’t go crazy on junk lol, go for fruits, veggies, nuts and healthy choices so that your body can adjust.

Juicing Daily Guide 

Wake up: Drink 2 glasses of hot water with lemon or ginger 

Breakfast: smoothie

Mid Morning: Drink 16 oz unflavored coconut water

Lunch: Green Smoothie or Juice 

Afternoon Snack: Juice

Dinner: Juice

Dessert: Smoothie 

Bedtime: Drink herbal tea 

*Drink as much water as possible throughout the whole day!!  

 

Smoothie Recipes 

 *note for smoothies use your blender*

 

Berry Beet Smoothie 

Ingredients:

1 cup of coconut water

1/2 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup cherries (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)

1 Tbsp. goji berries

1/2 – 1 small beet

1/2 small carrot

Ice (optional)

 

Sweet Green Smoothie 

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups coconut milk (or almond milk)

1 cup water

3/4 cup diced mango

3/4 cup diced pineapple

1/4 avocado

1 handful arugula

 

Strawberry Coconut 

Ingredients:

1 fresh coconut (can be found in the fresh produce section)

1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries and raspberries

½ cup of ice (optional)

2 teaspoons of pure honey

2 Tbsp. of coconut yogurt (optional)

 

Peaches and Cream 

1 peach

1 banana

1 Tbsp. chia seeds

8 oz unsweetened coconut milk

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon honey (optional)

Ice

 

Raspberry Recovery 

Ingredients:

1 medium banana

1 serving plant-based protein (optional)

1 cup coconut water

1/2 cup raspberries, with a few for garnish

1 large handful spinach

 

Mango Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup almond milk or coconut milk

1/2 frozen banana

1/2 fresh mango

1 Tbsp. flaxseed oil (or ground flaxseeds)

Small handful of goji berries

Large handful of spinach

 

Clean Green Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 green apples

1 cucumber

2 celery sticks

1 lemon

Handful parsley

1 cup coconut water

 

Tropical Green Smoothie

Sliced Pineapple

1/2 frozen mango

Large handful of kale or spinach

1 cup coconut milk

1 tbsp flax seeds

 

Juices 

*use your juicer or blender but if using a blender chop everything up before hand*

 

The basics

4 green apples

2 beets

4 carrots

1 knob of ginger

 

Beet Them Away 

3 carrots

1 cucumber

1 beet

1 knob of ginger

 

Cucumber Madness 

4 carrots

1 cucumber

1 knob of ginger

 

Put a Spring in Your Step 

4 carrots

4 sticks celery

1 of knob ginger

 

Soul Food 

4 carrots

1 red bell pepper

1 head of broccoli

1 sweet potato

4 green apples

 

Peachy-keen Nectar-een 

3 peaches

3 nectarines

1 knob of ginger

 

So Long, Fare well!

2 grapefruits

3 oranges

1 lemon

1 knob of ginger

 

Red Riding Hood 

2 Red Delicious apples

2 pears

2 kiwis

3 plums

2 cups of raspberries

 

Raspberries Are Rude 

1 pineapple

3 cups of raspberries

1 knob of ginger

 

Limelight 

3 pears

½ pineapple

½ lime

 

Sweet Potato Dream 

1 sweet potato (peeled)

5-6 carrots

½ pineapple

1 knob of ginger

 

“Hulky” 

1 head of celery

1 bunch of kale (or any other leafy green)

1 cucumber

4 apples

1 lemon (peeled)

1 knob of ginger

 

Simple Simon 

1 bunch of kale

4 apples

1 lemon

 

The Hawaiian Jungle

1 pineapple

1 medium beet (greens, stems and all!)

1 bunch of spinach

 

 The Ultimate Sweet Green 

pineapple

1 bunch of kale

1 cucumber

 

Sweet Sunshine 

pineapple

2 apples

4 carrots

4 stalks of celery

 

Southern Comfort 

4 carrots

2 orange

1 grapefruit

1 bunch of mint leaves

 

Lunch Lady 

1 head of broccoli

4 stalks of celery

3 pears

1 knob of ginger

 

Have a Riot 

2 beets

2 oranges

4 carrots

 

Beet Merry 

1 pineapple

1 beet

 

Sunset Beach 

2 peaches

3 apples

5 carrots

 

Citrus in the City 

2 oranges

2 grapefruits

4 carrots

1 knob of ginger

 

Bloody Beet

2 beets

5 apples

1 lime

1 knob of ginger

 

Mean Green Juice

1 cucumber

4 celery stalk

2 apples

6-8 leaves of kale

1/2 lemon

1 knob of ginger

 

Danielle’s choice 

Kale

Spinach

Mango

And a small slice of lemon

 

 

(new video) Juicing 101 – How to juice for beginners #alewytaughtme

If you follow me on any social media then you’ll know that I love juicing, smoothies and pretty much all healthy food! I started on my healthy trek about a year and a half ago and I haven’t looked back. I’ve had a lot of requests to post and talk about recipes for smoothies and juices but to be honest I don’t have any exact recipes, I just go with what I like and what’s in my fridge lol. The key for me is using a variety of fruits and vegetables and experimenting so that your body gets something new all the time! Check out my video and my juice and smoothie ingredients below. If you’re a juicer let me know what your favorite recipes are.

Juice

4 apples

3 Carrots

2 beets

1 chunk of ginger

throw it in the juicer and go!

Smoothie

Coconut Milk

Mango

Blueberries

Kale

Flax Seeds

30 Days of Juicing makes you a better person

577203_419517994807435_266488893_n

I’m a juicer! If you follow me on instagram or twitter than you’ll know that about 60% of the time I’m posting about healthy eating and all the juices and smoothies I make on a regular basis. Juicing is something I believe in and will gladly preach about to anyone willing to listen.

My journey with juicing started about a year ago when I watched a documentary called, “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead” by Australian business man Joe Cross. This is hands down the most inspirational documentary I’ve ever watched in my life, it completely changed my life and my perspective on food. At the time I was already becoming more and more interested in changing my diet and my body. The last few years my weight and diet have been a huge struggle, I love bread, sugar and cheese and these are all things that are really not good for me and no matter how I tried I wasn’t able to remove any of these things from my diet. Watching “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead” made me realize how much will power plays into making a big change and how often most of us automatically think we can do it, or I could never, or I love food too much blah blah. The basic synopsis of “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead” is successful business man Joe Cross is sick and overweight, he’s tried everything to cure himself and nothing has worked. He decides to go on a 60 day juice fast (he’s ONLY drinking juice for 60 days) across America and talk to Americans about what he’s doing and what they’re eating. Every single person he came across said they didn’t have the “will power” to do what he was doing. Watching it was sad and a big kick in the stomach because I realized that this whole time I was no different from the strangers he interacted with. The fast changed his weight, his health and his overall life. The next day my boyfriend and I bought a Breville Juicer, went to the farmers market and bought $300 worth of vegetables and fruits started juicing. You may not believe me but we saw a change right away, we had more energy, felt better inside and out and our skin started to look better and this was just with the simple addition of one juice a day to go with our regular diet. During the summer I did a my first15 day juice fast, it was difficult, at times I hated it but by the end of it I loved it! I lost weight, I looked younger and I overall felt better.

On February 4th I stepped my game up and did a 30 day juice fast. The rules were 5 days of eating and juicing fruits and vegetables and then 10 days of just juicing, and I kept doing that until the month ended. This time I didn’t have the same “hate feeling” I had when I did the 15 day one, as a matter of fact it was the complete opposite, the entire time I felt amazing! There’s something about challenging yourself and seeing yourself succeed that builds your confidence and throws those old thoughts of “not having the will power” to the wind! I lost about 12 pounds, challenged myself with new workouts every week and started to actually believe in myself and love the change that I was seeing not only in my physique but in my mentality. Mentality is everything! If you think you can then you can, if you want it then go and get it. 30 days of juicing changed my health, my hair, my skin, my body, my mentality and overall made me a better person.

 

How to make a juice: Green Monsta! 

Kale

Spinach

Swiss Chard

(a big handful of both use the whole thing, stems and all)

2 Cucumbers

2 Broccoli Stems

4 Green Apples

Chunk of Ginger root

Put this all into your juicer one group at a time, press it slow and enjoy!