Love our variations on meatballs! These protein rich delights are so quick + easy to make in a crunch and so freaking good. Make a simple meal like topping them with micro-greens and placing them on a plated smeared with pesto for flavor. We’ve included the nutrition label below as well. Don’t be so rigid tho. The fun in making meatballs is being able to sort of eyeball things.
Mental Health (MH) – Such a heavy topic. Where do we start? Well for starters, there’s no way we can or will attempt to touch on all aspects of this complex subject in this single writing. As a matter of fact, this is the first in a series of MH topics we will cover on this site because as men of color we have a ton of layers that need to be peeled back to get a full understanding of it all. This particular piece is just one black gay man with Southern roots’ partial perspective on it after having lived many adult years (half his life), at this point, away from the Southern roots from which he is derived and grew for a period of time.
What we wanted to touch on in this piece is more along the lines of creating a physical space that will aid in providing us with a center. A place that serves as a space for us to take-in or listen to what God, the Universe (or whatever you call your higher power and intuition). A space that’s conducive to opening our minds. A space to realize and record gratitude on a regular basis. You know – all the good shit in life!
Switching to first person, I say partial because as I sit here and ponder the depth of the topic, I know that I will inherently miss some key notes. To simplify the MH discussion and for the purpose of this writing, lets start by recognizing, as mentioned earlier, that this is a complex topic and will need to be dissected discussed in parts periodically as there are occurrences in our day to day lives that’ll spark these conversations.
It is my belief that this starts before we are born into this world with the energy that our birth mother exudes inherently during the nine month pregnancy period with a little bit of our father’s energy sprinkled in as well.
It continues to fester and grow after we’re born, including the environment in which we’re raised. Its influenced heavily by the mindset of the people we’re surrounded by the most (many are not of our own choosing) – including continual past and present parental and peer influences. After 18 or so years of being impressed upon by those that either – didn’t know what the hell they’re doing – our peers; and those that are excited about raising a little “mini-me” – oh joy, their second chance at their own unfulfilled hopes and dreams…or better yet, to even follow in their footsteps – our beloved imperfect parents.
Yes after getting thru those, in some cases, tumultuous years, we’re left to untangle all of this in an environment where those influences are still present but now includes the influences of the next phase of people that come into our lives. This, for most ppl, is the second largest (influential group) that will come into our lives, in life – and this group is pretty substantial – its that college group of friends and professors. This is the first time we start to take more ownership in our own influencer pool. Simply put, for these four years some of us make smart decisions and others of us make not so smart decisions, again, in some part based on our upbringing up to that point. This is where the influences of the people up to that point, really make a difference, because who we desire to be around is a direct reflection of what we received or were in need of receiving up to that period in life.
We’re then dealt the hand we’re dealt in some, if not all of those instances, due to those decisions. As we continue to matriculate through life, we continue to make these good and bad decisions as it relates to our co-workers and friends outside of work. And although curve balls do come, and broken people that appear to have it together (but oftentimes don’t), will indeed enter our lives (in the form of life lessons that we must check off the list in order to matriculate or advance to the next level in life). Let me stop here and say that financial success does not equate to success all around. There are people with “money” that are just as mentally broken as those with little or none.
One of my favorite quotes is, “We either learn the lesson and move on or miss the lesson and repeat it with the next person or situation.” That’s just the way of life! Hopefully, we’re able to identify these (broken) people fairly quickly and more importantly are able to refine our choices as we mature as to not repeat the lesson.
So much goes into why we choose who we choose that we will not get a chance to touch on it in this writing. It doesn’t serve the purposes of this writing. More to come at a later date.
Mine is a meditation and yoga space in one! – DTLA
That said, I’ve created and wanted to share my regimen and sacred space (located in downtown Los Angeles). Note: This is my regimen. It’s only to encourage your creativity for your own space. Make the space and regimen yours. Its important that it works for you.
On the topic of mental health, lets continue to tackle this topic in bits and pieces. Starting with creating YOUR space. Remember that these are all just ideas to start you off. Namaste.
Stay Flexible – mat by Liforme , blocks by Amazon marketplace, strap by cleveryoga
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Morning Meditation Regimen (sample):
Set up: Get comfortable upright position/ angled is fine. Starting out finding your center. Finding a space to gaze at is fine but not necessary as long as you can hold your attention until you close your eyes. Pillows and blankets might bring a level of comfort. Note: I recently went to a meditations space off of classpass and I just could not get comfortable because of my back issues. I needed to create my own more comfortable space like this one to really get in the zone. The beach chair is sturdy without being too comfy and it reclines, so its perfect!
Additions: Candles and table top fountains are great additions if you desire that extra layer. Special items such as crosses rosaries or other purposeful material items that bring an added level of comfort are also welcome in your space
Choose a vocal message. Having already created a curated playlist of your favorite gospel, Christian, inspirational, motivating, positive and/or uplifting tunes; Allow the playlist, on shuffle-mode, randomly choose a song to start your meditation session with. I look at this as the Universe giving me what i need at that given time.
Choose a written message Read from one of the below (remember, pick your own!):
The Daily Stoic (goes chronologically through the year)Daily Thoughts from the Hill, Dr. Barbara King (this content comes monthly hard-copy via mail or soft copy via email), Heart Talk, Cleo Wade (open this hard copy to random pages or go from beginning to end, day to day available on amazon.com). While many of these publications reference biblical sentiments, some find the Bible itself to be extremely helpful, optimistic and comforting.
Meditate: After the song plays, sit quietly for 15 mins with eyes closed (or as long as needed – this is your practice, make it just that and know that it can change daily as “the spirit” calls for it to). Take in and just listen to the Universe. Whenever the mind drifts off, just bring focus back to the body, to your breath.
Choose a longer form Spoken Message: from a list of podcasts (pick ones that inspire you. Some of mine are below and can be gotten free on with Spotify or the iHeart app):
Joel Osteen, TD Jakes, Bishop Bronner, Marianne Williamson, Joyce Meyers, Elevation from Steven Furtick
Re-Inforcement: Throughout the day get food from any number of uplifting handles (pick your own IG posts but the below are just a few of our faves):
Practice: Go about your day bearing fruit. God asks that we be fruitful in our ways.
Record: You’ll see in my video that I have a special beautiful leather note pad that was actually a gift (which made it even more special). Find something really special to jot down any thoughts including things that you’re grateful for (example jots below):
Morning gratitude: list (3-4) things you’re grateful for
End of day:list the people that you’re thankful for – its those people that made your life a little better today (this number can change from day to day)
Lessons: during the day try to jot down approx 3 obstacles and what you are leaning from them
Listen, this may seem like a lot but trust us when we say, hard work pays off especially in this area. this helps us to get to know us. It helps us to get to know our higher power and source. It helps us to realize our graces are due to the kindness of others. It helps us to see that we are indeed growing despite all obstacles. We grow most from being in uncomfortable spaces.
Always have a blank notebook to jot down on the spot ideas & thoughts
While this is an individual journey, my goal is to one day find a soul mate that I can be vulnerable enough to share this with. My idea of this person is so undefined that I love it!
I don’t wish to have any constraints on authentic connections. My only constraint is dishonesty in ANY form. If I encourage honesty, I can’t get mad at the existence of it. Dare to grow and be authentic with me. Life can’t be better than that ever! You get to be you! I get to be me. We get to enjoy the beauty of that in each other’s space. We get to be authentically naked. Can you handle that? Its deeper that anything physical.
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“Look Good…Feel Great…Enjoy Life” Until next time, be encouraged to leave feedback below.
About Author:
Jai Mays – site creator & author of this article
Jai Mays is an LA based cycling and Les Mills SPRINT coach/instructor. He’s the author of this post and the creator of this site. He’s also a distinguished Morehouse alum. Check out his biography here.
S M A S H • B U R G E R S are so bomb! Y’all know how we do it. We do a lot of things, but in moderation. Like the old adage, “its not what you do every once in a while, but what you do every day.” Naked means portion control is just as important as what it is. Focusing on quality and quantity of the food we eat means using top ingredients.
Bc dads make the best burgers, in honor of Fathers Day, we decided to do our take on burgers (diner-style or “smash”). One of my fond dad memories growing up in Atl was him taking me to @steaknshake. It was there I had my first ever burger of this kind.
We took a .lb of mishima reserve ground wagyu beef – divided it into eight 2oz balls. Wagyu is quality beef. Yup at 2oz, these are more along the lines of sliders. All good in that i find myself satisfied after two tiny burgers, loaded with any variety of toppings. Since they’re small in size, you can even dbl these, add bacon and cheese for bacon dbl cheese smash burgers. Once you have these in 2oz balls, feel free to portion, season and freeze unused ones for another indulging session.
One of the keys to a good smash burger is to not handle alot. That said, combine desired dry seasoning in separate bowl. Once combined, sprinkle on balls. Rotate/turn, continue to season, portion, cook and/or freeze. If freezing, do two per sandwich bag for quick access later.
For the ones you’re cooking, pre-heat a cast iron skillet, til hot. If greasing, use an oil with a high heat point, like avocado oil. Place the balls in the hot skillet and immediately smash it with a spatula and cover (to prevent splattering. Cooking time depends on the desired doneness (30-90 secs on each side). Remember these burgers are only 2oz each. We prefer medium rare, so 40 seconds each side is perfect. Top with cheese upon flipping.
Get creative with your toppings. We topped these with pre-cooked baked bacon (see last post), reduced fat cheddar and easy to make honey mustard slaw. (Bag of pre-shredded cabbage & carrots mixed with honey, mayo, mustard – try horseradish mustard for added flavor).
We used a soft Artisano bakery sausage roll. Cut in half & toasted with bacon grease.
This yummy spicy and light Mexican slaw starts with the finest organic cabbage and has a unique taste of cilantro and lime.
I’m a one person family so I tend to make small portions in my DTLA loft.
Here goes…
– 1/2 or a 1/4 each (green and red) cabbage
– 3/4 cup to 1 cup of cilantro
– 2 to 3 tbsps of mayo (to taste)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onion
– 1 squeezed lime
– 2 to 3 drops of hot sauce
– salt/pepper to taste
Wisk all liquid ingredients into a creamy sauce. Combine leafy ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Combine the two (I like using tongs for the last two steps).
I paired this slaw with fried tilapia.
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“Look Good…Feel Great…Enjoy Life”
Until next time, be encouraged to leave feedback below.
This is one of my favorite sauce recipes EVER! It’s amazing with beef, fish, chicken or meatballs of any type. The hardest part for me is chopping the parsley but that’s because I don’t like stems. It’s super simple to make.
Here goes…
1 bunch flat parsley
1 bunch cilantro
1/2 cup red onion (chopped)
1/2 cup EVOO (quality)
Red pepper flakes (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
3 tbsp oregano
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp of lemon juice
3 tbsp minced garlic
Blend all ingredients except EVOO. Then stir in EVOO til well mixed. Serve. Store in refrigerator but allow to get room temperature before serving. The below version pictured has less oil.
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“Look Good…Feel Great…Enjoy Life”
Until next time, be encouraged to leave feedback below.
I love shredded chicken for the ease, versatility and taste of it.
This recipe is easy:
Bring a boiler of water to a boil and reduce to medium. Placed thawd, uncooked chicken breast in water for 30 mins. Shred with a simple mixer (shown).
This simple recipe allows you to adapt the chicken in many different ways during the week to eliminate boredom. My favorites are: chicken soft tacos, pesto chicken, curry chicken and as a topping on something like a pizza. Eat with something like rice or soba noodles. Enjoy!!!
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“Look Good…Feel Great…Enjoy Life”
Until next time, be encouraged to leave feedback below.
I’m starting to get hooked on finding ways to consume this wonder root. Today I read up on and made turmeric root golden paste for me and my dogs (they LOVE it). First of all my dogs eat as good as I do. I don’t think I would feed them anything that isn’t also good for me to eat with the exception of good quality kibble. I’ll leave that to them. Its easy to make and has amazing benefits.
I sent the article I read to a grade school bestie of mine that has brain cancer for their consideration. A lot of times when people are in the acute stages of a disease they tend opt for the Western conventional “sure fire” means of treatment because they feel that its better at that point. I totally understand the logic and would probably go the same route in an acute circumstance or situation based on the way our minds is conditioned in a situation as this. I don’t know the particulars so I respect whatever decision is made on behalf of the person in it.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of organic turmeric powder
1 cup water or a bit more/less to make desired consistency
1 teaspoons ground black pepper or 1/2 tsp. if pepper is too strong)
1/4 cup cold pressed Olive or un-refined Coconut oil – enhances the bio-availability of curcumin another seven to eight-fold*
*Note: When eaten with fat (virgin olive or coconut oil or even meat drippings) like in India, curcumin can be directly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lymphatic system partially bypassing the liver.
Directions:
add turmeric to water in a pan. Slowly heat while stirring til you get a thick paste, approx 6 – 10 min. Adjust thickness by adding some water or a bit more turmeric.
add the pepper and oil. Be sure to add liquefied oil very slowly so that separation doesn’t occur. Continue stirring to ensure all ingredients are mixed. Cool.
store in clean jar with tight-fitting lid and refrigerate up to 2 wks, max. (Note: anti-microbial UN-refined, virgin coconut oil will help keep it from spoiling sooner).
Take a look at this in-depth article that includes the many uses of this wonderful golden paste. I’ve listed a few of my faves below:
alone, one (non-heaping) teaspoon – that’s it – done
turmeric honey
add to warm or cold milk
add to hot soups, smoothies, teas, rice and meat dishes
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“Look Good…Feel Great…Enjoy Life”
Until next time, be encouraged to leave feedback below.
A healthy twist on nachos: grilled chicken breasts, steamed broccoli, low fat cheese and my avocado dip/spread – this is absolutely amaze balls!!! I also had guiltless tortilla chips from trader joes.
Avocado Dip/Spread:
1 -2 Avocados
1 tsp red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper
1 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tbsp chopped cilantro or 1 drop of cilantro doterra EO ½ lime (use juice) or 1 drop of lime doterra EO
salt & blk pepper to taste
Combine and mix above ingredients in a food processor til desired creaminess. Serve room temperature with tortilla chips, veggies or even as a sandwich spread in place of mayo.
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“Look Good…Feel Great…Enjoy Life”
Until next time, be encouraged to leave feedback below.
Time for an afternoon snack! Black bean hummus! Simple, easy, nutritious – so enjoy!
Black Bean Hummus Ingredients:
1 can black beans (drained but save some juice)
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp chopped cilantro or 1 drop of cilantro doterra EO ½ lime (use juice) or 1 drop of lime doterra EO salt & pepper to taste
Combine and mix above ingredients in a food processor til desired creaminess. If not creamy add a little black bean juice and/or plain yogurt. Serve room temperature with tortilla chips, veggies or even as a sandwich spread in place of mayo.
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“Look Good…Feel Great…Enjoy Life”
Until next time, be encouraged to leave feedback below.
Happy Sunday afternoon – What a great day for such a beautiful drink. The color is so rich. I’m so happy to be taking control of my pain and the inflammation in my body by drinking this amazing elixir two days in a row now.
What a wonderful way to start the day pain free! Discover the many benefits of turmeric. I whipped up this tonic after reading of the many benefits of this amazing drink made with nothing but whole ingredients.
I read of the many benefits and was inspired to make this version of the tonic based on an article I read on tumeric for health. There are many other variations of it or feel free to make your own. Hopefully this will inspire you to reap the many benefits of this natural spice by ingesting it as a tea or tonic. I hesitate to call it a tea because teas are generally, green black and oolong and variations off of those.
HUEMANLIFE 