wellness, nutrition natalini wellness, nutrition natalini

Jackfruit

Photo by: Vinod Kumar @vinodjhieo

Photo by: Vinod Kumar @vinodjhieo

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit native to South India and a cousin to fig and mulberry. Jackfruit has low glycemic index, contains antioxidants, fiber and protein.

Jackfruit can be challenging to cut as it is very fibrous. It may be best to sample prepackaged jackfruit that comes in a variety of flavors including barbecue and teriyaki. Jackfruit is a great meat replacement as the texture is that of pulled pork. Canned Jackfruit is also available at most grocery stores while some restaurants offer Jackfruit dishes. These processed versions should be used to experience the taste and texture before hacksawing your way through a fresh Jackfruit. The flavor has been compared to a subtle combination of apple, mango, pineapple and banana.

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design, beaches, travel natalini design, beaches, travel natalini

Glass Beach

Photo by: Joshua Sortino @sortino

Photo by: Joshua Sortino @sortino

What started as a dumping ground has become home to tumbled treasures. Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California is home to colorful, former glass bottles mixed in with pebbles and stones. If a visit to this spectacular beach is on the bucket list, please refrain from collecting the sea glass gems as it is discouraged. Over the years, travelers have depleted the once abundantly covered beach for souvenirs. Other glass beaches to visit are Benicia, California and Eleele, Hawaii.

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design, beaches, vacation natalini design, beaches, vacation natalini

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

Black Beaches

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Black beaches are colored by volcanic minerals and fragments from lava. Elements that give a black beach is stark contrast are; basalt, andesite and volcanic glass.

This weekend, look up the closest black beach to where you live and its history.

Here are 11 Black Beaches:

  1. BLACK SANDS BEACH, CALIFORNIA

  2. KAIMU, HAWAII

  3. PUNALU'U BEACH, HAWAII

  4. KEAWAIKI BAY, HAWAII

  5. KAREKARE BEACH, NEW ZEALAND

  6. BALI, INDONESIA

  7. TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA

  8. PERISSA BEACH, GREECE

  9. STOKKSNES, ICELAND

  10. DIAMOND BEACH, ICELAND

  11. REYNISFJARA, ICELAND

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wellness, beach, yoga natalini wellness, beach, yoga natalini

Beach Yoga

Photo by: Steve Halama @steve3p_0

Photo by: Steve Halama @steve3p_0

The ocean can provide emotional healing powers if you’re open to letting go of everything that holds you back in life. Physical movement is important to allow blood to flow throughout the body evenly. Movements such as dance and yoga push energy through your body with fluidity. If there is pent up negative energy or suppressed emotions, try Hatha or Vinyasa style yoga on the beach or near a body of water. Mentally unload your troubles into the water during the yoga session while holding an intention of what you need in order to replace those negative emotions. Namaste beach yogi!

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design, beach, vacation natalini design, beach, vacation natalini

Cenote

Photo by: Jared Rice @jareddrice

Photo by: Jared Rice @jareddrice

A cenote is “a deep sinkhole in limestone with a pool at the bottom that is found especially in Yucatán.

A cenote is the result of collapsed limestone which exposes water beneath.

There are four classifications of cenotes; ancient, cavern, semi-open and open. The more open the cenote indicates how long ago it was formed.

Take caution when visiting a cenote as some are prone to caving into the water below and could possibly be fatal for explorers.

  • Side note: The ancient Maya used cenotes as a water source and sacrificial offerings.

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