LILA VOLKAS N.C.
  • Home
  • Corporate Workshops
  • Classes
  • Nutrition
  • About
  • Blog
  • More
    • Food and Wellness Writing
    • Food Illustrations
    • Press

3 Ways to Reduce Food Waste at Home

3/27/2023

0 Comments

 

1. Your freezer is your BFF

Your freezer is one of the best waste reducing tools you have at home, learn how to use it!
  • Keep your compost in your freezer so it doesn’t smell.
  • Buy and cook in bulk, then freeze. My freezer is stocked full of broths, soups, cooked beans and leftovers.
  • Don’t let your produce go bad- put it in your freezer! Freeze ripe fruit for smoothies, cooked vegetables or veggie scraps (for soup or broth).
Illustration of pink refrigerator with words: 3 ways to reduce food waste and your freezer is your BFF

2. Do-it-yourself

Try making foods you would normally purchase from the store. Investing a bit more time cooking can save waste from food packaging. Products like nut milks, hummus, and granola can all be easily made yourself. Make it fun! Schedule a date night or friend hangout and choose one item you both regularly purchase from the grocery store and make it together.
Illustration of cut out letters d, i, y with words: 3 ways to reduce food waste and do-it-yourself

3. Vote with your $$$

Maybe you are too busy to take on a DIY food project, but you can use your $$$ to support companies that value sustainability while you shop for groceries. Consumers can increase the number of sustainable food companies in the industry, increasing market demand. Purchase products that use sustainable ingredients, support regenerative agriculture and offset their carbon footprint. This doesn’t just apply to food! Choose sustainable companies to purchase home goods, clothing and more.
Illustration of stack of money with words: 3 ways to reduce food waste and vote with your money
0 Comments

All about non-alcoholic beverages: Elixirs and Mocktails

2/22/2023

0 Comments

 

What’s the difference between a mocktail and an elixir?

An elixir is a functional beverage that is intended to support the physical and/ or energetic body. While a mocktail is a mixed drink that is meant to mimic the presentation and complexity of a cocktail minus the booze.
​
To make it a little complicated, some mocktails could also be considered elixirs if they contain functional herbs or super foods. 
Lemon mocktail with adaptogenic sugar rim in glass with plants in the background

What is a mocktail?

Mocktails, also known as “zero proof” beverages or non-alcoholic cocktails,  are mixed drinks meant to replicate the presentation and complexity of craft cocktails minus the booze. They could be as simple as a combination of fruit juices and carbonated water and range to include complex ingredients with distilled non-alcoholic spirits, decocted herbs, fermented vinegars and fruit syrups.

Can I buy mocktails in a store?

You bet. There is a rapidly growing collection of companies making non-alcoholic cocktails and ingredients. Most of these can be found online, specialty stores and some liquor stores. 
Some of my current favorite ready to drink non-alcoholic cocktails are: Ghia, De Soi, Curious Elixirs (Number 2).
There are also a growing number of non-alcoholic spirits, aperitifs, wines, beers and mixers. I will do another post about the variety and different uses of these since it’s a big topic. A great one stop shop for all things non-alcoholic beverages is Boisson

What is an elixir?

An elixir is a beverage that contains ingredients meant to support various bodily functions via herbs and superfoods. Many contain adaptogens which are plants and mushrooms that are commonly used to help the body respond to stress, anxiety and fatigue. Other elixirs may contain ingredients that are meant to support the energetic body and can have intentions such as, ‘opening your heart’ or ‘grounding your energy.’
chocolate elixir non-alcoholic beverage in ceramic mug with chopped chocolate in background on while cloth with silver leaf

Can I buy elixirs in a store

Yes! You’ll often find these online, at grocery stores, juice shops or cafes. 

A few of my current favorite ready to drink elixirs are: Rebbl, Recess, and GT’s Kombucha ‘Alive’ line. 
There are also a number of powders/mixers brands available to add to water, milk, coffee or tea to make a simple elixir. A few examples are: Four Sigmatic, Navitas and Rasa.
​
You can also purchase liquid herbal extracts known as tinctures to add functional and energetic benefits to whatever you are drinking. One of my favorite brands is Anima Mundi for their combinations.  

Can I make mocktails and elixirs myself?

Absolutely! It’s fun, easy and delicious to make mocktails and elixirs yourself. Host an in-person or virtual corporate workshop to learn to make these tasty and healthful beverages with your team. You can also attend one of my public classes or host a private class with a group of your friends. 

Class details:
-Mocktail workshop details
-Elixir workshop details
Woman pouring chocolate elixir into mug during virtual elixir workshop
0 Comments

Best Virtual Valentine’s Day Events for Work

1/23/2023

0 Comments

 
Make memories and sweet treats with your team for Valentine’s Day.​

Why should you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your team?

Valentine's Day is known for romantic dinners, expensive chocolate and bouquets of roses, but that’s not the right vibe for work. Since V-day is all about love, it’s a great chance to show your team some appreciation with a fun event and some sweet treats.

Instead of passing out store-bought candies, treat your team to an experience that facilitates connection and makes memories together.  

Best Valentine’s Day Events for Work:

Valentine’s Day Cocktail (or Mocktail) Happy Hour

Picture
Make a Hibiscus Margarita with an adaptogenic sugar rim and some delectable chocolate-rose truffles.
​

We’ll start our workshop by making our Hibiscus Margarita. You’ll discover how to make your cocktails taste delicious while also being “healthy-ish” with the help of your Holistic Nutritionist and mixologist host. While we sip on our cocktail or mocktail, we’ll whip up our chocolate-rose truffles.

Gingerbread Love Shack Decorating

Picture
Bring in the love and appreciate your team by decorating this sweet treat. Sip a warm and cozy herbal tea, get creative with candy, and make something beautiful that you can eat!

We’ll start our festivities by making a warming herbal tea.  While we sip on our tea we’ll decorate our Gingerbread Love Shack with colorful candies and treats. If some of the edible decorations end up in your belly rather than on the house, that’s part of the fun!
​

This is a fun and highly interactive event that will be enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Share the love and appreciate your colleagues with a fun virtual event. Cute and festive ingredients kits shipped to each participant. ​

Book your team event now!
0 Comments

Celebrating 7 years of teaching corporate team-building classes

1/17/2023

0 Comments

 
Today I got a reminder that 7 years ago I hosted my first corporate kombucha workshop at frog' s SF office. I had been teaching public kombucha classes since 2012, but this was my first time in the corporate world.

I carried jingling boxes of jars with kombucha brewing organisms sloshing around inside into the hip loft-style building. I served samples of my homemade kombucha and led attendees through the fermentation process. The group was warm and enthusiastic. I had no ideal that this would be the start of something big.
Woman teaching kombucha brewing corporate class with kombucha jars on a table in the background.
Today I am also celebrating 1 year of having my very own workspace. It’s my office, packing warehouse, test kitchen, creative laboratory and in-person event venue. Having a physical space to run my business is the only way I have been able to scale in the way I have been able to. I have created over 25 different food, beverage and nutrition workshops ranging from kombucha brewing to non-alcoholic happy hours to zero waste kitchen hacks. Just in 2022, I taught 115 corporate team-building workshops and sent 2,000 packages for my team-building classes. 
Workspace venue for corporate events and private events with shelves of boxes and long table with chairs
I love my job so much. It doesn’t mean it’s not hard or scary to run my own business, but it sure is worth it. A few of my favorite things are: connecting with people around food and nutrition, facilitating team-building around things I love, being creative everyday, sending people cute packages, learning constantly, and being really organized (I love organization!).
​

Thank you to all the teams who have booked workshops with me over the last 7 years. I couldn’t do this without you! Excited to see what 2023 has in store. I have lots of great things brewing.
Woman smiling on computer screen during corporate team-building activity
0 Comments

Dry January, but make it fun! How to celebrate sans booze with your corporate team.

1/4/2023

0 Comments

 

Who said being healthy can’t be fun and taste delicious? Kick off 2023 by making tasty recipes with your coworkers while learning practical nutrition tips to use all year round.

Celebrate the new year sans booze! Host a Kombucha Brewing Workshop where your team will learn how to make their own ‘booch that will delight their taste buds and their gut microbiome. 

Book an Elixir Happy Hour and make delicious (non-alcoholic) beverages packed with superfoods and herbs that naturally support your health and elevate your mood. ​
kombucha in jar from kombucha brewing workshop
chocolate elixir in ceramic mug with pieces of chocolate on a cutting boardfrom corporate team building workshop
How it works:
-Choose from the list of Classes with Kits that cater to your team’s interests.
-Each participant receives an ingredient kit with all food items. Free US shipping.
-Lila will host a 1-hour long live workshop.
-Make featured recipes during the workshop with your team.

 Great for:
-An inclusive alcohol-free event. Also friendly for vegan and gluten-free folks.
-Foodie teams who want to learn easy at-home fermentation.
-Health-enthusiast groups who want the inside scoop on superfoods and herbs.

Workshops available virtually or in-person in the Bay Area.

About your host:
Hello if we haven't met yet! My name is Lila and I am a Holistic Nutritionist based in Oakland, California. I have been teaching nutrition and food related workshops since 2012. I feel so grateful to be working my dream job bringing joy, connection and wellness to corporate companies all around the world.
Picture
0 Comments

Host a virtual holiday party with your team: everything you need to know!

11/2/2022

0 Comments

 
Host a fun and tasty team building workshop with your team for the holidays! Choose from a variety of unique options from healthy-ish cocktails to gingerbread house decorating.
​
Here’s the gist:
- Participants receive cute and colorful DIY kits that include all ingredients they need for the featured recipes.
-Hosting a virtual event with Lila is easy, fun and delicious!
-Unique and inclusive options for all to enjoy. Want a booze-free happy hour? Try an elixir happy hour! Dietary restrictions? Almost all classes include gluten-free and vegan recipes! 

Picture
Event planning made easy:
-Check out all of my offerings or just the holiday themed ones.
-Fill out my contact form with your event details.
-I'll help you choose an event that fits your budget, team size and interests.
-Reserve your preferred date and time (sooner is better, December time slots will fill up).
-Enjoy a fun and tasty stress-free virtual event with your team!

Picture
Pre-event:
-Upon booking, Lila provides you with a zoom link, address form and material list.
-You provide shipping addresses no later than 2 weeks before the event.
-Lila and her team ship out packages 8-10 days before the event.
-All participants receive a tracking email to track their package.
-Packages arrive with time to troubleshoot if there are any issues.

​
Event flow:*
-Lila or one of her culinary team members will be the host. They hop into the Zoom room early to make sure everything is good to go and to greet early birds. 
-The host welcomes participants as they enter into the Zoom room, reminds them of materials needed and has an ice breaker question in the chat.
-The host gives an intro and engaging background on the recipes
- Participants make the featured recipes! Along the way, your host will engage participants by asking people questions, encouraging attendees to show their culinary creations and prompting folks to share anecdotes or stories. The host will give nutrition and culinary tips as people are making the recipes.
-Quick group photo!
-After everyone makes the recipe there is time for a culinary show and tell. Attendees turn on their cameras if they wish and show what they made.
- Q + A time! Participants can ask questions related to any of the ingredients, recipes, nutrition/culinary topics or whatever is on their mind! 
-Host wrap up and time for socializing 

*Customization is always available! Also note that certain events have additional activities, such as trivia. 
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Strawberry Infused Vinegar & Summer Mocktails

7/29/2020

0 Comments

 

Strawberry Infused Vinegar & Summer Mocktails

If you know me, you’ll know that I am a big kombucha fan. I have been making, drinking and teaching kombucha brewing since 2012. While booch is one of my top beverages, some other sweet sips have joined the ranks. Infused vinegars give you the sweet and tart flavors of kombucha without the natural carbonation. It's BYOC - bring your own carbonation!

I see vinegar as the slightly more sour sibling to kombucha. While most folks might just experience vinegar as a salad dressing ingredient, it has so much more to offer.
​
This strawberry vinegar is one of my favorites during the Summer with the abundance of berries available at the farmers market. You can get some no waste kitchen points by including the green tops of the strawberries or just make your vinegar exclusively from the tops (as long as they have some of the red part).

Strawberry vinegar makes a great addition to mocktails and fizzy drinks. Plus, apple cider vinegar can boost your digestive power with its acidity.
Picture
Picture
Strawberry Vinegar 
(Makes 40 1tbsp servings)
Ingredients:
-1 1/2 cup organic strawberries, cut into quarters. You can even include the green tops!
-2.5 cups unpasteurized apple cider vinegar (with the "Mother"), or a little more if needed to cover strawberries 
​-Optional: replace ½ cup of the strawberries herbs like rosemary, basil or mint.

Supplies needed:
-1 quart jar 
-An additional quart jar or a 32 ounce glass bottle
-Mesh strainer 
-Parchment paper
-Scissors

Instructions
-Wash jar and lid thoroughly with hot water and soap.
-Wash and cut strawberries into quarters. Add them into your jar along with the optional herbs. -Cover strawberries with the apple cider vinegar, leaving 1/2 inch of space between the liquid and top of lid.
-Before placing the lid on the jar, cut a square piece of parchment paper to place on top of the jar before you screw the lid on. This prevents the lid from rusting due to the acidity of the vinegar. Label the jar with the date and the contents.
-Place jar in a cool (ideally dark) area that is out of direct sunlight and allow to infuse for 2-4 weeks. Agitate (aka shake) the jar every few days to prevent mold growth.
-After the vinegar is infused to your liking, strain out the strawberries and pour vinegar into another clean jar or bottle. Label and store in the refrigerator 

Note: If your strawberry vinegar starts to mold at any time, or show signs of fermentation such as bubbling, cloudiness or sliminess, discard the product.

Mocktails

Sparkling
Strawberry Lemonade

(Makes one 8 ounces serving)
Ingredients:
-1 tbsp strawberry vinegar 
-1 tsp lemon juice
-8 ounces carbonated water
-Optional ice cubes 

Directions:
Add ice, strawberry vinegar and lemon juice to a glass.  Pour the carbonated water slowly in the glass, pausing when it is half way full to allow the mixture to fizz and not pour over the edge of the glass. Then fill the glass the rest of the way with carbonated water.
Picture

Picture
Watermelon-Strawberry Spritzer
(Makes one 8 ounce serving)
Ingredients:
-½ cup blended watermelon
-½ cup carbonated water
-1 tbsp strawberry vinegar 
-Optional ice cubes 
Directions:
Add blended watermelon, carbonated water, strawberry vinegar and ice in a glass and enjoy.

0 Comments

Herby Cold Cucumber Gazpacho

5/29/2020

3 Comments

 

Herby Cold Cucumber Gazpacho

(Gluten-free, vegan, dairy free, nightshade-free, paleo, AIP, keto)

This soup is perfect for a hot summer day. I have been very into drinking my vegetables recently and have made this soup 3 times in the last week. This recipe (like most of my recipes) is very flexible so add more of what you like and leave out the cilantro if it tastes like soap to you!
Ingredients
  • 1 ¼  large english cucumbers or 6 small Persian cucumbers
  • 1/2 large or 1 small avocado
  • 1 bunch basil leaves
  • ½ bunch parsley
  • 1 bunch cilantro 
  • 1 cup arugula 
  • 2 tbsp lemon or lime juice
  • 1 tsp coconut vinegar or                   pickle/sauerkraut brine
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp of salt plus more to taste 
  • water as needed
herby gazpacho soup in bowl on white table
herby gazpacho soup in bowl
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to the blender except for the olive oil and water.
  2. Blend until smooth. Once the mixture is well combined add olive oil and blend for another 10 seconds If the soup is too thick, add a splash of water as needed (depending on your preferred texture)
  3. Place the cucumber gazpacho in the fridge for about 3 hours to chill.
  4. Serve chilled with a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle of hemps seeds and sprouts. Add a dollop of coconut or regular yogurt on top if that sounds good!
3 Comments

Super Easy Super Green Sauce Recipe

5/19/2020

0 Comments

 

Super Easy Super Green Sauce Recipe

green sauce in jar on white table with basil and cilantro in background
I love this green sauce so much I want to put it on everything!

During shelter in place I have been feeling a bit lazy about getting my leafy greens in. And some times I am just really not in a salad or sauté mood.

This green sauce is excellent "vegetable insurance" to make sure I get a dose of nutrient density with my meal. All it takes is a little bit of effort up front for a big payoff later.
Ingredients:
​1 bunch cilantro
½ bunch parsley
1 bunch basil
1 cup arugula
⅓ cup hemp seeds
¼ cup nutritional yeast
½ tsp salt + more to taste

​¼ tsp granulated garlic
​¼ cup olive oil
3 tsp vinegar
2 tsp lemon/lime


Bouquet of parsley, cilantro and basil with cat look up at it
leafy green vegetables in vitamix blender
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor until well combined. About 4 minutes.

Enjoy as a dip, spread, pesto or sauce!

Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
 Ways I like to enjoy the super easy super green sauce:
-Green sauce chicken salad by mixing chopped chicken in this sauce and having it on crackers or on top of a salad.
-Spread on a sandwich.
-Pesto on pizza.
-Dip for crackers or vegetables.
-Spread in a wrap.

This recipe is also very flexible! Sometimes I will add avocado for a more creamy texture. If you are not a cilantro fan, you can also swap it out for extra basil or arugula.
leafy greens in blender with cat looking up
tortilla with green sauce and chicken
Siete tortilla with the green sauce, chicken, radishes, and homemade sauerkraut
0 Comments

Gluten-free Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

5/3/2020

3 Comments

 

Gluten-free Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Super delicious, satisfying and healthy gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan cookies.

Recipe makes about 14 cookies
Dry Ingredients
  • 1  cup oat flour
  • 1/3 cup arrowroot flour**
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil*
  • 1/3 cup coconut sugar
  • Flax egg (4 teaspoons ground flax + 4 tablespoons water, whisked together, set for 15 mins)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-In Ingredients
  •  1/3 cup chocolate chips or carob chips (I like Missy J's)
Optional Topping
  • Sprinkle of vanilla sea salt or regular sea salt. (Oaktown Spice Shop's Vanilla Sea Salt is so good!)
Gluten free vegan carob chip cookies with a hand holding one
* Your coconut oil should be soft enough to scoop, but not rock solid. I recommend 10 seconds in the microwave. If it starts to get liquid-like then you will have to refrigerate until solid again. 
** You can also use 100% oat flour for this recipe.
Tip: You can freeze balls of cookie dough in the freezer and bake from frozen.
Gluten free vegan carob chip cookies on tray
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Make the flax egg in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  4. Add coconut oil, coconut sugar, flax egg and vanilla extract. Whisk until incorporated. 
  5. Using a hand mixer gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well-incorporated and a dough forms.
  6. Fold in chocolate or carob chips.
  7. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop and drop balls of cookie dough onto the baking sheet.  Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the top if you want!
  8. Bake 8-12 minutes.
  9. After removing from the oven, give the baking sheet a few light taps to flatten the cookies.
  10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before enjoying.
3 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017

    Categories

    All
    Breakfast Recipes
    Corporate Wellness
    Dessert Recipes
    Drink Recipes
    Herbal Medicine
    Kombucha
    Main Dishes
    Nutrition Information
    Recipes
    Sauce Recipe
    Side Dish Recipe
    Workplace Wellness

    RSS Feed

QUICK LINKS

  • Corporate Team Building
  • ​Public Classes
  • Nutrition Services​

Company

  • About
  • Press

Support

  • Contact
© COPYRIGHT 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED LILA VOLKAS NUTRITION LLC.
  • Home
  • Corporate Workshops
  • Classes
  • Nutrition
  • About
  • Blog
  • More
    • Food and Wellness Writing
    • Food Illustrations
    • Press