Upon entering, guests were greeted with an organic traditional herbal body soak with herbs grown on a family farm in Taiwan. This blend of herbs was specifically formulated to alleviate common pregnancy and postpartum symptoms.
The herbal blend included:
After the hand soak, guests were served a variety of DeSoi non-alcoholic aperitifs. While guests mingled around the room and conversed at the table, our chefs Jennifer and her husband were hard at work preparing each course of the Traditional Chinese Medicine inspired lunch.
Starter- Silken Tofu with Miso Ginger Tamari Dressing
Tofu - In TCM, tofu clears heat + eliminates toxins. It is an ideal plant-based protein source as it contains high amounts of protein and all the essential amino acids, which are the building blocks for tissue repair and protein synthesis.
Ginger - Ginger is the ideal multipurpose ingredient which can combat nausea and improve digestion. It has warming properties to dispel cold. It contains high amounts of Vitamin C to boost immunity.
Entree- Mung Bean Shan Yao Curry with Carrot Cabbage Slaw and Herbed Millet and Quinoa
Millet - A gluten-free grain full of protein makes it the ideal plant-based grain. Rich in Folate, Magnesium + Iron - foundational in all stages.
Mung Bean - In TCM, mung beans clear heat as a cooling ingredient. A powerhouse of nutrition with folate, fiber, protein, essential amino acids.
Shan Yao - Used in TCM as a multipurpose ingredient to help in every stage. Known to tonify the qi / energy. In fertility, this is used to aid sperm health & estrogen balance. In the prenatal phases, Shan Yao aids in digestion and balancing glucose levels. In postpartum, it helps to strengthen & restore the stomach.
Cilantro - Cilantro is a warming ingredient that helps circulate qi, the body's energy source. A natural antioxidant, it contains Vitamin K which supports bone health and Vitamin A for immune support.
Broths- Black Woodear and Shiitake Mushroom Broth, Orange Peel, Ginger and Honey Broth
Shiitake, Woodear, and Enoki Mushroom - All wild mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D, helping with mood balancing. Shiitake mushrooms are known to tonify the qi and blood while Woodear provides plant-based collagen, iron & B-complex.
Desserts- Moringa Goji Berry Cashew Bite and Coconut Bibingka with Seasonal Fruit
Moringa - A natural antioxidant and superfood, Moringa contains exceptional amounts of Potassium for nerve and cell function as well as calcium, protein, iron & Vitamin C.
Goji Berry - In TCM, goji berry is a powerful antioxidant, supporting liver + kidney function. It contains ample amounts of Iron, Vitamin C + A for immune support and natural sugars add a rich sweetness to any dish.
Coconut - The ideal non dairy fat, it is made of MCTs, medium chain triglycerides, providing healthy fats for increased energy.
Womb Meditation
After our tasty and nutritious lunch, Liv introduced us to the art of breathwork, explained its history, and benefits, and led us in a warm womb meditation breathwork session.
Strolling Soirée
One of our favorite parts of this event was getting to introduce everyone to our amazing partners Yina Co., Tend Prenatal, Poppyseed Health, wthn, and the Neijing Medicine Clinic. Each brand had their own space to explain their mission, practice, products, and values. Guests were invited to visit each station, pack a Nouri goodie bag, and take home a treat from each one- A TCM inspired face mask from Yina Co., prenatal vitamin bars from Tend, postcards and affirmations from Poppyseed health, and an ear-seeding kit from wthn. Guests were also able to experience a personalized acupuncture session with Dr. Grace Loh from the Neijing Medicine Clinic.
We had such a wonderful time hosting everyone at our event and seeing our community members together in person. There are exciting things to come that we can't wait to share.
]]>Preparation started the week before - assembling the menu (with Jennifer's recommendations). buying ingredients and assembling the decorations. The day before was a tad stressful, trying to cook for 20+ guests from a home kitchen. Our usual Nouri production is no joke! Each grain, sauce & spread is freshly made from whole ingredients.
Appetizer: Seeded Bread & Mint Pea Spread
Our guests couldn't believe this was gluten-free, and incredibly tasty. Mint was used from Irene's mom's garden and sesame seeds finished off the spread!
Appetizer: Miso Black Rice Corn Salad w/ Turmeric Lemon Dressing
Irene had to do some improvisation here - who knew it was so hard to find green lentils?! She did have to go to 3 different grocery stores to find all the specialty ingredients needed. She substituted the lentils with black rice. The turmeric lemon dressing has lived on as a new favorite in the household.
Entrée: Miso Mustard Summer Soba + Poached Salmon
This was such a hit, Irene didn't even get to eat any. This would be a staple in Irene's rotation if it wasn't so much work to make - the summer soba had a crunchy and phytonutrient rich mix of carrots, red cabbage, edamame.
Dessert: Coconut Bibingka with Goji Berry Maple Syrup
Irene's family is quite picky about their desserts, and everyone wanted to take these home. The perfect amount of sweetness, from simple coconut sugar & vanilla syrup. The goji berries soaked in the maple syrup were *chef's kiss*.
After this light, but filling lunch, we moved onto games. Irene's mom won - I guess mom always knows best.
Have you played find the babies? They were hidden every which way - in flower pots, behind balloons, in the flowers.
Drinks were provided by De Soi - a line of sparkling, ready-to-drink non-alcoholic aperitifs made from premium, nourishing plant tonics. Have to admit Irene & her family dug into this stash all week before the baby shower.
Well wishes from the guests to display in baby's room. A reminder for those tough 3am nights ahead.
Bye, for now! Let us know if you'd like a guide to a DIY baby shower.
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We partnered with Veracity, a personalized hormone-based skincare company, for a hormone balancing dinner in NYC. We developed a colorful and delicious four course spread to optimize hormones for expectant mothers and postpartum attendees including @rana and @jordannasharp. Even if you’re not a mama, the nourishing ingredients can still benefit your hormones!
For your next gathering, nourish your guests with a bright, delicious, and hormone balancing feast that’s sure to impress and spark wellness from the inside out.
Course 1 – Flax Chia Seed Crackers with Beet Hummus
Beets – they contain ample amounts of vitamin C, which can help regulate hormone levels. They are rich in fiber and reduce the build up of excess hormones, while supporting your liver’s natural detoxification and reduce inflammation. These root veggies can also increase your libido by boosting the production of sex hormones like Progesterone, Estrogen, and a small amount of Testosterone.
Flaxseeds – these contain small amounts of healthy fats, fiber, protein, iron, folate - all nutritional powerhouses to support hormonal health. They also contain plant based forms of Omega 3 Fatty Acids known as ALA which is essential for hormone health and moisturized, glowing skin.
Course 2 – Quinoa Arugula Salad
Quinoa – this is a gluten free grain that also contains protein, which helps to stabilize blood sugar and support collagen production in the skin. Quinoa contains two plant compounds, quercetin and kaempferol, which are full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties soothing irritated, breakout prone skin and boosting skin health.
Burdock Root – packed full of antioxidants, this root veggie reduces inflammation and stimulates the lymphatic system to help detoxify the body and move out excess hormones.
Course 3 – Seared Salmon with Coconut Yogurt + Basil Oil
Salmon – this fatty fish contains selenium which is a vital nutrient for DNA synthesis, reproductive health and supports thyroid hormonal health. It is an amazing source of DHA/EPA Omega 3-fatty acids and Vitamin B12 which supports red blood cell production and regulation of the central nervous system.
Coconut Yogurt – full of healthy fats and a perfect dairy free alternative full of probiotics, this plant based yogurt contains a majority of the same nutrients as dairy yogurt including calcium, potassium, zinc and B-vitamins.
Course 4 – Coconut Lime Cheesecake
Cashew – loaded with healthy fats, protein, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin K, cashews are a powerhouse that boost hormone health and add creaminess to any vegan dish.
Sesame Seeds – a core Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) ingredient, sesame seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and minerals which help remove excess hormones and promote gut and hormone health. They also help reduce inflammation.
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