BE WELL

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BITS + BITES OF INSPIRATION AND IDEAS FOR A HEALTHY, FIT LIFE

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Featured

When Sadness Hits You

Apr 9, 2018

Be Well

When Sadness Hits You

Apr 9, 2018

Be Well

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Apr 9, 2018

Be Well

Apr 2, 2018

Be Well

April: Live With Intention

Apr 2, 2018

Be Well

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Apr 2, 2018

Be Well

Mar 30, 2018

Be Well

Brain Dump 101

Mar 30, 2018

Be Well

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Mar 30, 2018

Be Well

Insta-Break: I'm Taking a Sabbatical... from Instagram

Mar 15, 2018

Be Well

Insta-Break: I'm Taking a Sabbatical... from Instagram

Mar 15, 2018

Be Well

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Mar 15, 2018

Be Well

If Not Today When

Mar 12, 2018

Be Well

If Not Today When

Mar 12, 2018

Be Well

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Mar 12, 2018

Be Well

Press For Progress: International Women's Day

Mar 8, 2018

Be Well

Press For Progress: International Women's Day

Mar 8, 2018

Be Well

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Mar 8, 2018

Be Well

My Effortless Trick To Live The Life You Deserve

Mar 6, 2018

Be Well

My Effortless Trick To Live The Life You Deserve

Mar 6, 2018

Be Well

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Mar 6, 2018

Be Well

Another Year Around the Sun

Feb 25, 2018

Be Well

Another Year Around the Sun

Feb 25, 2018

Be Well

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Feb 25, 2018

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What Yoga Means To Me and Why I Practice Yoga

Feb 21, 2018

Be Well, Yoga

What Yoga Means To Me and Why I Practice Yoga

Feb 21, 2018

Be Well, Yoga

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Feb 21, 2018

Be Well, Yoga

Consciously Uncoupling & Self-Esteem

Jan 31, 2018

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Consciously Uncoupling & Self-Esteem

Jan 31, 2018

Be Well

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Jan 31, 2018

Be Well

EAT WELL

eat more chia pudding tea bar matcha

BITS + BITES OF REAL FOOD RECIPES

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Featured

Poke Bowls

Rose Snickerdoodle Dessert Hummus

Rose Snickerdoodle Dessert Hummus

Salmon with Cilantro Cauli-Rice & Avocado Salsa

Salmon with Cilantro Cauli-Rice & Avocado Salsa

Savoring Matcha Moments: Matcha Latte Recipe

Savoring Matcha Moments: Matcha Latte Recipe

Raw Neapolitan Cheesecake

Raw Neapolitan Cheesecake

Lavender Hibiscus Oak Old Fashion Oats

Lavender Hibiscus Oak Old Fashion Oats

Turmeric Chicken with Zoodles

Turmeric Chicken with Zoodles

Salmon and Apple-Fennel Salad with Pine Nuts

Salmon and Apple-Fennel Salad with Pine Nuts

Pan Seared Salmon Mango Salad

Pan Seared Salmon Mango Salad

Italian Herbed Cashews

Italian Herbed Cashews

More Life Smoothie Bowl Garden

More Life Smoothie Bowl Garden

Sea Veggies Gratitude Bowl (Whole30, Gluten-Free, Paleo)

Sea Veggies Gratitude Bowl (Whole30, Gluten-Free, Paleo)

Cinnamon Pecan Smoothie

Cinnamon Pecan Smoothie

Lucuma Matcha Latte

LIVE WELL

BITS + BITES OF TRAVEL TO SPARK YOUR WANDERLUST

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Featured

Insiders Guide to Los Angeles

Insiders Guide to Los Angeles

Insiders Guide to Madrid

Insiders Guide to Madrid

Tasting the Sea at Urban Hotel's Glass Mar

Tasting the Sea at Urban Hotel's Glass Mar

Suite Life: Hotel Urban Madrid

Suite Life: Hotel Urban Madrid

Off The Beaten (Tourist) Path

Off The Beaten (Tourist) Path

Insider's Guide to Reykjavik

Insider's Guide to Reykjavik

Insiders Guide To Lisboa

Insiders Guide To Lisboa

The Art of Traveling Ultra Light

The Art of Traveling Ultra Light

Local Bloggers and Influencers Are The Secret for Insider Scoop

Local Bloggers and Influencers Are The Secret for Insider Scoop

Jetting Off For A Vaycay? Here Are 10 Ways To #StayFit When You're #Traveling

Jetting Off For A Vaycay? Here Are 10 Ways To #StayFit When You're #Traveling

Let's Regale

LET'S REGALE is a space filled with bits + bites of food, life + travel that are part of a personal perspective on a modern day Millennial woman navigating through a healthy, balanced, active lifestyle that are part of the everyday life of Valerie Fidan. Plant-based gluten-free recipes of real good, travel guides and inspirations and wellness advice. PCOS blog.

valerie_fidan_social media influencer_content_creator_letsregale.com_portland_blogger

Hi, I'm Valerie! I'm a content creator and visual storyteller based in Portland, OR. I'm also a wellness writer for SWEAT. LET'S REGALE is a space filled with bits + bites of real food, life and travel that are part of my everyday life. It's a breeding ground for ideas and excitement for a balanced and inspired lifestyle.

BITS + BITES OF FOOD, LIFE + TRAVEL ≫ FOLLOW @VALERIEFIDAN

Are you living a life you wouldn't mind reliving? I came across this very question while sitting in a cafe in Madrid. It was a literal question written right there right in front of my very eyes. It made me think... 🤔 In short, yes. Even though the hardships and curveballs, life throws my way, these adversities add so much more to life and the unparalleled lessons learned. I am grateful for the many opportunities that have come my way. When it is all said and done, the pages in my book will be filled with all the moments and memories made around the world, the people in my life that brought meaning, and how I felt so alive, without an ounce of regret. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This trip was a reminder of just that. It was in a way life-changing in the sense of facing various emotions and remembering my old self and welcoming new beginnings; and made me look a little deeper at my life, what I want for myself, the relationships in it, the people I want to share it with, professionally, and living a bit more intently. Spending time with my cousin @hugovlopez, traveling around Europe was incredibly fun! And, in Madrid getting to see my friends, especially @brettpoblet, @valle.rc, and @diegocabrerabar, made me realize that even across the globe, I am not alone and without a network of people that care for me like here at home in Portland and SF. My #workcation might be over, but I'm excited to dive right back into work, get back to a normal routine, and thrilled about a few different projects I have in the works especially the one with @square.fitness.studio ... more on this later! So... now I'm wondering... are you living a life you wouldn't mind reliving? Share below! Happy Thursday, Friends!

#letsgoeverywhere #wearetravelgirls #sidewalkerdaily

Haute #realfood at @magasand. Chicken salad, a bowl of avocado and other yummies, and a strawberry-cucumber juice This is my kind of place 👌🏻 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

#Malasaña... I come here when I want to be inspired; It’s Madrid’s #hipster neighborhood that's covered in street art, coffee shops, cafes, antique shops, great restaurants, plenty of #realcood and #cleaneats places, record shops, and bars. It's a bit Portland and SF's Mission District. Every time I come to Madrid, I discover so many more new things, like Museo ABC, a free-to-enter graphic art and illustration museum, plus cafe in striking, design-led edifice. There is also Sala Equis. Imagine a place that combines rogue cinema, gastronomy, cocktails, concerts and cultural events of the most varied. Well, this is Sala Equis. After this trip, I'm going to have to update my Insiders Guide to Madrid! Happy Tuesday, friends!
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“M” is for #Monday and made for #matchamoments 👌🏻 @hansocafe #mondaymood #mondayvibes #matcha
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OH Snap! 📷 My process for taking photos has to be pretty standard. I shoot around a zillion snaps, testing different compositions, and then pick out the best. There is always one less blurry or more vibrant than the rest!
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I often get asked what kind of camera I use, what apps are my go-to's, and if I plan my posts ahead. So, today I'm going to share with you some of my recommendations and tips.
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I use a a variety of different cameras: Canon 80D, Fujifilm X-E1 and Olympus PEN E-PL7...and most recent, my Sony Alpha a6500 where I can interchange lenses - my current fav is the 12–50mm (for depth and blur) and the pancake lens (for ever day, pocket use). I use the Olympus as my everyday use camera because it's similar to a point-n-shoot but has all the functions of a DSLR. The Fuji camera I use a lot for photos. I guess it's really which one I'm in the mood to use! But, I'd say that my Sony a6500 is the one I use the most and has become a fave. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Do you need a fancy camera? In short, no! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t nee a fancy-shamncy camera to snap great photos. All you need is a camera that you're comfortable with, the right lighting, the right composition, and a great edit. (Seriously, it's all about post production!) All of my photos are edited using Adobe Lightroom and VSCO plugins, Photoshop, and/or VSCO app. I've also recently started using the google's NikCollection which is up to par with Adobe products. Want to know a bit more? Tap on the link in my bio for more tips. #vacationwolf #forahappymoment #planetdiscovery #darlingescapes #wearetravelgirls #travellife #bloggera

Lunch vibes in Madrid! 💕 Cold #seafood #salad with a nice, crisp glass of Albariño is a great way to celebrate Sunday 🙌🏻 #salpicondemariscos #madrid #sundayvibes #lunchtime

One of the many reasons why I LOVE Amsterdam? It reminds me much of Portland... in fact, it's one of the many reasons why I ended up in Portland. It’s a super laid back place with a plethora of #healthyeats. A healthy soup, fresh juice, #smoothies, salad or other healthy food... not to mention it's very walkable and bike-friendly. It makes me happy! Not because it’s trendy to live a healthy lifestyle or eat healthy food, but because I just think healthy food is really delicious. What is your favorite healthy "foodie" place you've visited? Share with me below! #jetsettingchicks #wellnesstravel ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Vegging out at @vegabondfood and this Summer Roll 👌🏻 This healthy hotspot is the place for #vegans and #vegetarians in #Amsterdam. With tasty sandwiches to eat, but also with beautiful products to shop around. #realfood #eatclean #amsterdam #iamsterdam #plantbased

If there is any other city in #Europe quite as alluring as #Amsterdam then I’d love to hear about it. Amsterdam has all the charm of a small town with all the benefits of a large capital. 4th time back, and I’m check off another festival off my list. #tulipfestival ✅ I want to know... what is on your #bucketlist? Share below!

Wrapped up in this ☝🏼 @thecoldpressedjuicery hummus wrap and juices 👌🏻
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#realfood #eatclean

Toast game is just way too strong! 💪🍞 Back in #Amsterdam for the 4th time, and lunch today at Singel 404 was tasty af! Smoked salmon, avocado, greens, capers, and bacon... 😍 This really hit the spot. Singel 404 is a cozy, canal-side café well known for its delicious, affordable sandwiches. The restaurant offers a variety of hearty breads and practically every sandwich topping imaginable. The combinations are amazing.

Oh Paris mon amour... I'm pretty sure I've eaten my weight in #escargot, foie gras, duck confit, and macarons. No regrets and enjoying every bit of it! There are plenty of ways to experience Paris like a local, and one of them is through #food. #Paris is a very bubbling city with incredible attractions to see and things to experience. Whether you are there for a short stay or a longer one. It is a fact - Paris is one the best destinations for fine cuisine. You will have plenty of options to try out. I recommend dining in a typical #Parisian #brasserie that serves local dishes with an authentic atmosphere. That's one of the best ways to experience Paris like a local. #eatingwell #eatingfortheinata #eatlocal ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This might be a different kind of Monday motivation, but it’s raw and it’s real. They say #happiness will find you; but I think sadness will find you too. Over the years I’ve shared with you a lot; earlier this year was my about my divorce and last week I shared how #Europe was always “our thing.“ I thought I had this; I thought I had this whole Europe thing ready to create my own memories and making it “my thing.” Was I wrong getting to Paris. #Paris was a place that I never really cared for, yet visited various times, the first being part of our honeymoon. It was a place my ex loved and wanted to visit. Being here brought back all of those raw emotions of divorce — the longing for what we had, a deep sadness, failure, loneliness, and wondering if we had made a mistake. My first night in Paris I even called my ex in tears... at 5am Paris time. It was a combination of things that influenced this, but primarily because Paris was us, it was our thing. The next day I realized that it is ok to have these emotions. It’s ok to feel all the feels and let it out. These feelings come and go — and that is normal when you share 10 years with someone you care and love for. I am here and making new memories with my cousin.
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Sadness hits you sometimes just out of the blue, and you have to fight it over and over again until your heart would truly let go. Emotions are part of us, we can't escape them but we can work our way through them - sadness, pain, and negative thoughts creep in no matter how hard you seal it, somehow it will leak. And the hardest thing is, all you need is a pinch of understanding that would be enough to let it out and move on. Forgiving yourself for making a fool out of you is a tremendous undertaking, but it starts with YOU and knowing you aren’t making a fool of yourself for letting it out. Sometimes you have to let yourself feel all the feels and accept that you are human. Let yourself feel the way that you feel but also know that you are the one who has the power to redirect things in your life. This is all part of the process of moving on.

Excuse my while I eat my weight in #macarons 💕 I might be hurting a bit later today due to my egg intolerance, but I really can’t pass up these bundles of happiness from @maisonladuree each time I’m in #Paris. Now, off to the next stop on our unofficial French Macaron tour 2018 😆😍
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Back in Paris, and ready to stroll around... Paris is a city that captivates you in every sense. A waft of fresh croissants as you walk past your local boulangerie, the texture sensation as you bite into your first French macaron, the sounds of the street as you meander through the local fruit markets… and that is just day one. 💕 Have you been to Paris? What are some of your favorite things to do? Share with me below or check out my 'Paris To-Do List' by tapping on the link in my bio.
#exploringtheglobe #sheisnotlost #theglobewanderer #darlingscapes #parisjetaime #parismonamour

Joe and the Juice ✌🏼 One of the many reasons I love @joeandthejuice is the simple fact that they actually keep the fiber in green juice. So, let’s talk about some juice truth for a sec because not all juices are created equal. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This is what I’ve come to discover in the past few years of the juice craze, where everyone seems to be imbibing some kale laden, aloe stirred, chia seed dotted bottle of liquid produce. Growing up in California is clear that the health and wellness bandwagon has been something we we’re all on before it became a global phenomenon. As an adult, I’ve balanced my love of bacon laden brunches, cocktails and jelly beans with green juice and smoothies.
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I'll be honest; I'm not an advocate of green juice cleanses. Nothing is appealing about drinking green juice for 3, 5 or 7 days.
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However, a juice throughout the week is something I'm all for. A green juice swap instead of an espresso for a pick me up at work, a deluge of fresh cold-pressed juices when I feel a cold coming on. Or just as a reset button when your system is feeling sluggish, or you want your skin to glow and your eyes to look clearer, sharper. When you want to feel more alive and revived with energy. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .
But let’s keep in mind... A bottle contains up to twelve servings of organic fruits and vegetables. Isn’t it better to eat your fruits and veggies whole? Realistically you aren’t going to eat 12 servings of fruits and veggies in a day, and because the juice has not been blasted with high levels of heat or oxygen, it’s alive. So unlike the spike and crash you get from caffeine, you will feel sustained all day long. I promise you the jolt you’ll get from a green juice will trump a coffee any day.

Want more tips? Tap on the link in my bio and read my post!

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