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April King’s "Keeping It Green" podcast explores the flexitarian lifestyle, emphasizing practical, sustainable nutrition over rigid perfection. She defines flexitarianism as mostly plant-based with flexible animal product inclusion, focusing heavily on adequate protein intake to ensure satiety and energy. Critiquing expensive wellness trends that leave people hungry, April offers actionable tips: aim for 20-30g of protein per meal using sources like hemp seeds, chia, legumes, eggs, or supplements. She encourages carrying portable snacks—nut butters, bars, smoothies—to avoid poor choices when busy. The core message is empowerment through intentional, affordable, and satisfying green eating habits that support overall well-being without shame or extreme restrictions. Welcome to Keeping It Green with April King, the number one green culture podcast where green cuisine meets real wellness, superfoods meet freestyles, and every episode is repping green culture for a green world. I'm your host, April King, mama, artist, flexitarian food alchemist, and your ultimate green lifestyle guide. This isn't just a podcast, it's a movement. We're talking truth, taste, and transformation. This is green innovation. And yes, we've got an original soundtrack curated just for you. Are you ready to live your best green life? Let's go. I play the green game 'cause I'm a green girl. Keep track of green trends 'cause it's a green world. Keep making green friends so that my green grows. My green never ends. I'm in the green zone. I love good food. Take pleasure in life. I'm in a good mood 'cause I eat what's right. Green cuisine in my kitchen. Green life is my vision. To be a green generation is my mission. We could all buy stock in green commodities. This is green culture doing green properly. I like my yerba mate from Yerba Madre. Check Amazon for my acai. Get my chi straight with my yogi tea. Vitamin C, acerola cherry, raw vegan bling. This is April King. Yeah, we keep it green. Hey. Keeping it green. Earth Mother lover. Earth Mother lover. I heard we get to be a green genie today. A green genie. Oh yeah, oh yeah, that's right, Earth Mother lovers. In our green dream today, we're going to spend some time with a green genie, tapping into all of your eco-lux, fabulous fantasies. You can get wild with it, get free with it. We're flexitarian today, talking flexitarian protein, hemp seeds, utopian green futures, how to nourish yourself in ways that are practical, abundant, sustainable, and actually satisfying. That's right, that's right. Why? Why am I saying that? Because some wellness culture people out here have people paying luxury prices to still be hungry afterward, and that is not living our best green life. No, we're not doing that. We're going to talk about flexitarian protein today. So grab your green smoothie, your tea, your kombucha. I gotta say, I love the Sacred Life kombucha. It's like one of my favorite flavors. Have you ever tried it? It's blue, it's got blue spirulina and coconut water, kiwi juice. It tastes like summertime in your mouth. It's magical. So whatever you're drinking, grab it. A magical snack, maybe you're getting your steps in, maybe you're traveling somewhere, or just kicking back and relaxing, which is perfect because, like I said, today we're gonna dream green. Flexitarian baby. I think that's what I am. I'm so flex, I'm so flexitarian. Yeah you are, yeah you are, Earth Mother lover. First of all, what is flexitarian? You know, flexitarian is when you live a mostly plant-based life, but maybe you also have your meat days or you have your fish days, or maybe you really eat a mostly vegan lifestyle but you have honey and eggs. You know, but flexitarian, I really see it being the flexibility is around if you do dairy or not, or if you do it sometimes or not at all, and really what kind of protein you're eating. And my goodness, the research we have to do on protein these days. I mean, you're being bombarded with information. You know, there's folks talking about gains, you know, that are like, I eat 180 grams of protein every day. I have 75 grams of protein in every meal. You know, it's like really crazy. And then you have the people that are like, protein? Oh my goodness, like I just eat fruit and I'm vegetarian and I get all my nutrients from sunshine. I mean, it's really wild out here. So I want to talk about protein in a way that feels realistic, flexible, sustainable, and most of all, empowering, because this is your green life, baby, your green life. So I really love the flexitarian mindset because it allows people to work with their lifestyle instead of like trying to force yourself into some false ideal of perfection, whatever that is. So it's like more plants, more nourishment, more intentionality, less shame, less rigidity. So one of my personal biggest plant-based pet peeves is like spending a ridiculous amount of money on a beautiful and even delicious meal that no one bothered to put any protein in. I mean, there's been times in my life that I've been served like a bowl of lettuce because folks just didn't know what to do with me. So anyways, I learned to take protein into my own hands. And so I love to have an emergency avocado in my purse. I love to have some nutritional yeast with me, along with cayenne because I like my spice. Maybe some hemp seeds that I can throw in to add some extra protein to something, chia seeds. I love to carry around some protein powder. Some people love to use collagen. You know, there's so many different ways that you can make sure you have some extra protein with you. But you know, protein, it really is important. It's important. It supports energy, muscles, hormones, blood sugar balance, recovery, overall nourishment. It's part of what helps you be satisfied when you have a meal that has the right amount of protein. So a lot of people aim around 20 to 30 grams of protein in a meal, maybe more if you are into your gains. It all depends on your body, your goals, your activity, and your life stage. So once you start understanding protein strategy, you can make really almost any food lifestyle work better for you. I personally think not having enough protein and the right kinds of protein and complete protein is what makes it hard for a lot of people to even look at incorporating a flexitarian lifestyle or more plant-based lifestyle. So you know, you can add protein to almost anything. Like put hemp seeds on your avocado toast. You can add collagen or protein powder. You know, we're talking grass-fed collagen, we're talking non-GMO life here. Or protein powder, there's hemp protein, there's pea protein. You can add it to oatmeal or smoothies. You can add extra tofu or beans in like a protein bowl. Have some edamame with your sushi. Put some chia in your nut butter. Add some chia to your oatmeal, your yogurt, your smoothies. If you're getting plant-based yogurt, add some chia, add some nut butter in there, add some hemp seeds. Get your protein on. You can add eggs. I love organic, pasteurized, free-range eggs. You can add it to your veggie meals. You can have protein smoothies, roasted chickpeas, inner peas, hummus, hummus that you've added some nutritional yeast to, maybe some hemp seeds. There are protein pastas out there like Banza. Gotta shout out to Banza. Delicious chickpea pasta, gluten-free, and giving you the protein. Does it get any better? Quinoa bowls, lentils, there's all the legumes, black beans, garbanzo, northern beans, kidney beans, you got all the beans. So you know, one of the best wellness habits I think you can have in this world, bring some protein with you because that's the snack that's gonna help you if you're out and about trying to do your thing, live your best healthy green life, and then you get a hunger attack. Grab an energy bar. I love Go Macro bars, Cliff bars, so many wonderful things out there. You know, throw a smoothie in a thermos and know that you're ready to go if you don't end up having time to stop, make a meal, do what you were thinking for the day. And you know, now you're not like buying a $5 cookie twice the size of your hand, giving you no satisfaction when you're out and about. You know, just throw some nuts in your bag, some trail mix, some hemp packets, throw some hard-boiled eggs in a thermos, use an ice pack, grab some smoothies, some nut butter packs. Shout out to Justin for making these nut butter packs. They got like maple flavored, chocolate flavored, and all these wonderful nut butters you can just take with you. So it's whatever works for your food path. But make sure you getting your protein, baby, 'cause that's what makes it click. That's what makes the wheels spin. That's what gives you sustained energy. Combine your protein with the proper carbs and bam, there you go. There you go. Eco-conscious gains, baby. That's what we're talking about. That's what we're talking about. Eco-conscious gains. And speaking of eco-conscious gains and complete proteins, we have someone very special with us here today. Who is this superfood superstar? Who is this superfood superstar this week? Introducing hemp seed. That's right, ladies and gentlemen. This week's superfood superstar is hemp seed. The complete protein. Tiny, creamy, nutty, magical. Hemp seeds are like one of the most underrated wellness foods ever, in my opinion. Like, why don't we see more hemp foods in more places? More hemp seeds in more places? Like, what's going on? They have complete protein, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, iron, zinc, fiber, all nine essential amino acids. I mean, really, hemp seed is giving iconic complete protein behavior. It's been cultivated for thousands of years across multiple cultures for food, fiber, textiles, rope, paper, wellness traditions. Hemp is magic. And it's got this seed that you can just keep on stock in your kitchen, keep a bag of some hemp seed with you. And so like, the only option for you at a restaurant you're out at is their vegetable soup that has no protein. Bam, no problem, baby, because you got your hemp seeds. You just bust them out, drop those babies in, and you've got your iconic complete protein happening. I love adding hemp seed to smoothies, pasta, oatmeal, salads, veggie bowls, avocado toast, soups, fruit, yogurt, like literally almost anything. They're easy, they're versatile, they taste good, and they help meals feel more complete and satisfying. We love a low-drama superfood. There you have it, our superfood superstar of the week, hemp seed. I'm feeling well, hemp seeds. All right, I'm about it. Yeah, I do put hemp seeds in everything. That's my thing. Hmm. I feel like relaxing. I want to go on a little mini vacay. April, can we dream green? Of course. Let's do it. Let's pause, let's unwind, let's slow down for a moment. Wherever you're at right now, just take a deep breath with me. Inhaling through your nose and letting all the breath out of your mouth. Let's take a couple more deep breaths. Relax your shoulders. Unclench your jaw. Take another deep breath in. And this time, slowly exhale. Breathing in peace and breathing out stress. If you're not driving or operating a vehicle, feel free to close your eyes. And if you are on the go, that's all right. You can just take a moment to go on this journey with us. Today, we're using militant positivity as an active tool for relaxation, imagination, nervous system healing, and 5D manifestation. Not pretending problems don't exist, but consciously giving ourselves permission to imagine beauty, the possibility, support, joy, and a healthier future. So settle in. Let's dream green together. You hear the soft chime of your phone. You glance down and see a glowing green notification. Congratulations! You are the winner of the Dream Green Ultimate Green Life Makeover. You laugh in disbelief, but then another message appears. The Green Genie team is officially on the way to upgrade your eco-luxe life. Suddenly, your screen fills with beautiful images: lush interiors, living plant walls, sunlit kitchens, organic cotton bedding, spa sanctuaries, beautiful sustainable fashion, electric vehicles, wellness retreats, gardens, ocean air, soft lighting, peace. And then, bing! Your first voice message arrives. Hello, beautiful soul. We are so excited to support your healthiest, most abundant, most aligned life. Before you know it, you arrive at your newly upgraded home. The air smells softly of eucalyptus, jasmine, fresh herbs, and clean rainwater. Natural sunlight pours through flowing curtains. Plants cascade from shelves and corners. The air itself feels alive. Your kitchen has been transformed into a stunning wellness sanctuary. There's a beautiful matte green refrigerator stocked with vibrant produce, fresh juices, sparkling mineral water, herbal tonics, prepared meals, protein-rich snacks, nourishing desserts, and ingredients chosen specifically for your body and wellness goals. Glass jars filled with hemp seeds, chia, cacao, matcha, herbal teas, blue lotus flower, quinoa, lentils, beautiful spices, and nutrient-rich foods from around the world. Fresh bread is cooling on the counter beside a glowing bowl of citrus and avocados. Your Green Genie nutrition team has already created delicious personalized meal support for you. Pure nourishment, pure energy, balance, and pleasure. There's a soft instrumental mix of neo-soul and Afrofuturist jazz playing through hidden speakers. In the background, you hear the daily green news report playing gently throughout the home. Global air quality reaches its cleanest levels in decades. Urban rooftop farming initiatives continue expanding worldwide. Ocean restoration projects report massive coral reef recovery. Solar-powered public transit now available in over 300 major cities. Community wellness programs and holistic healthcare access continue to grow globally. You smile. The world feels hopeful. Your Green Genie wellness concierge arrives carrying a personalized holistic life plan designed just for you. A life plan with nervous system care, movement you enjoy, meal support, rest, hydration, creative time, nature time, spa treatments, community care, joy, sustainable routines that fit your real life. You're gifted luxurious eco-conscious clothing tailored perfectly to your body. Soft fabrics, beautiful textures, clothing designed for comfort, confidence, movement, and expression. Then comes the transportation upgrade. Waiting outside is your beautiful new eco-friendly vehicle. Quiet, clean, elegant. The seats are heated. Your favorite music begins playing automatically. The interior smells like fresh linen, neroli, cedar. And somehow, for the first time in a long time, your life feels like it supports your nervous system. You feel cared for, supported, nourished, beautiful, hopeful, capable, relaxed, abundant. And as you breathe into this feeling, you realize something important. The green genie didn't come to turn you into someone else. The green genie is here to remove the stress, depletion, chaos, and exhaustion preventing you from being fully yourself. Take one more deep breath in. And slowly exhale. Ask yourself gently, what small act of nurturing positivity could I bring into my real life this week? Maybe it's drinking more water. Maybe it's using those reusable shopping bags. Maybe it's buying fresh herbs, opening your windows, taking a walk, spending more time in the sunshine, adding more nourishment, creating beauty, resting, believing in all the possibilities. Tiny shifts create new worlds. And we are the builders of the 5D world. Welcome to New Evergreen Earth Mother Lovers. Yes, baby. We did it. Hey, um, thank you for my dream green. Just one question I have today. April, what the fuck is a complete protein? Like, what is it? That's such a great question. I love it. Okay, Earth Mother Lovers, a complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids your body cannot produce on its own. Your body uses amino acids for muscles, skin, hair, hormones, enzymes, immune function, energy, repair, and keeping your gorgeous earth suit functioning properly. Now, for years people acted like complete proteins only existed in animal foods. But several plant foods contain all nine amino acids too. That includes hemp seeds, quinoa, soy foods, chia seeds, and buckwheat. And even if every single food you eat isn't technically a complete protein, your body is incredibly intelligent and combines amino acids from foods eaten throughout the day. So if you've eaten rice and beans, hummus and pita, lentils and rice, peanut butter toast, congratulations. Humans have understood complementary proteins for a very long time. So can we like collectively release fear-based nutrition culture? Yay. Because some people online really talk about protein like your body will collapse immediately if you miss one smoothie. Relax. Eat balanced meals, hydrate, move your body, touch grass occasionally, and add some hemp seeds. You're probably doing better than you think. I want to remind everyone that you, you are the creator of your green life. The information I'm sharing here is not health information. I am not a nutritionist or a doctor. I'm just sharing what I love about green lifestyle and some things that have worked for me. If you're making any changes to how you eat or what you're putting in your body, please check in with your healthcare professional, with your health team, and make sure that it's the right decision for you. Because baby, this is your green life. And now you know. That's what the fuck complete protein is. Oh yeah. Complete protein, I'm a flexitarian. Keep on going, my MPN, I'm vegetarian. Feeling so good, living my green life. Yeah, 'cause I eat what's right. Where my Earth Mother Lovers at? I love you. And I love you. And I love you. Mmm, that's right. That's what it is. That's right. We love you. I love you, Earth Mother Lovers. Thanks for tuning in as we're getting back in full swing of this season two. I'm doing my best to bring you a new episode every Thursday. It might be live, it might be early, it might be late, but it's gonna be on Thursdays, okay? So stay green, Earth Mother Lovers, and I'll catch you next week. One love.