This cranberry sugar scrub is similar to other scrubs, only we tweaked it to include real, fresh cranberries. ’Tis the season, after all. Plus, the cranberries provide essential antioxidants, texture, and beautiful color. Not only is it soothing for dry skin, which is very common during the winter months, but it also makes for an excellent homemade gift this holiday season. 

What Is A Sugar Scrub?

First of all, the body naturally sheds skin and regenerates new skin cells. The efficiency of this cycle depends on your skin type, your age, the products you use, and your environment. Just like anything else in life, the body is not perfect, so you may experience a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. That’s where a sugar scrub comes in, because they remove dead skin cells. 

Sugar scrubs are naturally abrasive without being too aggressive for the skin. By removing dead skin cells, the moisturizer you apply afterward will soak into the skin more easily and thoroughly. The exfoliation also helps to unclog your pores, prevent ingrown hairs, and reduce the risk of razor bumps. Additionally, when you do not remove dead skin cells, the skin can appear rough, dull, or cracked. Removing dead skin cells can yield a smoother, more even skin texture. 

Sugar For Skin Health

Sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it will hydrate your skin and preserve whatever moisture is already present. It is also a great source of glycolic acid, which works to break down the bonds between skin cells. This process facilitates cell turnover, helping you achieve more youthful-looking skin. The small sugar particles make it an excellent exfoliant, which is the reason a lot of body scrubs contain sugar, not salt. They are also much gentler than salt particles, making them generally safe for most skin types. 

Cranberries For Skin Health

Sure, cranberry sauce is a popular condiment around the holidays, but cranberries are not solely reserved for holiday consumption. Cranberries are in a wide variety of skin care products because of their nutritional profile. They are naturally rich in vitamin E, a natural moisturizing antioxidant that may benefit those with acne or dark spots. Cranberries are filled with vitamin C and salicylic acid, both of which work together to reduce hyper-pigmentation, lighten blemishes, and reduce acne scarring. 

Which Carrier Oil Should You Use?

You can use any type of skin-safe carrier oil for this recipe. Popular varieties include coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil. If you are looking for a guide on which carrier oil to choose for your skin type, click here for more information. Carrier oils work to deliver vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids to the skin, providing deep moisturizing, soothing irritation, and boosting elasticity. Some carrier oils may even help fight blemishes and promote a healthy glow. 

Orange Cranberry Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries 
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• Zest from 1 orange
• 10 drops orange essential oil

Instructions:

• Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until fully incorporated. 
• Transfer the mixture into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to one week. It will not keep fresh at room temperature. 
• To use, rinse your skin with warm water and then apply liberally on the skin, massaging gently. Rinse away with warm water and apply moisturizer or lotion as normal.

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This ruby-red cranberry smoothie starts with homemade almond milk, which gives it a velvety base and slightly nutty flavor. It also delivers valuable antioxidants like vitamin E, which contributes to glowing skin. The crisp apple adds subtle sweetness and fiber, which encourages optimal digestion and keeps you full between meals. A spoonful of almond butter brings the healthy fats, plant protein, and nuttiness that complements the homemade almond milk. It’s safe to say that this smoothie is not lacking in nutrition!

Because fresh cranberries are very tart, you need a sweet ingredients to balance them. That’s where dates come in and they offer dessert-level sweetness without the inevitable sugar crash, potassium, and they support natural energy. Hemp hearts sprinkle in much needed omega-3 fatty acids, helping keep the brain sharp and heart functioning optimally. This smoothie would not be what it is without cranberries, the tart little overachievers that are antioxidant-rich and help support the urinary tract. Additionally, cranberries bring that signature zing that wakes up every cell in the body.

What you are left with is a refreshing, nutrient-dense smoothie that helps boost immune function, support digestion, and fuel your day with clean energy. Not to mention, this smoothie tastes like a treat without having to feel guilty about enjoying it. Think of this smoothie like the wellness equivalent of wearing a cape….minus the questionable fashion choice. Enjoy sipping your way toward optimal health this winter when you make this smoothie.

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Hello there, fellow fall enthusiasts! If you’re into fall vibes and love the tart flavor of raw cranberries, you are absolutely going to dig this raw vegan cranberry chia jam. Simplicity is the name of the game for this recipe, as it only contains four ingredients: fresh cranberries, water, chia seeds, and a splash of maple syrup for sweetness. The best part? There are no problematic additives or preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, and no dyes or other agents. This recipe is just pure, natural goodness that captures the essence of autumn in every spoonful.

Not only is this jam tasty, but also vibrant, stunning, and incredibly healthy. Cranberries are some of the richest sources of antioxidants and vitamin C, which works to boost immune function and encourages collagen production. Chia seeds add a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, helping you stay full and satisfied between meals. Plus, since it’s raw and made with whole ingredients, it retains all those beneficial nutrients, making it a guilt-free way to enjoy a sweet spread.

Even though this is a jam, you cannot slather it on toast if you are on the raw vegan diet. You can make raw pudding from cashews and use it as a topping, or you can use it as a dip for raw apple or pear slices. After cleansing, swirl it into your yogurt, or even use it as a topping for oatmeal. It is very versatile, fresh, and perfect for fall snacking. Making it is a breeze too—just blitz the ingredients together in a blender or food processor and refrigerate to let the jam thicken up. Let us know how you like it in the comments below.

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The autumn harvest brings an array of root vegetables for comforting, hardy recipes that warm the soul. You’ll also see numerous fruits that you don’t typically see any other time of year. We don’t know about you, but fruit that is in season for a limited time is very exciting. Not only do these fruits exhibit impressive nutritional profiles, but they also taste great and are quite versatile. 

A 2020 study found that vegetarians who ate a diverse mix of fruits and vegetables had a lower risk of stroke than non-vegetarians who ate meat. An additional study from 2021 also gives people a reason to eat more fruits and vegetables. In this study, participants who ate the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables per day experienced a lower risk of death than those who ate fewer servings. Additionally health experts encourage people to eat seasonal produce items because they are at peak freshness and nutritional value. Choosing seasonal produce will also help reduce your carbon footprint, as fresh and local items don’t need to be transported long distances. We are talking about farm to table!

For more inspiration and information about seasonal produce items, visit your local farmer’s market and talk with the farmers. They are very knowledgeable about the flavor profiles and how to use/cook with the various produce items. To buy you some time until that happens, we’ve outlined the top seven fall fruits below. 

Kumquats

Don’t know what kumquats are? They are about the size of grapes, but they are citrus fruits and happen to be one of the best sources of fiber and vitamin C. Although they are technically winter fruits, they often show up in mid to late fall. In some areas, such as the Southern United States, they are available year round because of the warmer climates. Kumquats are the only citrus fruit that you can eat with the peel, which contains even more antioxidants than the fruit’s flesh. 

Quinces

A lesser known fall fruit, the quince is probably not in your regular fruit rotation. It resembles a lumpy, slightly larger pear, exhibiting a bright green skin. Quince is naturally rich in vitamin C, potassium, copper, fiber, and antioxidants, including rutin and caffeoylquinic acid. Most people boil quince to enjoy it, as that is the best way to enjoy the best flavor. Quarter the fruit, remove the core and seeds, and boil for about 40 minutes. You can add the flesh to juices, tarts, sweet treats, and purees. 

Pears

We are going from the quince, a fruit that somewhat resembles a pear, to the actual pear fruit. From Anjous and Bartletts to Forelle and Seckels varieties, pears are a hydrophilic food, meaning they fill you up quickly and love water. Pears contain the complex carbohydrate known as pectin, which acts as a detox agent, immune system stimulant, and gastrointestinal tract regulator. According to several studies, eating pears on a regular basis may help reduce bad cholesterol levels and regulate the body’s absorption of sugar. 

Cranberries

You cannot have an article that details the best fall fruits and leave cranberries off the list. Fresh cranberries are only available for a limited time, typically from mid to late fall. Harvested in places like the Northeast United States, cranberries are valuable sources of plant compounds like benzoic acid, anthocyanins, quercetin, vitamin C, and epicatechins. Cranberries go great in sauces, pies, scones, muffins, salads, smoothies, and desserts. A 2022 study found that participants who took a cranberry supplement (the equivalent of one cup of cranberries) daily for 12 weeks improved memory and lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol. 

Apples

Apples are the quintessential fall fruit, and one of the best fall outings is to go apple picking at an orchard. Available in many varieties, apples are excellent sources of fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols, which are beneficial plant compounds that exist in plant-based foods. Polyphenols may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to several research studies. Flavonoids, which are also present in apples, may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and general cognitive decline. 

Grapes

Although grapes are available year round, they boast their best flavor during fall. Enjoy varieties like champagne, concords, holiday seedless, and many others. Grapes don’t seem to get a lot of attention when it comes to nutrition, but they are excellent sources of vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants like resveratrol, an anti-inflammatory compound that keeps your skin looking young. Grapes also contain anthocyanin, another antioxidant that has ties to longevity. 

Passion Fruit

Passion fruits are available in the early- or mid-fall months, and they grow in climates that are always warm. The actual fruit is quite gelatinous, with black seeds that are also edible. The taste is a bit sour, but riper passion fruits tend to be on the sweeter and highly fragrant side. You can incorporate passion fruit into acai bowls, smoothies, and juices. They are naturally rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-cryptoxanthin, carotenoids, and other polyphenols.

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A lot of people come down with the common cold or flu during fall. Between the colder weather and more time indoors with a lot of people, the body is more susceptible to sickness. To give your body a better chance at fighting off bacteria and viruses, give your immune system the nutrients it needs via healthy foods. Supplying the body with vitamin C-rich foods is a great place to start, and this smoothie is loaded with vitamin C.

Cranberries belong to the same family as blueberries, bilberries, and lingonberries, but cranberries are the healthiest family. They contain various plant compounds, some of which are effective against urinary tract infections. Regarding immune function, cranberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which also aids with skin, muscle, and bone maintenance. In addition to vitamin C, cranberries contain quercetin, which may be a potent protector against cancer. More research is necessary to confirm if this compound can help prevent the growth of leukemia, colon, breast, and pancreatic cancers. Cranberries also contain anthocyanins, which include peonidin and cyanidin, and they may be able to slow tumor growth, but more research is needed.

Although cranberries give this smoothie its ruby red color, pineapple is no slouch in the nutrient department. Pineapple is another vitamin C superstar, but it also contains a powerful enzyme, bromelain, that helps the body digest proteins. Bromelain may also reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. That same enzyme may also exhibit anti-cancer properties, as it was able to kill cancer cells in some laboratory studies. However, pineapples cannot cure cancer and they do not eliminate a person’s cancer risk. Pineapple is a healthy food that you can add to your diet to encourage optimal overall health.

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Do you have a cabbage obsession? If you don’t, you’re about to love this low-calorie superfood. Not only does it add texture and color, but also a subtle and humble flavor to your salads. For this salad recipe, though, we eliminated the lettuce and went straight to shredded cabbage for the base. It’s more of a slaw than a salad, but we aren’t about to debate the qualifications of a slaw versus a salad. The fact of the matter is that this recipe embraces fall ingredients and is quite delicious.

For this cabbage apple salad, you can use red or green cabbage, or a mix of both if you want more contrasting colors. The same can be said for the apples. You can use Granny Smith (green) apples, Fuji apples, Honeycrisp apples, or Red Delicious apples. Can’t decide which one to use? Use a combination of two or more apple varieties to establish sweet and tart flavors in this salad. The combination of cabbage, apples, walnuts, and sweeter dressing creates a lovely mix of sweet and savory flavors. Will you serve yourself on a separate plate or eat straight out of the salad bowl?

When it comes time to prepare the salad, you can choose to cut your ingredients uniformly or slightly different. You can thinly slice the apples, or you can cut them into matchsticks to be more similar to the shredded cabbage. Crumble the raw walnuts and then drizzle the dressing over everything. If you want to make this recipe more fall-themed, consider adding some dehydrated cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Dried cranberries are pictured, just FYI. Just make sure that the dehydrated cranberries are free of added sugars and preservatives.

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The days are getting shorter and the warmer clothes are emerging from the closet. Football games are on Sundays and pumpkin spice lattes are back. Fall is here, ladies and gentlemen, and so are some impressive seasonal produce items. Purchasing seasonal produce items is not only more affordable, but also much tastier and more nutritious. 

Why Buy Seasonally?

Purchasing seasonal produce is one of the freshest ways to eat. Some items are available year round, but the best time to eat them is when they are in season. If you can connect with local growers and farmers at farmer’s markets, that’s an even better way to get your produce. Plus, you may learn a bit more about the produce you purchase from them! Buying locally and seasonally means that your produce doesn’t have to travel far from where it was picked. Unlike out of season produce, seasonal produce does not require early picking for long travel and distribution. Seasonal produce has more time to ripen on the vine, which actually increases the nutritional content. 

Pears

Pears are available throughout the year, but the fall season yields a wider range of varieties and flavors. It’s important to pick pears while they are still firm and allow them to ripen on counter. Pears are what you call a hydrophilic food, meaning that they’re water-loving and fill you up quickly. According to nutritionists, the complex carbohydrate called pectin acts as a natural detoxifier. 

Green Beans

Many people enjoy green bean casserole as a classic fall dish, but you can create much healthier recipes using fresh green beans. They are great sources vitamin K and a significant amount of silicon, which is a mineral that supports healthy connective tissues and bones. The fiber content helps to smooth out the digestive process, while the phytonutrients help to fight free radicals in the body. 

Beets

Beets are edible from their bitter leafy tops down to the vibrantly crimson bulbous root. People either love or hate them, as they offer an earthy flavor. Red beets are the most popular varieties, but some stores and farmer’s markets carry other interesting varieties, including candy cane or golden beets. Beets are excellent sources of nitrates and may support healthy blood pressure levels. They also contain phytonutrients called betalains, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. 

Grapes

Grapes are available throughout the year, but the best and freshest flavors are available during the fall. Champagne grapes, concords, and other holiday varieties are abound! Grapes contain resveratrol, which is an anti-inflammatory compound that keeps the skin looking young. They also offer various antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Avoid wilted stems or wrinkled grapes in a bunch because the rest will soon follow suit. 

Brussels Sprouts

Some people might say that Brussels sprouts are misunderstood, while others understand them perfectly. Belonging to the cruciferous vegetable family, Brussels sprouts are excellent sources of vitamin K and organosulfur compounds, which have antioxidant properties that protect cells. During fall, you can often find Brussels sprouts on the stalk, and they are the freshest in that form. 

Persimmons

The persimmon is a delicacy from East Asia, but they have grown popular in recent years. These orange fruits look like smaller, yellowish tomatoes and they offer protective compounds like lycopene and beta-carotene. It’s important to only eat them when they are ripe, otherwise they have an unpleasantly tart flavor. Hachiya and Fuyu persimmons are the two varieties that grow in the U.S., and you can only buy them during fall. 

Cranberries

Fresh cranberries, not cranberry sauce or other sugary canned varieties, are only available for a limited time during the fall. Once they are gone, you don’t see them again until next fall. This holiday staple exhibits powerful phytonutrients, manganese, dietary fiber, and lots of vitamin C. According to several studies, they help to improve skin, eyesight, and may even lower bad cholesterol levels. Look for brightly colored berries and skip the bags that have shriveled or discolored berries. 

Okra

People think that okra only belongs in a deep fryer, but there are so many other ways to prepare it. Chefs worldwide use okra for its thickening properties. From gumbo and other stews to traditional Indian curries, okra is an amazing vegetable with an impressive nutritional profile. Okra pods contain vitamins C & K, lots of fiber, and folate. When shopping for okra, look for pods that are bright green, firm, and no longer than four inches. 

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Anyone in the mood for a….mocktail? This delicious creation is going to change your holiday party game. Whether you are hosting a party or attending one, you can make this tasty beverage and enjoy yourself without the extra sugar and calories that come with traditional alcohol beverages. This is also an excellent drink to enjoy if you are a friend of Bill W (a person who belongs to the Alcoholics Anonymous program, for those who didn’t get the reference).

This refreshing non-alcoholic beverage hits all the rate notes. It is sweet yet tart and bright with a festive finish. It hits all the right notes for special holiday occasions. You can celebrate the holidays or ring in the New Year with this refreshing beverage. Planning a dry January? This drink is perfectly suited for your newly sober lifestyle. You can even drink this with your kids, so long as you let them drink sparkling water.

Although the cranberries are optional, we encourage you to incorporate them into your beverage. The reason for this twofold: they make the drink more visually stunning and they add a subtle tartness to the drink. Plus, fresh cranberries are loaded with antioxidants and have a limited window of availability in grocery stores. You can even add fresh pomegranate arils to your drink for added visual appeal. Finally, make sure that you choose 100% pure pomegranate juice, as many store bought varieties can contain a lot of added sugars. Cheers to your health!

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Taste the flavors of fall in this unique spiced orange cranberry smoothie! The spices are aromatic and perfectly complement the tartness of cranberries, sweetness of pear, and acidity of fresh oranges. Although this smoothie only contains fruit, it packs a serious nutritional punch. It offers lots of antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Because of the impressive nutrient content, this is a great smoothie to enjoy post-holiday meal. It really helps kickstart the digestive process after the big holiday feast!

If you have frozen cranberries, you can use them instead of fresh cranberries. That said, fresh cranberries have a limited window of availability in grocery stores, so we encourage you to get your hands on them while they are in stores. Save some other cranberries for a homemade cranberry sauce (click here for recipe). What we don’t want you to do, however, is use frozen orange juice from concentrate. You need freshly squeezed orange juice, but you also need to peel an orange, separate the segments, and freeze overnight. This will enhance that orange flavor in your smoothie.

Since there are some tart flavors in this smoothie, feel free to add some raw agave nectar or maple syrup for sweetness. If you use a ripe pear, though, the natural sugars will help balance the tart cranberries and oranges. Please enjoy this refreshing and unique smoothie that represents autumn to a T!

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Cranberries are not only reserved for cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving. You can impart the sweet-tart cranberry flavor into myriad recipes! From snacks and appetizers to entrees, desserts, and more, cranberries find their way into unique fall and winter favorites. Since they are only available for a short while, get your hands on them to make some of the recipes in this article.

Cranberries primarily consist of carbs and fiber, but they are also 90% water. They are some of the best sources of antioxidants, which work to fight free radicals. The most common health benefit associated with cranberries is the fact that they may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). A-type proanthocyanidins prevent the binding of E. coli in the bladder, a common first step in getting an infection. If you usually develop UTIs, you may want to incorporate fresh cranberries, or fresh cranberry juice, into your diet. This is an excellent proactive approach to living a healthier lifestyle. 

The same A-type proanthocyanidins, which only exist in cranberries, that reduce the risk of UTIs also reduce bad bacteria in the gut. More research is necessary, but preliminary research shows that cranberries promote optimal digestive health. Lastly, and then we will provide you with the recipes, the certain antioxidant compounds in cranberries may exhibit anti-cancer properties. Needless to say, cranberries are superfoods that deserve a featured spot in your diet. 

Cranberry Persimmon Pomegranate Smoothie

Embrace some of fall’s most nutritionally diverse ingredients when you enjoy this refreshing cranberry persimmon pomegranate smoothie.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Cranberry Orange Vitamin C Smoothie

Not only is this a tangy, refreshing, and tasty creation, but it also packs a healthy dose of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other minerals.

Click here to make the recipe.

Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites

These quick and easy-to-make energy bites are packed with great flavor and a ton of nutrients. The best part is you don’t have to bake them!

Click here to make the recipe.

Healthy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce is free of refined sugars and uses fresh cranberries! It’s citrusy, rich, vibrant and incredibly delicious.

Click here to make the recipe.

Spicy Cranberry Hummus

What are you making for your holiday meal? If you need a seasonal appetizer to start the meal off right, this cranberry hummus is the ticket!

Click here to make the recipe.

Red Cabbage And Carrot Cranberry Slaw

Delicious and easy to make, this red cabbage and carrot slaw contains dried cranberries, walnuts, and shredded apples.

Click here to make the recipe.

Cranberry, Apple, And Brussels Sprout Salad

A shaved Brussels sprout salad made with dried cranberries, apple, walnuts, and pomegranate salad embraces the best fall produce items.

Click here to make the recipe.

Kale Salad With Almonds, Cranberries, And Apples

Boost your nutrient intake by enjoying this raw vegan kale salad that’s perfectly balanced with apples, cranberries, and a tart vinaigrette.

Click here to make the recipe.

Butternut Squash And Cranberry Quinoa Salad

This salad combines some of fall’s tastiest flavors in one healthy bowl. The balsamic vinaigrette really elevates the butternut squash.

Click here to make the recipe.

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