A creamy, dreamy chocolate chia pudding is all you need…when you are craving a healthy, filling breakfast, pre- or post-workout snack, or guilt-free dessert. It checks all the boxes: delicious, nutrient-dense, good for you, etc. It is a rich, luxurious chia pudding that is a real dream come true for anyone who has a sweet tooth but wants to satisfy their sugar cravings in a healthier way. The texture is similar to tapioca, with each bite melting in your mouth. Once you try this chia pudding, you will definitely want to make this recipe over and over again.

One of the great things about this chia pudding, besides the flavor and nutrients, is that it is budget-friendly. We can’t be paying $6+ per gallon of gas and $18 for a bowl of chia pudding! Fortunately, chia seeds are very affordable and last a long time. Plus, they are extremely versatile, going great in everything from smoothies, acai bowls, puddings, energy balls, and more. Chia seeds are also great sources of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, but they are not the only ingredient in this pudding offering nutritional benefits. The raw cacao powder, for instance, is an excellent source of magnesium, iron, and theobromine, which together support cognitive function, heart health, and overall mood. In fact, the omega-3s in chia seeds aid the absorption of iron in cacao.

Before you indulge in this chocolatey deliciousness, just know that it doesn’t come together instantaneously. Take 10 minutes of your time to prep it at night, place it in the fridge, and remove it in the morning when ready to eat. This is a great meal prep recipe, but keep in mind that you have to eat it within three to four days.

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Whether you know it or not, the things you do in the morning have a big impact on your blood sugar. Glucose, or blood sugar, levels rise when you wake up because of natural hormonal shifts in the body that help you feel alert. Certain habits, such as not moving, skipping fiber, or starting the day with sugary drinks, can cause blood sugar spikes. Dietitians claim that the very common mistakes in this article increase blood sugar levels. We also offer advice on how to correct those morning mistakes. 

Skipping Breakfast

People who adhere to intermittent fasting, which limits food intake to certain hours of the day, can benefit from skipping breakfast. According to research, though, extended fasting can increase cortisol secretion and alter its daily rhythm. Stress hormone levels may stay elevated for a longer time, which can increase blood sugar. Waiting to eat until you are overly hungry can cause overeating or increased cravings throughout the day. Some people with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, or those who notice energy crashes later in the day should be cautious about skipping breakfast. 

If you feel like skipping breakfast causes feelings of tiredness or increased cravings, try to eat no more than one to two hours after you wake up. If you are intermittent fasting, make sure that your first meal is nutrient-dense, containing fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Not Planning Ahead

If you rush in the morning from the moment you wake up to the second you get to work, you are more likely to skip meals and grab an unhealthy, convenient option. Ideally, you should plan to have breakfast ready in the fridge, so it is ready when you wake up. That makes it much easier to prioritize fiber and protein. Set time aside in the evening to prepare simple meals, such as egg bites, overnight oats, or chia pudding. You can even prepare make ahead smoothie bags!

Being Sedentary

Smartphones, tablets, and laptops have made it incredibly convenient to remain in bed or sit down scrolling social media or checking emails. Research confirms that being sedentary in the morning can lead to higher glucose levels, especially if you eat a pastry at the same time. A sedentary morning means that your active muscles use glucose for energy. A short amount of activity, even a 10-15 minute walk, a yoga session, light stretching, or squats and push-ups, can significantly improve blood glucose levels. Try to incorporate light movement into your morning routine. Even 10 minutes of bodyweight exercises can set the tone for the rest of your day. 

Drinking Coffee Before You Eat Anything

There are people with cups, shirts, or signs that say things like “coffee first” or “don’t talk to me before coffee.” For some people, drinking coffee on an empty stomach only adds to the body’s natural morning rise in blood glucose. Cortisol, as we mentioned earlier, is a stress hormone that naturally increases in the morning to help the body wake up. It signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, but caffeine only intensifies that process. If you have insulin resistance and drink coffee before eating food, glucose can remain elevated for a lot longer than normal.

It is better to enjoy your coffee with protein-rich foods, such as Greek yogurt, nuts, oatmeal, or eggs. You can even enjoy a fruit and vegetable smoothie with protein powder, or mix a little protein powder into your coffee. Just be mindful that the flavor of your powder matters when mixing it into coffee. 

Eating Carbs Without Fat, Fiber, Or Protein

A muffin or plain toast is very convenient to eat in the morning, but the body digests those refined carbs very quickly. The body’s quick digestion of those refined carbs can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose and then an inevitable crash. That back and forth swing can trigger cravings, a cycle of inconsistent energy, and fatigue. Refined carbs are naturally low in fiber, which you can find in foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Fiber is one of the best nutrients you can eat to stabilize blood sugar. Protein and healthy fats also slow the rate at which the body digests carbs, which can help control spikes. 

Try your best to avoid refined carbs altogether and focus your efforts on protein-rich and fiber-dense meals. Try to consume oatmeal and chia pudding with berries or Greek yogurt with nuts and seeds. There are many other meal options that include healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Search the internet and find recipes that inspire you!

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Fruity, delicious, and refreshing…are not the words you would typically use to describe a kale smoothie. This high protein smoothie is definitely a keeper, especially if you are cleansing. It is full of fiber, antioxidants, protein, and so much more. Drinking this smoothei can fuel your body with the energy and nutrients it needs to stay full between meals. Plus, it comes together is just five minutes!

If your goal is to include more protein in your diet, this smoothie should remain in your recipe rotation. No need for chalky protein powders with this smoothie! This smoothie is creamy as can be and helps your body build muscle, boost metabolism, and may even help you curb unwanted cravings. In addition to the protein, this smoothie also offers beneficial antioxidants, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, potassium, polyphenols, and more. Blueberries are great sources of anthocyanins, which are antioxidant compounds that work to reduce inflammation, help lower blood pressure, and protect brain function. Some research indicates that these antioxidants may even exhibit anti-aging properties.

When it comes to choosing kale, you have a lot of options to choose from. Typically, green curly kale is the most common variety in grocery stores, but you don’t want to choose that variety for this recipe. Baby kale is definitely the way to go for this smoothies, and other smoothies that call for kale. It has a much milder flavor and may even exhibit some mild sweetness. Plus, you don’t have to worry about thick fibrous stems that you have to remove prior to blending.

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When you think of chocolate spread, you probably think of Nutella. It’s a classic spread that not only contains hazelnuts, but also milk, soy, vegetable fats, flavorings, and sugar…lots of sugar. A one-tablespoon serving of Nutella has the following stats:

• Calories: 80 calories
• Fats: 4.6 grams (g)
• Carbohydrates: 8.6 g
• Sugar: 8.4 g
• Protein: 0.9 g

If it is truly a hazelnut spread, why is sugar the first ingredient? That is never a good sign for your health. Fortunately, this recipe is the perfect dip, spread, or breakfast topping. You can even eat it by the spoonful! Just be mindful of how much you eat. because cashews also contain a lot of calories. It does taste good on just about anything and satisfies your chocolate cravings in a healthier way than Nutella does.

Besides the ingredients, the other primary difference between this recipe and a store bought chocolate spread is that is not shelf-stable. This recipe only lasts for about a week, but you have to store it properly in order for this to happen. You will need raw cashews, raw cacao powder, agave nectar, vanilla extract, coconut oil, and sea salt. It’s possible that the chocolate cashew butter will separate slightly, due to the fact that it contains agave nectar and coconut oil. Just give it a good mix every time you eat it and you’ll be fine!

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It’s no secret that new weight loss drugs are highly sought after in the United States. The reason for that is because they are highly effective, so long as you continue using them. Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and other similar medications work by recreating the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that the gut produces once you finish eating. This hormone reduces both hunger and cravings, helping you to eat less, which promotes weight loss. 

What happens when you stop taking these medications, though? Recent research suggests that you can regain weight once you stop taking them. Health experts have started to refer to this weight gain as “Mounjaro plateau” or “Ozempic rebound.”

Why Do People Stop Using These Medications?

People stop taking these medications for numerous reasons, with a common one being the high cost, which is especially true for people without health insurance. Even if you have health insurance, many providers don’t offer coverage for these drugs. There is a huge demand, supply issues, and many unwanted side effects that come from using these medications. In fact, clinical trials found that up to 10% of users stop using these medications because of side effects, including nausea and disruptive bowel movements. 

It’s possible that the number of people who stop using these medications is higher than that 10% figure. Patients may have less aftercare, support, and accountability than they do in clinical trials. That means there is most likely a higher percentage of people who experience unwanted side effects, which could be easily managed. Doctors also state that people stop using these medications once they meet their goal weight. 

Why Do You Gain Weight Post-Medication?

Ozempic, and other related drugs, were originally intended to help people with type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar levels. During clinical trials, researchers observed weight loss to be a surprising side effect. That got them thinking, so they started to prescribe these medications for weight loss (an off-label purpose). 

In present day, many people with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or fatty liver disease, have been struggling to lose weight for 20 to 30 years. Drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy help people lose weight by temporarily altering hunger mechanisms. Basically, they provide a synthetic form of GLP-1, which is the hormone that helps you feel satiated and less hungry. At the same time, these drugs also promote an increase in insulin response to food, which works to regulate blood sugar. They also reduce the release of glucagon, a hormone that opposes insulin and tends to increase blood glucose levels. 

When you stop taking these medications, the body naturally produces more ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Once off the medications, the body’s metabolic rate slows down. The combination of a slower metabolic rate and a rapid onset of hunger causes weight gain, especially if there is no modification in lifestyle or diet. 

How Common Is Weight Gain After Stopping Ozempic?

If you use Ozempic to lose weight, the last thing you want is to see the weight return once you stop taking the drug. As it turns out, it is very common for a person to gain weight after quitting Ozempic or similar medication. One study found that people who stopped taking semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) and quit lifestyle interventions gained two-thirds of their weight back within a year. Another study monitored people who stopped taking tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro. Within one year of quitting the drug, they gained more than half the weight they’d lost while on the drug. 

The Takeaway

Before you take any GLP-1 agonist (such as Ozempic), consult your healthcare professional and make sure you understand the risks. Are you using the drug for short-term or long-term results? If you decide to take Ozempic, make sure you understand what will happen once you stop. Your healthcare professional may be able to provide guidance, nutritional advice, and an exercise regimen to help stave off the weight you lost while on the drug.

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Welcome to the snack that is as charming as it is chewable. These little green dehydrated slices of kiwi pack a somewhat sour and flavorful punch. Think of dehydrated kiwi like the healthier, tropical, sweet, and tangy version of those unhealthy sour candies with artificial dyes and preservatives. Not only is this snack conveniently portable, but it is also loaded with beneficial nutrients, which we’ll discuss in this description. If you love fresh kiwi, then you will love this snack, which is great for hikes or any sort of travel. They’re perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet but want to avoid the guilt of indulging in candy or processed snacks.

Beyond the delightful taste, provide a lot of vitamin C, which helps to give your immune system a boost to fend off foreign invaders in the body. Kiwis also offer a healthy dose of dietary fiber, which works to aid digestion and promote feelings of fullness, helping to curb those unhealthy snack cravings. Rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols, kiwis work to combat oxidative stress and may even contribute to healthier aging, specifically on a cellular level. Plus, kiwis contain potassium, which is not only beneficial for maintaining proper muscle function, but also for keeping your blood pressure in check.

Add these dehydrated kiwis to your diet for the healthy perks and to elevate your snack game with a touch of tropical flair. Believe it or not, these dehydrated kiwis are versatile enough to toss into oatmeal, trail mixes, or yogurt. You can also enjoy them as is for a quick, nutritious pick-me-up. The concentrated nutrients make every bite a mini health boost, so next time you want to reach for a snack, consider keeping these at the ready. There’s no reason for snacking to be an unhealthy practice!

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Snack enthusiasts: this one is for you! This is less so a recipe and more so a tutorial on how to properly dehydrate mangos for healthy snacking. If you have been on the hunt for a super tasty raw vegan snack, you clicked on the right recipe. We’re going to dive deep into the world of dehydrated mangos. Trust us when we tell you that they are soft, chewy snacks that’ll hook your taste buds after the first bite. Plus, you only use mango, so you don’t have to worry about processed ingredients or preservatives that are typically in dried mangos that you find in grocery stores.

Why are mangos perfect for your snacking needs? First off, mangos offer a ton of vitamins, especially vitamin A and C, both of which encourage healthy immune function. They also help improve the appearance of the skin, assisting with collagen production. Mangos also contain a lot of fiber, which benefits digestion and can help keep you feeling full longer. That makes these dried mangos perfect for combatting those mid-afternoon cravings! We cannot forget about the antioxidant properties, which work to combat oxidative stress, a process that ultimately lowers the risk of chronic diseases.

Do yourself a favor and make this recipe…like yesterday. Grab some fresh mangos and get started on dehydrating. Just keep in mind that this recipe, like most dehydrator recipes, takes a bit of time. You may need to dehydrate the mangos for 12-14 hours. Just remember that the thinner your mango slices are, the quicker they will dry out. Happy dehydrating and snacking!

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Greetings to all the berry and pistachio lovers! Welcome to the unique and delicious flavor combination that is this sweetly-tart berry pistachio smoothie. It satisfies both your sweet and salty cravings at once, and in smoothie form no less! It isn’t an overly salty smoothie, though. You won’t feel like you just ate an entire bag of chips after sipping on a tall glass of this tasty creation. The pistachios provide a hint of saltiness that pairs beautifully with the sweet tartness of the raspberries, strawberries, and fresh orange.

Did you know that pistachio intake can be traced back 300,000 years? You commonly see them as a snack nowadays, but you can add them to desserts, salads, trail mixes, and so much more. Besides offering a slightly salty flavor, pistachios offer a long list of health benefits. Pistachios, just like raspberries, strawberries and orange, offer lots of antioxidants that help protect your cells. Researchers note that pistachios contain more antioxidant compounds that other nuts and seeds. They are especially rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, two antioxidants that help protect the eyes from blue light damage and age-related macular degeneration. The polyphenols and tocopherols in pistachios may help protect against heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Believe it or not, this smoothie does not contain banana. Although it doesn’t require one, you can add a banana if you desire. Want your smoothie to be a little thicker? Go ahead and add some more berries and ice cubes during the blending process. If you want to bulk up the smoothie a little, you can add some chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp hearts, or avocado. Feel free to throw in some spinach, but just keep in mind that the color of the smoothie will change.

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A recent study examined brain scans of women who looked at abstract images unrelated to food or images of sweet and savory foods. The women who felt the most lonely and socially isolated had the highest level of brain activity in the regions connected to sugary foods and cravings. At the close of the study, study authors concluded that building social connections may cause people to eat healthier. 

This new research, published by JAMA Network Open, builds on previous investigations linking loneliness to poor mental health. Earlier studies also linked loneliness to cognitive decline, weight gain, and obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. Although there is a lot of evidence for these connections, researchers still don’t have a clear idea of the underlying causes. For example, obesity is linked to depression and anxiety, and binge-eating is common coping mechanism for loneliness.

The Study

Study authors surveyed 93 women about their social connections, body weight, feelings of loneliness, and eating behaviors. Scientists then used MRI scans to see how their brains responded when they looked at abstract images unrelated to food or images of different sweet and savory foods. Overall, participants who reported higher levels of loneliness or isolation were more likely to have sugary cravings. The loneliest participants also experienced reduced brain activity in regions responsible for self-control related to eating behaviors. 

Loneliness or social isolation can cause food cravings similar to the cravings you have for social connections. Study authors found that social bonds are integral to how people eat unhealthy foods, especially foods high in calories and sugar.

Study Suggests New Ways To Reduce Sugar Cravings

Although the study linked loneliness to increased sugar cravings, the study had certain limitations. Two of the limitations were the small size and the reliance on participants to accurately report details about the mood, eating behaviors, and overall health. That said, the study provides new evidence that supports the link between your mood and response to food. 

Additionally, the study found that the participants’ brains were particularly reactive to sweet foods. Researchers note that this explains the maladaptive eating behavioral changes among socially isolated people. The good news is that finding out this information can help socially isolated people make positive changes in their social lives, which can alter their eating habits. One of the best ways to start is to find ways to build social support systems. Some examples include volunteering, joining clubs, playing sports, or pursuing a new hobby. Anything that increases your interactions with other people can be beneficial, and may help change how your brain responds to food cues. 

When you are aware that sugar cravings are connected to loneliness or social isolation, you can feel empowered because you have the ability to change your eating patterns. Understanding that loneliness causes you to crave high-calorie, sugary foods is very empowering. You may want to consider holistic mind-body interventions to help correct the way you think about food. Meditation, journaling, deep breathing, and other stress-reduction exercises can be beneficial in changing the way you think about food. 

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Recent studies suggest that junk food accounts for about 50% of the average American’s daily caloric intake. Junk food is the umbrella term that describes ultra-processed foods and drinks, such as fast food, soda, candy, packaged cookies, and salty snack foods. Although there is nothing wrong with enjoying ice cream, chips, or baked goods from time to time, junk food should not be a regular part of your diet. Consuming too much of it can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. 

People who consume more junk food have a higher risk of obesity, fatty liver, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and certain cancers. You may understand this reality, but the problem is that junk food is so appealing. The brain encourages you to seek pleasurable experiences, such as enjoying tasty food. This natural encouragement is the brain’s “reward” system. When you eat tasty food, including junk food, you activate that reward system and the brain releases dopamine. This rush of pleasure causes the brain to create more receptors to respond to that dopamine rush. Ultimately, you care more about junk food the more you eat it because you have that reward system in place. 

If you currently eat a lot of junk food and want to kick your habit, the methods in this article may be effective for you. The following tips are evidence-based, so experiment with them to see which ones work for you. 

Fuel Your Body Regularly

You may think that depriving your body of calories or being overly restrictive with food will lead to weight loss. This tactic can actually have the opposite effect, causing you to ravenously eat foods, many of which are unhealthy. There is a complex relationship between calorie restriction and the cravings you have. The research, however, shows that skipping meals or depriving the body of certain foods can increase cravings and snacking. Everyone has different caloric needs, but you should aim to fuel your body with fiber-rich, protein-rich, and nutrient-dense meals and snacks. When you provide your body with these types of foods, you will reduce your cravings for junk food. 

Get Enough Sleep

Whether you want to believe it or not, insufficient sleep can cause you to make poor food choices. Additionally, lack of sleep increases your desire for junk food because it is quick, easy, and highly accessible. Studies confirm that lack of sleep, or irregular sleep patterns, can increase your caloric intake, snacking, and cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods. In fact, just one night of poor sleep can affect your food choices the next day. A 2019 study found that reducing sleep time by 33% (two to three hours of sleep) caused increased hunger cravings, compared to a normal night of sleep. To protect your food choices, get between seven to nine hours of sleep per night. 

Consider Taking Inventory Of Your Pantry

If you have junk food in your house, especially if you know where to find it, you will likely gravitate towards it. Consider swapping out ultra-processed food products with more nutritious options. Junk food that is palatable and addictive is dangerous to have in your house. The research shows that just looking at tempting foods can stimulate the striatum, an area in the brain that regulates appetite and reward from food intake. Looking at cookies, candy, or chips may lead to snacking, overeating, and eating even if you are not hungry. Do a pantry overhaul to see which foods need to go. Stock your counter with fresh fruit instead of keeping candy in your pantry!

Cook More Meals At Home

Not only does cooking at home save you money, but it can also help you cut back on junk food. Stopping at a fast food establishment, although convenient, is not conducive to your health journey. Cooking at home, especially if you meal prep, can help you decrease your reliance on convenience foods. Additionally, meal prepping is a great way to ensure that you always have healthy food options. Many studies indicate that people who cook more have better quality diets, enjoying more servings of fruits and vegetables per day. They also eat less food than people who dine out often. 

Eat More Filling Foods

Struggling with what to eat? It can be beneficial to learn more about how certain foods impact your body and hunger levels. That knowledge can help you devise a better plan of attack for your meals, and may help you cut back on your junk food intake as well. Most junk foods are high in calories, but they don’t fill you up. Ever notice how you can eat an entire bag of chips and still be hungry? That is why it benefits you to eat foods that are higher in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Consider eating homemade overnight oats or chia pudding instead of grabbing a donut and coffee on your way to work. You can also opt for a fruit and vegetable smoothie to satiate you until lunch!

Grocery Shop Regularly

If you want to make more food at home and stop eating junk food, a well-stocked kitchen makes that task much more doable. Studies have shown that people who grocery shop regularly have better quality diets than people who don’t. Additionally, those people eat much less ultra-processed foods. When you go to the grocery store, make sure to take a grocery list and stick to it. Avoid going to the store when you are hungry because that will cause you to make impulse purchases that do nothing for your health.

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