Depending on who you are, breakfast may or may not be the most important meal of the day. Some people skip breakfast as part of an intermittent fasting meal plan, while others require the nutrients from that meal to power them until lunch. Given that breakfast is the first meal of the day, it is your chance to give your body nutrient-dense foods for energy and focus. 

The unfortunate reality is that there are many breakfast foods in the Standard American Diet that do more harm than good. Fueling the body with bacon, eggs, and toast is not on par with homemade chia pudding, for example. Some breakfast foods provide all-day clarity, while others cause stress and wreak havoc on your brain. Continue reading to learn about a number of breakfast foods that can cause stress and make the brain tired. 

Loaded Coffee

What is a loaded coffee? We can assure you that it is not a velvety cup of black coffee that you made with a French press or pour over. A loaded coffee contains refined sugars (a lot of them), artificial flavors, and dairy, all of which increase inflammation in the brain and body. Inflammation can increase symptoms of psychological stress and impair cognitive functions. Avoid the sugary treat and consider straight black coffee or an almond milk cappuccino. 

Cereals

There are a handful of breakfast cereals that have their benefits, but most cereals are loaded with sugars. Are they easy to prepare in the morning? Absolutely, but that is because you only need to add your choice of milk or non-dairy milk. Unfortunately, cereal boasts no cognitive benefits, as most varieties are devoid of nutrients. It is better to nourish the body with whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats. A great example of that is a bowl of oatmeal or overnight oats. Don’t miss your opportunity to nourish your body!

Fruity Yogurts

You have seen the strawberry banana or vanilla yogurt with granola pack in the grocery store before. These are sugar bombs, but the yogurt aspect makes you think it is a healthy breakfast choice. Plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries, however, is a great breakfast option that can promote gut and brain health. Fruit-flavored yogurts are different, and you can see that difference by reading the nutrition label. For your reference, four grams of sugar equates to one teaspoon, so make sure that you are not consuming eight to 10 grams of sugar per serving on something that is supposed to be healthy. 

“The Detective”

We are giving this name to the classic combo of donuts and coffee, due to the stereotypical police officer/detective eating donuts and drinking coffee. Plain black coffee can provide some valuable nutrients, but that donut does away with it all. Not only does eating a donut make you want to eat more, but it also makes you crave unhealthy carbs. Donuts are loaded with pro-inflammatory carbohydrates and inflammatory oils. Both can set you up for short-term brain fog and poor memory outcomes in the long run. 

All-Fruit Smoothies

A smoothie is a great way to deliver a lot of nutrients to the body in one fell swoop. It is a great breakfast item, but the problem is when you only include fruit in the smoothie. You don’t want to make a sweet milkshake in disguise, which is why we encourage you to blend a mixture of fruits and vegetables. If you only consume all-fruit smoothies, you may experience a big blood sugar spike, which can cause an energy crash a few hours later. Don’t let yourself become a victim of fatigue, anxiety, and general irritability! 

Breakfast Burritos

A breakfast burrito can be made with healthy ingredients. If you only include eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheese, though, you may wind up feeling bloated and run-down. The tortilla also introduces unnecessary simple carbohydrates and refined starches. If you want to make a breakfast burrito healthier for the gut and brain, consider skipping the wrap and enjoy some scrambled eggs with fresh vegetables, black beans, and a splash of salsa.

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Get ready to enjoy a light and refreshing slaw recipe that is made without mayo or heavy dressing. Sometimes, it’s nice to take a break from the traditional coleslaw and make a lighter variation. This recipe is exactly that, and makes for a perfect side dish, taco topper, or salad substitute if you are cleansing. Plus, the lighter slaw is much lower in calories and fat than a traditional slaw with mayo-based dressing. Cabbage itself is low in calories, but the dressing is where the calories and fat come from. Not in this recipe, though!

You can’t have slaw without cabbage, which offers a rich nutritional profile. Cabbage provides vitamins C & K, fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Some of the antioxidant compounds in cabbage may contribute to DNA protection and offer protection against certain types of cancer. Now, while cabbage is a nutritious ingredient, jalapeños also offer surprising health benefits. Commonly used in Mexican cuisine but popular worldwide, jalapeños are vibrant green hot peppers that are naturally rich in vitamins C, B6, A, & K, in addition to folate, manganese, and beneficial antioxidants.

Several lab studies indicate that capsaicin, an alkaloid compound in jalapeños and other peppers, exhibits strong anti-cancer properties. In fact, it has the potential to kill over 40 types of cancer cells without harming normal, healthy cells. Capsaicin works to fight cancer by stopping the growth and division of cancer cells, slowing the formation of new blood cells around tumors, and preventing the spread to other areas in the body. Will eating this cilantro lime slaw reduce your cancer risk? We can’t speak to that, but the ingredients speak for themselves! We hope you enjoy the slaw!

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Longer days and warmer weather can mean only one thing: cooling, sweet treats become quite heavenly. The cold is a beautiful welcome from the intense dry or humid heat, depending on where you live. The combo of chili, lime, and mango brings those summer sensations together in one cooling and delicious treat. Your taste buds get hit with a subtle heat from the chili powder, while those citrusy bits of energetic lime zest remain with you as the sweet and tropical mango coats the tongue. To create a luxurious texture and creamy undertone, you have the nutty, homemade almond milk.

There are many reasons to love this recipe, one of them being the fact that this only contains five ingredients. Unlike a mango sorbet from the grocery store, this recipe does not contain copious amounts of sugar per serving. The sweetness primarily comes from the mango, which you cube and freeze overnight prior to making this recipe. Because the lime juice and zest bring a tangy acidity and the chili brings spice, we added a touch of maple syrup. You can start with a little less maple syrup and increase the amount from there.

In order to create a more pleasant eating experience, make sure that you blend everything until smooth and creamy. You don’t want any frozen mango chunks in the sorbet! Using a high-speed blender is a possibility, but you may have an easier time creating a smooth and creamy consistency. Whichever kitchen appliance you use to make the sorbet, make sure that you scrape down the sides of the processor/blender to fully incorporate all the ingredients. When ready to serve, feel free to dust with some chili powder or add a squeeze of lime.

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When the weather is warm and inviting, it’s hard not to be outside. That summer sun is just too amazing to ignore! Well, that’s true until you turn red like a lobster as a result of not applying sunscreen. Besides taking proper care of your skin, you have to be careful not to overheat and dehydrate when the weather is hot. That is especially true if you exercise or engage in hard labor in the sun. The simple tips in this article help you work out safely in the heat because there is no reason to not enjoy the outdoors while getting in your physical activity.

Plan Wisely

Now, if the temperatures are very hot, you should not exercise outside at the hottest time of day. No reason to go for a jog at two in the afternoon in peak heat. Make sure to choose a cooler time of day to avoid the sun shining on you at its hottest. Generally, mornings and late-afternoons/evenings are great times to workout to minimize direct sun exposure. If you are an early bird, consider getting up before the sun even rises to exercise outside. 

Hydrate And Then Hydrate Again

This seems like an obvious statement, but most people fail to realize how quickly they dehydrate in the heat. If you exercise outside, you will sweat out the water you drink, accelerating the dehydration process. According to research, going into a workout hydrated can decrease the risk of dehydration. Additionally, eating electrolyte-rich foods before and after your workout can help you retain and restore electrolyte balance. Pure coconut water, watermelon, cucumber, celery, citrus fruits, carrots, tomatoes, and other foods can help provide essential nutrients and aid hydration efforts. 

Consider A Pre-Workout Shower

Does showering before a workout make sense? In your mind, maybe not, but research suggests that manipulating pre-exercise body temperature can influence workout performance. It may also be an effective strategy for athletes who compete in stressful environments. Taking a short, cold shower or quick swim before exercising in the heat can help reduce body temperature. 

Listen To Your Body

Knowing your limits can benefit your body when exercising in the heat. If you notice that you feel light-headed, nauseous, dizzy, or something similar, take time to rest and drink water. Excessive sweating can quickly lead to heat exhaustion, which can have serious consequences. Make sure to monitor your water intake and energy levels at every stage of your outdoor exercise routine. 

Allow The Body Time To Acclimate

If you are not used to exercising in hotter weather, you have to give the body time to adjust. Gradually increase your exposure to heat over the course of one to two weeks. Start with shorter, less intense workouts in the cooler parts of the day. Increase the intensity and change the time at which you exercise as you progress. Starting slow, though, helps your body improve its ability to regulate temperature and increase sweat efficiency. If you skip the acclimation period, you run the risk of getting a heat-related illness.

Wear Light-Weight Clothing

The goal is to stay as cool as possible when you exercise in the heat. Try to wear light-weight clothing and moisture-wicking garments that bring sweat to the outer surface. Loose-fitting shirts also help you remain cool. In addition to the type of clothing you wear, consider the color as well. Avoid dark-colored clothing because black and dark blue clothing, for example, can cause you to overheat. Opt for white clothing or even bright options that reflect the sun. 

Keep It Short

If you are not used to exercising in the heat, especially for longer periods, make sure to keep your workout routine short. Start with a 20-30 minute low-to-medium-intensity routine to allow your body to acclimate to the heat. That advice holds true whether you are exercising in the outdoor heat or in a heated yoga class.

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If you operate like most people, then you have to get out and do things during the summer. Moving your workouts outside allows you to embrace both the benefits of exercise and being in fresh air and nature. That is especially true if you go on scenic hikes, swim in lakes, or head to the beach. Although working out in the heat can bring about certain risks, it also brings a host of benefits, which we detail in this article. 

You do not have to be a full-blown outdoors person to want to exercise outside. If you choose to train outside in the heat, you can reap several benefits, despite the challenges that it presents. Continue reading to learn about the top five benefits of exercising in the heat.

Enhance Mental Strength

When you run on the treadmill indoors and the air conditioning is going strong, you may get comfortable. That isn’t to say that running is easy, but you don’t have to face the elements, nor do you have to face uneven terrain. Running outside is a different experience, no matter the temperature. Training in the heat, though, requires you to adapt to the discomfort. In doing so, you actually build mental strength that you can transfer to everyday life, which helps you be more resilient overall.

Burn More Calories

The body’s temperature elevates a little more outside in the heat than it does inside an air-conditioned gym. That ultimately increases the body’s metabolic rate, and the body also has to work harder to cool down. In order to do both of those things, the body needs to burn more calories, which makes it a little easier to lose a couple pounds. Note that this is a temporary calorie expenditure and should not replace long-term strategies like strength training, consistent aerobic activity, and healthy diet. 

Increases Sweat And Blood Circulation

When you are in hot weather, what do you notice? You sweat, right? The body’s natural response to heat exposure is increased sweat production and blood circulation. By learning to adapt to these circumstances, you train the body to become tolerant and familiar with a range of temperatures. Plus, working out in the heat can help improve heart rate and sweat rate, two things that boost cardiovascular health. 

Improve Endurance

Becoming more comfortable in an uncomfortable setting is the name of the game if you want to push your body. By pushing through the discomfort, you can improve your tolerance for tougher workouts. According to research, people who are more acclimated to heat and fully hydrated have less body heat storage and perform optimally during exercise-heat stress. Additionally, one study conducted on elite athletes shows that heat training increases the production of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues. That process helps to improve cardiovascular endurance. 

Encourages Detoxification

Research indicates that people routinely have sweating rates of one liter per hour when working in hot weather. The increased sweat rate actually encourages detoxification, allowing the body to get rid of excess toxins in the body via sweat. While this is beneficial, don’t forget that you must replenish fluids after expelling that much sweat. Drink plenty of water and consider adding electrolytes, or consuming electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water, in order to enhance hydration and replenish minerals.

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Ready for a delightful breakfast, fellow kitchen adventurers? Get ready to grab your breakfast and go when you prepare this peach chia pudding. It’s like summer in a jar! If you know anything about our recipes, you know that we like to make them as user friendly as possible. They should not feel like a challenge because healthy eating doesn’t have to be that way. You can create nutrient-dense meals in a matter of minutes with a few simple ingredients. Such is the case for this chia pudding, which can double as a healthy breakfast or dessert. You can even enjoy it as a pre- or post-workout snack.

The thick chia pudding is bursting with peach goodness. Since peaches are in season during the summer months, we like to use them whenever possible. In-season peaches are typically juicier and more flavorful, offering a lovely natural sweetness that steals the show in this recipe. Depending on the sweetness level of the peach you use in this recipe, you may or may not need the grade A maple syrup. Try it without the maple syrup at first and then add it if you desire a sweeter flavor from your chia pudding. Pour the mixture into two jars and refrigerate overnight. Doing so gives the chia pudding enough time to set.

Unlike other chia pudding recipes, this one requires you to make the chia pudding base before incorporating the chia seeds. Once you blend together the base ingredients, incorporate the chia seeds. Make sure you take your time with blending because you want it to be silky smooth (just like a smoothie) prior to adding the chia seeds. Want a little texture in your chia pudding? Leave the base slightly chunky with peach bits. That will also help it maintain fruity essence!

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Do you feel a little regret or shame about wolfing down way too much food or drink at the holiday weekend party? Perhaps you devoured three hot dogs and an entire bag of chips while sipping on some cold ones by the pool. Whatever your indulgence was, there is no need to beat yourself up about the past. What happened, happened, and now it’s time to look toward a healthier future. 

A food binge happens when you eat past the point of satisfaction. In fact, binge eating can cause a person to eat large amounts of food, so much so, that they feel discomfort. It’s common for binge eaters to eat when they are not hungry, especially after they’ve already finished a filling meal. It’s possible to feel guilty, sick even, while scarfing down unnecessary calories, but it isn’t the end of the world. You can put the holiday binge eating behind you and get back on track. Continue reading to learn how you can recover after the holiday binge.

Start By Hydrating

If you drank a lot of alcohol and ate a lot of unhealthy food, the body is most likely dehydrated, especially if you did not drink water while binge eating. That’s why you should start the next day by drinking a lot of water to rehydrate the body. High-salt, high-sugar, and high-fat foods, as well as alcohol, can easily pull water from the body. Aim to consume half your body weight in ounces of water the following day. Not only does water help keep the body operational, but it also aids digestion, which is something you need after eating excessively. 

Stay Off The Scale

If you go on a food binge, even if it is just for a day, it is very possible that you’ll see a higher-than-usual number on the scale the next day. Do not go looking for information that doesn’t benefit you. When you go back to your normal eating routine, your weight will adjust accordingly. Give your body a few days to reset and remember that weight is not the only measurement of health. If you feel strong, sleep well, and have a little pep in your step, these are indicators that you are on the right track.

Do Not Purge

Do not do the unthinkable and take forcible action to undo a food binge. Don’t make yourself vomit, don’t use laxatives, and don’t exercise like crazy to balance out your caloric intake from the previous day. Those are not healthy solutions; in fact, they are common behaviors of eating disorders that can cause serious damage to the body. Some complications that stem from this binging and purging cycle include:

• Acid reflux
• Low blood pressure
• Arrhythmia, heart failure, and other heart issues
• Severe dehydration and constipation
• Osteoporosis and tooth problems
• Stopped menstrual cycles
• Gastrointestinal problems

Get Moving

Again, do not go run a marathon after a day of binge eating. You can help get all that junk out of your system if you get moving. Exercising is a natural way to promote bowel movements because the physical activity increases gut motility. That helps push out all of the extra junk, calories, fat, and sugars you ate during your binge. Additionally, movement triggers the brain to release serotonin and dopamine, two feel-good hormones that help boost your mood and overall mental health. Go for a walk, hop on an exercise bike, or head out for a swim to put your body in motion. You can even tackle some chores, such as vacuuming or mowing the lawn!

Try Mindful Eating

Mindful eating requires you to use all of your emotional and physical senses to experience and enjoy the foods you choose to eat. It is the opposite of mindless eating, or distracted eating, which commonly leads to overeating. Whenever you feel tempted by food and drink, acknowledge how you feel at that moment. Before you polish off a bag of chips and go for a second cheeseburger, consider whether you are really hungry or not. Are you going to get food just because it’s there and you are bored? If you are actually hungry, eat slowly because it takes about 15 minutes for the brain to register that the stomach is full.

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Quick, easy, delectable, and perfect for summer, this sweet peach dressing is going to blow your taste buds away. With only five ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, fresh peach, agave nectar, and sea salt), it is essentially summery goodness in a jar. We give it a rave review, but your palate will ultimately be the deciding judge. Can this dressing make it to the top of your summer dressings list? You’ll just have to make it and find out, but hurry before peaches are out of season!

Making a summer salad? This is the dressing you’ve been looking for. It also differs from other dressings, in that most do not blend fresh seasonal fruit into them. Because it contains fresh peach, the lifespan is not nearly as long as a store bought dressing. In fact, you have to use this dressing within three days of making it, and that’s even when you store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Because the dressing has fresh lemon juice, you want to use a peach that is ripe. Riper peaches offer a sweeter flavor, which balances the acidic nature of the lemon.

Once you prepare the ingredients, add all of them to a blender and blend until smooth. Ideally, peel the peach, as this will make for a more pleasant eating experience. You don’t have to peel the peach if that is too much work. Instead, you can blend the unpeeled peach cubes with the rest of the ingredients and strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve. That will get rid of any red peel flakes in the dressing.

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Like many holidays in the United States, the Fourth of July focuses on food. One could argue that food is the main attraction, besides the fireworks of course. For the most part, the food is unhealthy. Attending a Fourth of July barbecue is like going to a place that is designed to make you feel sluggish and bloated. Healthy habits take a backseat when you are faced with the incredible spread of sodium, unhealthy fats, and sugar. 

If you take a small amount of time to plan and make mindful choices, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious Fourth of July celebration. Continue reading to learn about six tips to help you eat healthy at that festive holiday barbecue/cookout.

Opt For Lean Proteins

It’s not uncommon to see hot dogs and burgers sizzling on the grill at a Fourth of July celebration. These meats tend to be high in saturated fats, which do not support heart health. If you can, opt for leaner protein options, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts, wild caught fish, or turkey. Marinate your leaner proteins with herbs, spices, and a touch of citrus before grilling to enhance the flavor without adding excess calories. 

Be Mindful Of Condiments

Why do people love ketchup so much? Well, it contains tons of sugar and added flavors that make it highly addictive. Condiments are notoriously rich in unhealthy fats, hydrogenated oils, preservatives, added sugars, and excess sodium. Try not to drown your food in ketchup and mayonnaise-based sauces. Instead, create lighter options with Greek yogurt or olive oil-based dressings. Homemade salsas and marinades are also great condiment alternatives. 

Plan Ahead And Try To Be Mindful

Before you attend the Fourth of July hoorah, or any holiday shindig for that matter take a moment to plan your eating strategy. The plan should also include what you will eat prior to arriving at the party. Begin your day with a fruit and vegetable smoothie or chia pudding. If possible, enjoy a big salad for lunch, but make sure it has a lot of filling ingredients, such as avocados. The last thing you want to do is eat light all day and show up to the party with a ravenous hunger. When you are mindful of your hunger levels, you can make better, healthier choices and prevent overeating. Take time to focus on flavors and enjoy textures of the food at the party. 

Load Up On Fruits And Vegetables

Worried about having a fruit or vegetable option if you are attending a party? Bring a fruit or vegetable dish, or both! Bringing a dish such as this ensures that you’ll have something healthy to enjoy. The goal should be to make fruits and vegetables the stars of your plate. In fact, two-thirds of your plate should consist of fruits and vegetables. Consider serving a fruit platter, vegetable tray with hummus, or a nutritious and colorful salad with a homemade dressing.

Stay Hydrated

It is very easy to forget about hydration at a Fourth of July event. The music is playing, the vibes are great, the company is impeccable, and the food keeps you coming back for more. Add the summer heat to the equation and you have a recipe for dehydration, especially if you are drinking alcohol. Keep in mind that in addition to drinking water, you can eat water-rich fruits and vegetables to aid hydration efforts. Watermelon, cucumber, cantaloupe, apples, and other options are rich in water. Drink your water, but eat it, too! Should you decide to consume alcohol, do so in moderation and make sure that you drink water between each alcoholic beverage you enjoy. 

Portion Control

With a wide variety of food options available to you in a buffet-like setting, it can be difficult not to overindulge. Depending on who you talk to, overindulging is the name of the game! Let’s try to break free from that way of thinking this year, though. Fill your plate with a balanced mix of lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, avoid going back for seconds and listen to your body’s hunger cues to prevent overeating.

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The last thing you want to be after enjoying a full meal is hungry. You should feel content and satiated post-meal. What we mean by this is that you should not have a growling stomach or low energy levels that typically indicate that you need to eat. If you want to indulge in a little dessert after a meal, that is something completely different, as that refers to appetite. We are talking about hunger!

The hunger you experience between meals and snacks typically means that you are not eating enough of the right foods. What do these foods have that others don’t? Focus on foods that are naturally rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Don’t know where to start or what to incorporate into your meals in order to stay full between meals? Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Potatoes

Potatoes have a high water content and lower energy density when compared to other carbs like pasta or rice. That means that you can eat a bigger portion to enjoy the same amount of carbs. Potatoes also contain resistant starch, which is a type of carb that helps slow the digestive process. Here’s a pro tip: cook and then chill your potatoes for several hours before eating to increase the resistant starch content.

Greek Yogurt

Offering a combination of protein and fat, plain Greek yogurt works to slow gastric emptying. Basically, that means that it slows the emptying of the stomach, which helps keep you fuller for longer. Additionally, yogurt helps maintain blood sugar levels, reducing your urge to snack between meals. Try to begin your day with a filling yogurt bowl that contains some chopped nuts, mixed berries, and just a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar. 

Avocado

Rich in monounsaturated fats and fiber, avocados are excellent foods to help you maintain feelings of fullness. The healthy fats work to slow digestion, while the fiber (about 13 grams in one avocado) helps keep blood sugar stable, which reduces the likelihood of sudden hunger or energy crashes. According to research, eating one whole avocado per day can help improve cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help you make healthier food choices throughout the day. 

Quinoa

Although technically a seed, quinoa is typically associated with grains. The reason for this is because its nutritional properties are more similar to grains than seeds. No matter how you categorize quinoa, one thing remains: it is an excellent source of protein. In fact, quinoa provides all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. Additionally, quinoa is high in fiber, which helps increase feelings of fullness and reduces your desire to eat unnecessarily. 

Legumes

Beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts (yes, they are technically legumes, not nuts) exhibit impressive nutritional profiles. Notoriously, legumes are great sources of fiber and plant-based protein, yet they have low energy density. That means that you feel quite full after eating a serving of legumes. An older article reviewed nine randomized trials that examined post-meal fullness from pulses, which belong to the legume family. The results indicated that participants were 31% more full from eating pulses compared with eating meals without pulses that contained the same amount of calories. 

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