For millions of Americans, Thanksgiving Day is a whirlwind of a day. It involves a lot of cooking time, a marathon of eating, and time spent with loved ones. Maybe you turn on the Macy’s parade or watch some football games before you pile on the calories. However you celebrate this holiday, one thing is for certain: about 70% of the American population feels stressed about the holiday’s arrival. 

Thanksgiving can induce stress for a variety of reasons. If you are in charge of cooking the meal, you have a lot of prep work today for the arrival of your guests. That can be quite stressful, but it’s also possible to feel anxiety or strong emotions about going to Thanksgiving dinner at a relative’s house. Maybe you had to take two flights and an Uber in peak holiday travel to make it. Perhaps you just have anxiety about aunts and uncles asking about your employment. Whatever the case, there are many things that can induce stress over this feast of a holiday. Fortunately, there are also strategies that can help you manage stress, and we detail them below.

Consume To Enjoy And Don’t Eat Your Feelings

The Thanksgiving spread is full of calorically dense, rich entrees, sides, and desserts. We are not here to dissuade a generally healthy person from an extra spoonful of gravy or an additional slice of pie. Are you enjoying an extra serving just to do so, or is a fully loaded second plate your way of coping with feelings of stress or anxiety? Overeating and over-drinking are unhealthy coping mechanisms that are all too common around the holidays. Consume festive food with people out of merriment, not to bury negative feelings. 

Set Boundaries

If you want to avoid stress and anxiety around Thanksgiving, or any holiday celebration with family, make sure to set boundaries regarding certain discussion topics. For whatever reason, there is always one family member that likes to stir the pot. Perhaps they bring up who they voted for or what their foreign policy opinions are. There will likely be a lot of election anxiety, as a result of the aftermath, and opinions are stronger than ever. Set a boundary by sending a loving email requesting that everyone leave their political opinions at the door for Thanksgiving. Request that you do not want to talk about any religious, socioeconomic, or other issues that are touchy subjects. Keep the conversation light-hearted and loving to keep stress levels down.

Embrace Gratitude

There is great power in gratitude. Being thankful for things that are good in life, even the smallest things, can lead to mental health improvements. According to one analysis of 70 studies, there is an association between higher levels of gratitude and lower levels of depression. The same report found that reaffirming gratitude for 15 minutes per day, five times per week, can enhance mental awareness. A separate meta-analysis of 64 randomized trials found that participants who underwent gratitude interventions experienced fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Try your best to express gratitude on a day that represents being thankful. If you do not wish to speak your feelings of gratitude out loud with family, consider writing in a gratitude journal and reflect on it around Christmas or the New Year. 

Be Mindful Of Your Triggers

There are certain people and situations that just seem to push your buttons like no other. This is especially true during the holiday season. As you enter Thanksgiving, be mindful of this and recognize your potential triggers before you encounter them. That way, you can practice coping skills and prepare how you will react to those triggers. You can reframe your thoughts, employ progressive muscle relaxation, or use breathing techniques to help reduce anxiety and stress. A few common triggers are:

• Excessive crowds in shopping centers and grocery stores
• Travel issues, including flight delays and accommodation struggles
• Issues that come about when you host Thanksgiving
• Interactions and disagreements with certain family members

Exercise

Fatigue and laziness often accompany Thanksgiving stress and anxiety. Stave off your lethargy by incorporating or increasing exercise into the days leading up to the big feast. You are not trying to burn extra calories so that you can eat more; rather, the goal of exercising is to promote mental wellness. Exercise helps to trigger a brain-body response through the healthy release of dopamine. When you exercise outdoors, that dopamine release is combined with an increase in serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter that may help reduce anxiety and stress.

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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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There is a common misconception about breast cancer, and it is thinking that you aren’t at risk if you don’t have a family history of it. The simple fact is that only 12% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease. There are other risk factors that you should be aware of, including a sedentary lifestyle and taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Health experts estimate that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Given that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s an important time for women to focus on prevention, education, and early detection. When you are knowledgeable about breast cancer, you can help reduce the risk of developing it and detect early issues. Continue reading to learn about five things every woman should know about breast cancer. 

Know Your Risk Factors

As is the case with many forms of cancer, risk factors vary from person to person. Family history, aging, and more are beyond your control, but understanding them can help you develop preventative measures. Statistically, women with close relatives (sister, mother, or daughter) who have had breast cancer have a higher risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are genetic mutations, also significantly increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Early menstruation, late menopause, and not having children are other risk factors to consider. When you know your risk factors, you can work with your healthcare provider to create a personalized screening plan.

When To Start Screening

Ideally, you should have annual breast exams at the doctor’s office starting at the age of 18. Annual mammograms should begin between the ages of 35 and 40. Health experts also encourage women to examine their own breasts monthly at the end of their period when breasts are the most tender. You should know your breasts better than anyone, so you should alert your doctor if you notice any lumps, swelling, nipple discharge or inversion, or any other changes. 

Pay Attention To Breast Rashes

Inflammatory breast cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer that presents itself as a rash. Some of the symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain and/or itchiness
• Severely enlarged pores on the breast(s)

Doctors tend to misdiagnose inflammatory breast cancer as dermatitis (a common skin infection) or mastitis (breast tissue inflammation) because it looks like a regular rash. If your rash does not respond to antibiotics within five days, your doctor may need to take a skin sample to test for cancer. 

Lifestyle Choices Make A Difference

Although not all cases of breast cancer are preventable, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk. Statistically, people who consume a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds have a lower risk of cancer than those who consume a lot of processed foods, saturated fat, and refined carbs. Additionally, regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of moderately-intense exercise per day, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Finally, health experts urge women to maintain a healthy weight, especially after menopause, because excess body fat can increase estrogen levels and contribute to cancer risk. 

Symptoms To Watch Out For

Most women know to look for lumps, as that is the most common indicator of breast cancer. Changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture (dimpling) can be red flags. It’s also possible for some women to experience redness or swelling of the breast, which could indicate inflammatory breast cancer (as we mentioned earlier). Early detection of these symptoms can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment. If you notice something, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor about it. 

At Dherbs, we believe that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to value the importance of early detection. That said, we don’t think that women should just focus on their health during October. Maintaining overall health and wellness is a year-round endeavor. Should you want to help cleanse the female reproductive system and optimize female health, consider our Female Cleanse.

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When you decide to make the switch to a vegan diet, it can feel like stepping into a whole new world. The ingredients may be unfamiliar and it’s common to face unexpected challenges. It’s also common to face way more chickpeas, greens, whole grains, and nuts than you ever thought you would. 

It can be tough to go vegan, especially if you are going it alone. That is especially true if you are the primary cook in the family and have to prepare other non-vegan foods for others. It’s possible for your family to react with confusion or even resentment, but it’s a commendable dietary change. That’s especially true if you make the shift for health reasons. Going vegan is not always about taking the moral high ground. 

All of that said, there are some common mistakes that people make when switching to the vegan diet. Continue reading to understand what to watch out for when you go vegan. We hope the information helps you during this major transition. 

Lacking Strong Motivation

Approaching the vegan diet like a new diet is actually a mistake. The reason that many people stick with their vegan diets for so long is because their motivation is rooted in values and ethics. Some people make the switch because they no longer want to support mass animal farming, which is perfectly understandable. Perhaps your motivation is to avoid certain illnesses that run in your family. Be it climate crisis, personal health, or the mistreatment of animals, find your reason and let that be your guiding light. 

Buying Foods Without Reading Ingredient Lists

There are many foods that seem vegan, but are actually not. For example, it’s possible for chips to have chicken powder or salad dressing to have milk powder or eggs. Some sugar may even be processed with bone char, which manufacturers use during the refining process to whiten sugar. Even non-dairy creamers can contain small amounts (less than 2%) of sodium caseinate, a milk-derived product. Do your research and always read ingredient labels to avoid slipping up on your new diet. 

Believing Food Is Healthy Just Because It’s Vegan

There are many unhealthy foods that are technically vegan, such as French fries, Oreos, some sour candies, faux meats, pasta, bread and more. Just because it is vegan doesn’t mean it is healthy. You could consider yourself a vegan if you only eat fries, pasta, and Beyond burgers. If you made the shift to veganism for health reasons, focus your efforts on balancing those unhealthy vegan foods with an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Don’t let a food’s vegan label make you think that it is healthy!

Relying On Faux Meats

It is true that many fast food restaurants and other establishments have vegan burgers or options on their menus. If you are used to eating chicken and rice or meat and potatoes for dinner, it can be tricky to have veggie-centric meals all the time. Faux meats qualify as vegan, but they are lab-generated and full of processed ingredients. Sure, they can fill you up, but there are many problems with those foods. There is an abundance of incredibly delicious meal options that a vegan diet offers. Don’t be afraid to look at mealtime through a different lens. Get inspiration from social media or different websites and experiment!

Not Having Fun With Food

Do not fall into a rut of making the same thing over and over again just because you know it is vegan. You have to keep your taste buds interested, so treat cooking as a creative exercise. Experiment with different spices, explore different cuisines, and try new recipes. Going vegan is not about deprivation, but about discovery. If you avoid the common mistakes in this article, then you will find that your new lifestyle can be as joyful as it is nourishing. 

And if you need a little assistance with your dietary transition, consider our Going Vegan 20-day Challenge (click here for more information). It has nutrients that support your transition into veganism. It may be more helpful than you realize!

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“Eating vegan is expensive,” “veganism is just a fad,” and “vegan diets are unhealthy.” Do these statements sound familiar? The vegan diet is often misconstrued, especially with false claims and misinformation on the internet and social media. There is a lot of poorly researched content that is readily available, but there is also a lot of information detailing the benefits of veganism. You just have to filter what you read to get the real story. 

If you are going vegan, though, you may be a little hesitant, which is perfectly natural. How do you know what to believe? Do you have to milk almonds in order to get their milk? Will you be able to get any protein? Will going vegan damage your relationship with others? It’s amazing what myths exist about this diet! Don’t believe everything you read or hear about the vegan diet, folks. What you can believe, however, is the information in this article. We detail five common myths about going vegan. 

You Can’t Get Protein

This is potentially the most common vegan myth in existence. Believe it or not, you do not have to eat meat or animal products to obtain protein. It is true that there is protein in meat, but that doesn’t mean it is the only source. In fact, protein exists in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. Some common, high-protein foods in the vegan diet include:

• Nuts (cashews, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, and almonds)
• Legumes (black beans, lentils, edamame, pinto beans, and kidney beans)
• Whole grains (brown rice, bulgur wheat, and quinoa, which is not technically a grain but commonly used as one)
• Green vegetables (broccoli, green beans, kale, peas, spinach, and seaweed)

With this information, you can have a few vegan go-to protein-dense meals, such as a whole wheat sandwich with almond butter, chia seeds, and bananas. Add quinoa to your salads and blend cashews into your dressings to make salads more filling. The options are endless!

The Vegan Diet Makes You Weak

First of all, there are many professional vegan athletes who are thriving. The common thought is that you need animal protein to build muscle, but new research shows that that is not 100% true. Vegan diets are rich in many essential nutrients, but you may occasionally have to supplement, especially with vitamin D and vitamin B12, in order to give the body what it needs. There are, however, many vegan foods that are fortified with these specific nutrients. 

You Can Have Honey

Now, there is debate among vegans about honey. Here’s the deal: bees make honey naturally, but for themselves, not for humans. Honey is winter food storage for bees, which is why they work all summer to make it. Similarly, cows make milk for their calves. The honey from farmed bees is taken from the hive and sold for human consumption. Essentially, the bees lose their natural food source, which affects immunity and may be a reason for why bee colonies are collapsing. Most vegans believe that honey is not for their consumption, but there are some who do not see any harm in consuming it. If you are a strict vegan, you will not consume honey and opt for maple syrup or agave instead. 

Being Vegan Damages Your Relationships With Family

This is not true, plain and simple. Now, there are vegans who want to preach the gospel to everyone about why they are superior to others. We are here to tell you that there is no moral high ground to going vegan. It’s important to establish a healthy conversation about veganism in order for more people to be receptive to the idea. Sure, some family and friends may not subscribe to the idea of being vegan, but that doesn’t mean it ruins relationships. You may not like rock music and your best friend does, and yet you still get along. The same applies to your diet!

Vegan Food Is Flavorless

First of all, seasonings are 100% vegan. That means that you can season your food with sea salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, rosemary, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and more. You don’t need artificial flavoring components when you have the real seasonings! Season your vegetables, whole grains, legumes, tempeh, or whatever else falls in the vegan diet and enjoy yourself. Be creative and have fun with your new diet. Just remember that your food doesn’t have to be bland!

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Let us set a very common scene for you quickly. You prepare your bedroom for sleepy time, turning on the fan, fluffing your pillow, and making sure everything else is just right. After you lie down and turn off the lights, you realize that you are alone with your own thoughts. Perhaps you spiral out of control about diseases that you don’t have, financial hardships, family members, and other stupid things that you don’t need to think about when going to bed. 

When you are in this situation, it feels like you cannot turn off your brain. Before you know it, you look at your phone and it is three in the morning. You have to wake up in a few hours to start the day, and that only propels your anxiety to a whole other level. The next thing you know, the sun is peaking through your curtains and it is time for you to greet the day, as much as you don’t want to. 

The goal is to get peaceful and restful sleep every night so that you feel refreshed when you wake up. What is the mind doing at night and how can you shut it down?

The Science Of Sleep

To give you a quick overview, you must know about two thought networks. The first is the central executive network (CEN) and the second is the default mode network (DMN). The former runs when you focus your attention on something, making it purposeful and task-oriented. The latter runs whenever the CEN is off and it is the general mental chatter that you hear all day long. DMN is essentially your stream of consciousness. 

The bad news is that the DMN is negatively biased, so it loves to point out the worst qualities you have. It brings up all of your most painful or embarrassing memories. Sleep experts note that one of the most critical stages of falling asleep is uncoupling the DMN. That basically means that you have to get areas of the brain to stop talking to each other. The CEN is tired at night, so it becomes more difficult to get the DMN to turn off because your ability to focus decreases. 

If you are uptight and stressed, the DMN may also not want to turn off. Researchers at Brown University watched people fall asleep in a brain scanner to better understand why people have a hard time going to sleep at hotels. They observed that the left hemisphere of the DMN remained more active than the rest of the brain during the first night. It woke up other areas of the brain when something unexpected happened, such as a hotel door closing or a voice in the hall. The more alert the DMN was to the outside world during the study, the longer it took for people to fall asleep. It was the DMN that kept them awake and alert when they really wanted to be asleep.

How To Train Your DMN For Better Sleep

Now that you have a better understanding of how the brain keeps you up at night, you can learn ways to override the DMN. The following techniques will help you fall asleep. Experiment with them and see which one works best for you. 

Read Something Uninteresting

If your DMN will not be quiet, find something neutral, boring, or uninteresting to read or listen to. Some people suggest watching something boring, but it’s best to limit blue light exposure before bed. Reading is great, but it is a big leap to go from an anxiety spell to a book. In that instance, an audiobook or podcast might be a better option. Perhaps an astronomer talking about Venus’ relationship to a black hole might soothe you and help you drift off to sleep. 

Force Your Mind To Remember Something

One of the scariest parts about going to sleep is the actual going-to-sleep part. The reason for that is because so many people struggle with sleep. That is true whether you are beginning to go to bed or trying to fall back asleep after waking up in the middle of the night. When you actively ask the brain to do something, you prevent the DMN from the chaos it causes. Try to remember something that you read or listened to from the previous tip. You can also try to remember the plot of a movie or book that you read/watched recently. Give yourself a cognitive task while falling asleep and the DMN won’t steal the show!

Breathe

It is very easy to feel stressed out when the DMN gets caught up in its worries and insecurities. You may feel your breathing become shallow and your muscles can clench. If the DMN is firing on all cylinders, you may clench your jaw and experience nightmares. To help calm the DMN, try soothing the body with some deep breaths. You can also engage in breathing techniques that promote more restful sleep. 

Take A Hot Bath

As a quick note, do not take a hot bath right before you are about to go to sleep. Hop in the bath to soak about two hours before bedtime. Research shows that a hot bath or shower at night can help people fall asleep almost as fast as people who take Ambien. Why does a hot bath or shower help the body shut down? In the hours leading up to bedtime, the body temperature naturally drops. A hot bath or shower simulates this process, helping to improve sleep duration and quality.

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Going abroad for fun in the near future? Maybe you are traveling for work or simply planning a weekend getaway with the family. Wherever you are going, you can rest assured that you do not have to pack resistance bands or kettlebells to keep up with your workouts. 

According to researchers, there are many bodyweight exercises that can help you achieve a meaningful workout. The best part is that you can do them right from the comfort of your own hotel room, campsite, AirBnb, or wherever you are staying. Below, you will find a handful of bodyweight exercises that will get you the most bang for your buck. 

Burpees

Although burpees may be the most hated exercise on this list, they are highly effective for full-body cardio and training the legs, chest, core, and more. To do burpees, start in a standing position and then squat down, placing your hands on the ground and jumping your feet back to enter a high plank. Do a push-up, jump your feet back to your hands, and then explode upward and jump with your arms extended overhead. If you find this traditional way too challenging, you can walk your feet back into a plank, skip the push-up, and stand up to return to the starting position. Complete three sets of 10. 

Forearm Plank

A good old-fashioned plank can go a long way in strengthening your core. The sweat will start to drip after one of these! Begin in a tabletop position on your hands and knees, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. Step your feet back to enter a high plank position. Carefully lower yourself down to your forearms and maintain a straight body, ensuring that you don’t let your hips sink. Hold for 30 seconds and then rest. You can increase the time as you get more comfortable with the exercises. Complete three rounds, holding at least 30 seconds each time. 

Mountain Climbers

Great for cardio, core, and shoulder strength, mountain climbers are great to do in or out of the gym. Enter a high plank position and then drive your right knee toward your chest, before switching it quickly in a fluid motion. Ideally, you want to look like you are running in place, but make sure to keep your shoulders stacked over your hands. If you need, you can take it at a slower pace. Need it to be more challenging? Bring your knee to the opposite elbow! Complete three sets of 30 seconds, resting for one to two minutes between each set. 

Bodyweight Squats

This is one of the simplest and space-saving bodyweight exercises you can do. It targets the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and core. Stand up straight with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Keep your back straight as you lower down into a squat position, sitting your butt back and making sure that your knees don’t extend beyond your toes. Engage your glutes and drive through your heels to return to the starting position. Complete three sets of 10-12 reps. 

Glute Bridges

Glute bridges target your lower back, glutes, and hamstrings, and they can help counteract poor posture. Start by lying flat on your back with your palms facing down by your sides. Bend your knees so that your heels are between three to six inches from your buttocks. Press the soles of your feet into the mat, engage your gluteus muscles, and lift your hips toward the ceiling. Interlock your fingers on the mat near your buttocks and keep your knees directly over your feet. Lower back down slowly, ensuring you don’t slam down on the floor. Complete three sets of 10 reps. 

Push-Ups

For the final move of the sequence, we have the tried and true push-up, which targets the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. Begin in a high plank position and keep your feet shoulder width apart. Keep the body in a straight line as you lower your chest to the floor, keeping your elbows at a 45-degree angle. Press back up by engaging the pectorals and shoulders and pause at the top before completing another rep. Make sure to do three sets of 10-12 push-ups.

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If you’ve been craving a fruity twist on your favorite dish, you clicked on the right recipe. It isn’t the New York slice you were hoping for, but it is an unusually delicious rendition, and perfect for summer too. Enjoy it as a unique appetizer, snack, or even a dessert. Not only is it a great party pleaser at a summertime get together, but it is also perfect for impressing friends and family. It hits all the high notes and refreshes the palate with ease!

Why should you eat a watermelon pizza? Not only is it a home run of flavor, but it is also a great way to surprise your friends and family with something fun and new. It is very easy to make, with the “crust” being slices of crisp, juicy watermelon. Your toppings are the various fruit that you either decide to purchase or have in your kitchen already. The recipe lists specific fruits, but you can use other varieties if you have them. Grapes, cherries, peaches, nectarines, dragon fruit, and apricot all make for great “pizza” toppings. Get a little creative with it and add some fresh basil or mint as well.

The easiest way to get an even “crust” is to slice a big watermelon into one-inch-thick rounds. Then you end up with circular pieces that have the rind on them. Cut those discs into four or six pieces and then you can use the rind as a supportive grip, like you would on a real pizza. The last thing we’ll say about this watermelon pizza is that you cannot freeze it, unfortunately. The watermelon and the “toppings” will get mush after you thaw the frozen pizza. Don’t want to waste food? Make one or two pizzas at a time so that nothing goes to waste. Trust us when we tell you that this will not go to waste if you have company because they’ll love it!

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It was Frederick Douglas who once famously asked, “What to a slave is the Fourth of July?” To honor the anniversary of the freedom granted to enslaved African Americans, we pose a similar question, “What is significant of Juneteenth to the Black community?” To answer this question, we must first understand what Juneteenth is. 

What Is Juneteenth?

The name is a play on the date of June 19th, 1865, which is a significant date in American history and the African American experience. It was on this day that the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that they had been freed, which came as the result of the Civil War’s end, and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. General Gordon Granger led the Union Army to Galveston on that day and told all the people of Texas that enslaved African Americans were free. 

If you know your history, then you know the Civil War ended in April of 1865. It took a while for freedom to make its way to the western most rebelling state: Texas. Enslavers were even aware of not only the Emancipation Proclamation, but also the end of the Civil War. You have to understand that border states existed, including Maryland, that still maintained slavery. The Reconstruction Amendments came to be after the end of the Civil War. Those amendments include the 13th Amendment, which finally ended slavery throughout the nation. The 14th Amendment provides citizenship, while the 15th Amendment provides the opportunity to vote and hold office. 

Is Juneteenth More Of A Day Of Remembrance?

It is very like Americans to turn a federal holiday, which usually equates to a day off work for most people, into a party or get together of sorts. For Juneteenth, it depends on what you want. There are many Juneteenth festivities rooted in cookouts and picnics. Black Americans originally celebrated Juneteenth as their true Independence Day, gathering with friends and family, many of whom had been separated. These gatherings were especially meaningful because they were free of restricted measures, which were commonly enforced in Confederate states. 

In 2024, the White House kicked off Juneteenth celebrations with a concert on the South Lawn. It was a mostly festive atmosphere that also celebrated Black Music Month. Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black vice president, danced on stage with Kirk Franklin. As of now, there has been no word of such a celebration or event under President Donald Trump’s second administration. The current administration banned diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives (DEI) in the federal government. That has included removing Black American history content from federal websites. Additionally, Trump officials also discouraged some federal agencies from recognizing other racial heritage celebrations. 

What Public Celebrations Are Taking Place?

If you search online in your area, you will definitely find gatherings that vary in scope and tone. Some celebrations involve carnival rides and games and host a variety of food trucks, arts, crafts, and more. There are also concerts and fashion shows to highlight Black creativity and honor Black Music Month. The National Park Service is also making entry to all sites free on this holiday. 

Does Juneteenth Have Special Decorations Or Foods?

The red, black, and green African Liberation Flag, or Pan-African flag, is commonly displayed at both Black History Month and Juneteenth events. The red represents bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors, black is for Black people, and green symbolizes the richness of the land in Africa. That said, more people tend to use the Juneteenth flag that activist Ben Haith created in 1997. 

Haith founded the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation. Similar to the American flag, the Juneteenth flag also uses red, white, and blue colors to indicate that those freed are also Americans. The five-point start in the center of the flag is a tribute to the birthplace of Juneteenth: Texas. A white starry line encircles the central star, and that line represents the spread of freedom. 

As for food, barbecues are very common, but the red-themed foods and beverages have remained constant at celebrations. Red symbolizes both the sacrifice and bloodshed of enslaved ancestors. Depending on where you live, you may see a variety of dishes at the Juneteenth table.

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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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