When you find something that you like, especially a smoothie, it can be hard not to stick to it. That’s how we feel about green smoothies, anyway. Most people struggle to find a green smoothie that they actually enjoy. A green smoothie that is too bitter or tastes like fresh cut grass doesn’t entice your taste buds to return to that flavor. Mix the right fruits with the right greens, though, and you’ll set yourself up for success.

The great thing about this detox smoothie is that it contains many beneficial ingredients that support the body in myriad ways. So as not to bore you, we are going to focus on two standout ingredients that aid the body’s natural detoxification processes: grapefruit and pineapple. Both of these ingredients aid the body in the following ways:

Grapefruit: This citrus fruit exhibits antiseptic properties and acts as a digestive tonic. Many studies have found grapefruit to be highly beneficial for the lymphatic system, as it boosts lymph gland activity. That can help remove lymphatic waste and prevent circulatory issues, allergies, fluid retention, breakouts, and even cellulite.

Pineapple: Pineapple is a great ingredient for your detox smoothie, particularly because it aids digestion and is full of nutrients. One cup of pineapple contains almost 75% of your recommended daily intake of manganese. Pineapples are naturally rich in carotenes, flavonoids, and polyphenols, all of which work to neutralize free radicals and aid the removal of toxins from the liver and bloodstream.

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Isn’t it amazing when you get to wake up a little later on a Saturday morning? The sun peaks through your curtains/blinds and helps you wake up when you enter the rest of your house. Basking in the glow of morning sunshine helps to boost your mood and provide natural energy. Maybe you sip some morning tea or lemon water and pop a squat on your couch while doing so. The only other thing that can enhance a morning such as this is a refreshing and nourishing cucumber grapefruit juice.

Juice is so easy to make, even if you don’t have a juicer. As a quick note for people who want to make juice without juicers, blend your ingredients in a blender and then pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible. You may end up with some bits and pieces in your juice, but the flavor is there and that’s what matters! Just keep in mind that your blended mixture will not yield as much juice as is in the blender. This is because you remove the fiber from the ingredients, which is leftover in the pulp.

This cucumber grapefruit juice is low in calories and incredibly refreshing. The spicy kick from the ginger adds a little zing that wakes up your palate. Both cucumber and grapefruit have a water content that exceeds 90%, so they aid your hydration efforts. Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C, which aids immune function, and it may help prevent insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes. Studies suggest that eating grapefruit can help regulate blood sugar levels and keep insulin levels controlled. How amazing is that?!

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Are you a perfume junkie? Do you enjoy spritzing body sprays and walking through them to bask in their scent? There is nothing wrong with wanting to smell pleasant or amazing. After all, it is better to smell good than to smell like dirty socks. The problem is that all of these perfumes and body sprays contain synthetic fragrances. 

Synthetic fragrances are very common in perfumes or body sprays. Because of the U.S. Fair Packaging and Label Act, manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients in those fragrances. Most of these fragrances do not contain natural products. Pyridine, methyl eugenol, benzophenone, and styrene are a few of the toxic chemicals in perfumes and synthetic fragrances. According to research, these toxins have been known to disrupt endocrine function, cause fertility and reproductive issues, and increase neurological degeneration. 

Those are just some of the chemicals. There is no way of knowing the exact ingredients in store bought perfumes and body sprays. That is why homemade body sprays are much safer and better for your health and the environment. The spray in this article, for example, is toxin-free and filled with beneficial essential oils. Do you want to know the best part? DIY body sprays are very easy to make!

DIY Body Spray Ingredients

Free of synthetic chemicals, the DIY body spray only requires a handful of ingredients. It doesn’t call for a double boiler, long infusion process, or anything of that nature. The only thing we emphasize is that you use amber glass bottles. The reason to use amber glass instead of regular glass is because they prioritize the longevity of essential oils. Amber glass essentially shields the essential oils from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UV rays can cause essential oils to break down and lose potency over time. 

Distilled Water

Why should you use distilled water in place of tap water for your body spray? The minerals in tap water can clog your spray nozzle and leave residue on the surface. Since water is the base for this body spray, opt for distilled water. 

Essential Oils

These give your homemade body spray its lovely scent. You will need a few different essential oils to get the blend that you want. The recipe calls for 20-30 drops of essential oils. If you want a floral aroma, use 10 drops of bergamot essential oil, 10 drops of geranium essential oil, and five drops of ylang ylang essential oil. Prefer a citrus scent? Use 10 drops each of tangerine, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils. Finally, 10 drops of patchouli essential oil, five drops of frankincense essential oil, and five drops of cedarwood essential oil will give an earthy scent. 

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin aids the combination of essential oils and water. It is an optional ingredient, but it does help the scent last a lot longer. Just keep this in mind when you make the body spray. 

Witch Hazel

Similar to vegetable glycerin, witch hazel helps combine essential oils and water. If you want your scent to linger for a lot longer, this is a necessary ingredient. 

DIY Body Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon unscented witch hazel
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional)
• 10 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Pour the witch hazel, vegetable glycerin (optional), and the essential oils into the amber glass spray bottle. 
• Fill the rest of the spray bottle with distilled water, attach the nozzle, shake well, and spray when ready.

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When you start using homemade skin care products, you may notice that a little goes a long way. The skin can easily absorb natural ingredients, and if they are like the ingredients in this body butter, they help seal in moisture. With no chemicals, no additives, and being incredibly cost-effective in the long-run, making your own beauty products is a no-brainer! Don’t believe us? Let this homemade citrus body butter convince you!

Why Should You Use A Body Butter?

Body butters are basically dense emollients that consist of plant-based oils and fat extracts. These ingredients contain skin-fortifying ingredients that protect dermal tissues and moisten dry areas of the skin. Using a body butter can help create a defensive barrier over the skin that helps lock in moisture. The ingredients tend to penetrate deep layers of the tissues that supply hydration. Plus, regular use of body butter may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve major skin issues like eczema or psoriasis. For a closer look at the ingredients in the body butter in this article, continue reading. 

Cocoa Butter

According to dermatologists, cocoa butter is a naturally-occurring moisturizer for dry skin. It exhibits impressive antioxidant activity that may help fight off free radical damage on the skin. Protecting your skin from free radicals helps reduce the risk of fine lines, dark patches, and dull-looking skin. Because cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, it helps hydrate the skin, penetrating deep dermal layers. It contains oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, all of which nourish the skin. 

Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural humectant that contains protective wax esters that draw moisture into the skin, and keep that moisture there. Providing gentle exfoliation, beeswax works to keep the skin soft and smooth. Similar to honey, beeswax exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient for people with dry skin. In fact, beeswax has an ability to soothe the skin and promote healing for skin conditions like eczema. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Some people use sweet almond oil to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and wrinkles. Although people use sweet almond oil in this way, there are not many studies that support those benefits, so more research is necessary. Sweet almond oil contains beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that work to nourish the skin. Studies show that using sweet almond oil may soothe and hydrate the skin, making it beneficial for people with dry skin. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in skin care products because it contains beneficial fats that nourish the skin. These fats work to enhance skin barrier function, helping to protect the skin from harmful pathogens. The essential amino acids in coconut oil also help to strengthen the skin, in addition to moistening it and keeping it as healthy as possible. Studies have shown that coconut oil has the ability to boost the level of antioxidants and collagen in the body, both of which play an integral role in the regeneration of skin cells. 

Citrus Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons beeswax
• 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest

Instructions:

• In a double boiler, add the beeswax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and then stir in the sweet almond oil and the orange and grapefruit zest.
• Pour the mixture into two separate jars and allow it to solidify at room temperature. If you prefer a whipped body butter, allow it to solidify in a mixing bowl and then whip with an electric hand mixer until fluffy. At that point, you can spoon into jars. 
• Whichever preparation method you choose, make sure to store in the fridge (if your place is hot), or store in a cool, dark place. Use when ready.

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What is lycopene and why should you add more of it to your diet? Lycopene is a plant pigment that gives foods like tomatoes and watermelons their signature colors. Exhibiting antioxidant properties, lycopene has been linked to a long list of health benefits. Researchers note that lycopene may offer protection against sunburns, free radical damage, and even certain types of cancers.

Belonging to the carotenoid family, which is a group of compounds related to vitamin A, lycopene may help reduce systolic pressure. That is the top number on your blood pressure reading and it indicates how much pressure is exerted against the arterial walls when the heart beats. Decreasing that number is very beneficial for people with high blood pressure. Additionally, lycopene may improve LDL cholesterol and blood flow.

The benefits don’t just end there! Lycopene and beta-carotene are primary carotenoids founding skin and plasma. That’s why you often see those antioxidants in skin care products. Lycopene may improve the body’s ability to protect itself from the sun. Loading up on tomatoes doesn’t make you immune to sunburn; rather, it simply offers extra protection to your skin. Lycopene also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that work to reduce oxidative stress. Finally, lycopene offers neuroprotective properties and may even help balance levels of cytokines, proteins that alert the immune system. Some great sources of lycopene include:

• Guava: 5,204 micrograms (mcg) per 100 grams (g)
• Tomato: 3,041 mcg per 100 g
• Grapefruit: 1,219 mcg per 100 g
• Papaya: 1,828 mcg per 100 g
• Watermelon: 4,532 mcg per 100 g
• Red bell pepper: 484 mcg per 100 g
• Persimmon: 159 mcg per 100 g
• Red cabbage: 20 mcg per 100 g
• Asparagus: 30 mcg per 100 g
• Mango: 3 mcg per 100 g

Lycopene And Your Sleep

Within recent years, researchers have focused their attention on the link between diet and sleep quantity/quality. Some studies looked at the link between sleep duration and higher intake of lycopene-rich foods. In these studies, sleep parameters were tracked using self-reports, and the diet was assessed by food diaries that participants kept. Based on the information, researchers found an association between sleep duration and lycopene levels. Based on that information, though, researchers need to conduct more studies on lycopene in the diet and sleep. 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Lycopene exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that result from its lipophilic nature. That means that lycopene has a close association with cell membranes, enabling them to regulate inflammatory responses and signals. In fact, lycopene may prevent the production of different cytokines, including IL1, IL6, IL8, and TNF-α. It may also inhibit nuclear factor kappa B, a signaling pathway that causes an inflammatory response. Lycopene experts say that the anti-inflammatory nature may be a potent agent for cancer treatment, especially in regards to the inhibition of metastasis and tumor progression. 

Antihypertensive Effects

In one study on overweight and obese people, a higher presence of lycopene was associated with a lower risk of hypertension. A different study noted that lycopene may exhibit antihypertensive effects in rats without causing hypotension. Another study with 54 patients with hypertension found that blood pressure decreased after six weeks of tomato extract supplementation. Another study found that lycopene supplementation of more than 12 mg per day in hypertensive patients significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number on a blood pressure reading).

Conclusion

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that exists in many easily accessible foods. Not only does it offer protection to your skin, but it may also improve heart health and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Although you can take a lycopene supplement, it may be most effective when consumed from lycopene-rich foods like tomatoes, grapefruits, red bell peppers, watermelon, and other red or pink fruits.

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Have you stopped purchasing scented plug-ins, candles, and air fresheners yet? If you haven’t done so yet, then it’s time to leave them behind. Almost all of those products contain toxic chemicals, some of which are known endocrine system disruptors. The average person isn’t aware of those chemicals because manufacturers don’t have to disclose the ingredients in signature fragrances. If you see “fragrance” on the ingredient list, please understand that there are many harmful chemicals that go into making those blends. 

In case you didn’t know, some artificial fragrances disperse particles of phthalates and formaldehyde into the air. Phthalates are small particles of plastic that bind fragrance molecules together. You can easily breathe them in, whereby they get into your nose and lungs. In addition to those chemicals, the term “artificial fragrance” accounts for more than 3,000 chemicals. The reason that companies don’t have to disclose them is because they are signature, copyrighted blends. So there is no real way of knowing what is in an air freshener, unless you make your own. 

This article provides you with recipes for 10 holiday-themed air freshener sprays. You will need a good collection of essential oils in order to make them. When you purchase these essential oils, make sure to purchase 100% pure essential oils from reputable companies with good reviews. Many of the essential oils in these air freshener sprays contain properties that may help combat toxins in the air, helping to purify the space. Now, let’s get started on those recipes!

The Supplies

You will need various essential oils, dark glass spray bottles (preferably brown amber glass bottles), water, some sea salt or Epsom salt, and distilled water. In order to use these air fresheners, simply spray them into the air. If your essential oils are clear and not colored, you can spray them on linens or upholstery. 

Crisp Morning Air Spray

Start your day with the scent of a crisp winter morning. Notes of citrus grapefruit and orange evoke feelings of sunshine, while the herbaceous basil reminds you of the outdoor autumn and winter air. 

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce spray bottle
• Pinch of Epsom salt
• 15 drops each: basil, orange, and grapefruit essential oils
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the Epsom salt and essential oils to the spray bottle and fill the rest with distilled water. 
• Screw on the top, shake the bottle to combine, and spray when ready. 

Holiday Wreath Special Spray

A beautiful wreath is not only a lovely holiday decoration, but it also gives off an enchanting, woodsy aroma. The aroma is clean and crisp and it helps to deodorize your space, getting rid of any stinky smells. 

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce spray bottle
• Pinch of Epsom salt
• 18 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 12 drops rosemary essential oil
• 12 drops balsam fir essential oil
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the Epsom salt and essential oils to the spray bottle and fill the rest with distilled water. 
• Screw on the top, shake well to combine the ingredients, and spray when ready. 

Spiced Chai Spray

Spiced chai may be popular in your home throughout the year, but it is extra special during the holiday season. The scent is comforting, sweet, and warm, making you want to curl up with a cup of tea on the couch. 

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce spray bottle
• Pinch of Epsom salt
• 25 drops cardamom essential oil
• 8 drops each: clove, cassia, and ginger essential oils

Instructions:

• Add the Epsom salt and essential oils to the spray bottle and fill the rest with distilled water. 
• Screw on the top, shake well to combine the ingredients, and use when ready. 

Sleeping Weather Spray

Cool fall and winter nights are perfect for getting the deepest sleep possible. This air freshener contains essential oils that help calm the mind and promote relaxation and sleep. 

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce spray bottle
• Pinch of Epsom salt
• 6 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 12 drops vetiver essential oil
• 25 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the Epsom salt and essential oils to the spray bottle and fill the rest with distilled water.
• Screw on the top, shake well to combine the ingredients, and spray when ready. It helps to spray this under your pillow before you go to bed. 

Crunchy Leaves Spray

When you see a pile of fallen leaves, the child inside you wants to run through it and stop on them. There is something satisfying about hearing the crunch, which then emits a woody, earthy aroma. The essential oils used to achieve that smell may help you relax and unwind for bed. 

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce spray bottle
• Pinch of Epsom salt
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 5 drops myrrh essential oil
• 20 drops orange essential oil
• 15 drops cedarwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the Epsom salt and essential oils to the spray bottle and fill the rest with distilled water. 
• Screw on the top, shake well to combine the ingredients, and spray in your room before bed.

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The watermelon diet may be 2022’s version of the trendy grapefruit diet that made the rounds in the 1970s. Is it just another fad diet that became popular because a celebrity posted about it doing wonders for their health? Brooke Shields promoted the grapefruit diet and it seems that Gabi Butler is the one who sparked public interest in the watermelon diet. 

On an episode of Netflix’s Cheer series, Butler’s character tells her mother that she and a teammate are going on the watermelon diet to cleanse their bodies. Basically, it is a watermelon fast, only you don’t actually fast in the traditional sense. According to Butler, she does it every once in a while if she feels like she ate poorly that week. She claims that it helps to improve her physical appearance and overall mental state. But what do the experts have to say about this diet?

What Is The Watermelon Diet?

The watermelon diet is a promoted detox plan that aims to cleanse the body and help with weight loss. People claim that it helps to flush out toxins, improve energy levels, and thwart cravings and infections. The guidelines of the diet state that you can only eat watermelon for five, seven, or 10 days at a time. That is the primary rule, and the secondary rule says that you have to eat one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of watermelon for every 10 kilograms of body weight. That’s a lot of watermelon, but that’s all you can eat. 

Not all dietitians are necessarily fans of the watermelon diet, though. Some say that the watermelon diet is more toxic than the toxins you aim to get rid of during that cleanse. The main reason that dietitians aren’t excited about this diet is because there is no science behind it. More than that, they say that the celebrity endorsement of such a diet without knowing the side effects or science is not a positive influence on the general public. Yes, watermelon is a healthy produce item, but there’s no evidence that only eating watermelon is a healthy thing to do. 

Does The Watermelon Diet Work For Weight Loss?

Similar to the pineapple diet, cantaloupe diet, or grapefruit diet, the watermelon diet is a slimming plan low in calories. It is a crash diet that limits your food choices, and can ultimately take a toll on your health. Experts say that the watermelon diet may contribute to short-term weight loss, but this is only temporary. The calorie restriction causes rapid weight loss, which ultimately slows down your metabolism. When you incorporate regular food back into your eating regimen, you may have a harder time burning calories and continuing weight loss. 

When you lose weight rapidly on the watermelon diet, you actually burn muscle mass instead of fat. That ultimately decreases your body’s long-term strength and ability to burn calories. That means that you can easily gain back whatever you lose on the watermelon diet at your own personal expense. 

Is The Watermelon Diet Harmful?

When it comes to fasting or detox diets, it’s always beneficial to do your research. A 2018 study found that crash diets like the watermelon diet may negatively affect cardiovascular function. In the study, people followed a diet that only allowed 600-800 calories per day. The participants experienced a 44% increase in heart fat levels after just one week on that diet. Fasting diets can also cause hair loss, fatigue, energy loss, weaker immune function, and digestive problems, including constipation. 

Study after study points to the fact that fad-type diets don’t work in the long run. Once the diet period is over, the majority of people return to old eating habits. This causes them to regain the weight they lost, until they reach a point when it’s finally time to test drive the next diet. Watermelon also doesn’t contain any fat, which is an essential macronutrient like protein. Because watermelon is very low in protein and doesn’t contain fat, people with certain health conditions like diabetes should avoid the watermelon diet. In fact, it’s better to avoid it entirely and focus on eating an array of fresh fruits and vegetables to diversify your nutrient intake.

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The great thing about homemade body washes is that they are very easy to make. Dare we say that the recipe in this article is tasty? We aren’t saying that you should give this soap a taste test, but the scent is powerful and zesty, almost like a dessert. Not only does it smell great, but it also nourishes the skin in the best way. We’ll explain how it does this by highlighting some of the standout ingredients below. 

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a small tree and the extract from the tree is a popular astringent. You can purchase witch hazel online or in stores in the skin care section. Many people use it as a toner, or they incorporate it into homemade moisturizers, lotions, and cleansers. Witch hazel has been used as a home remedy for various skin conditions for centuries. The astringent properties help remove excess oil, making it a great product for people with oily skin. 

Witch hazel also aids with inflammation reduction. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, including tannins and gallic acid, work to reduce redness and soothe skin. In fact, this is why it is a popular home remedy for sunburn relief. For people with acne, or those who are prone to breakouts, witch hazel works to dry out blemishes and remove excess oil and bacteria. Finally, it may work to reduce itchiness and inflammation that results from insect bites, eczema, psoriasis, and more.

Castile Soap

Castile soap originated in Castile, Spain, and the original soap was made from pure olive oil and sodium carbonate. Over the years, though, the formula has evolved to include various plant-based oils and lye. Sometimes, Castile soap contains coconut oil, walnut oil, almond oil, and hemp oil, but olive oil-based soap is still the most popular. It is a biodegradable, ethically produced, vegan soap that is free of harmful chemicals. In addition to being an eco-friendly soap, Castile soap is very hydrating. It works to cleanse and moisturize the skin, which researchers attribute to the high glycerin content. Although Castile soap is a great body wash, it also works as a makeup remover, facial cleanser, and shaving oil. 

Almond Oil

There are two main types of almond oil: bitter and sweet. These two varieties are derived from the almond tree that is common in Mediterranean countries. Manufacturers extract the oil from almonds by grinding them, and they may use heat or chemical solvents to refine the oil. Cold-pressed almond oil is also available and is much better for the skin and beauty applications. Almond oil is both an emollient and a moisturizer, so it helps to keep the skin hydrated. Emollients work to smooth out the skin, filling in cracks or gaps that can cause dryness, while moisturizers supply the skin with water. 

One study found that emollients including refined almond oil were able to relieve itching and improved skin barrier function. Additionally, another study found that a moisturizer containing almond oil was able to relieve symptoms of eczema. Another study found that almond oil may reduce premature signs of aging by protecting skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation. 

Homemade Grapefruit Mint Body Wash

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup witch hazel
• 1/4 cup Castile soap
• 1/4 cup almond oil
• 20 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• Foaming hand soap dispenser

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix well to combine. 
• Place a funnel into the foaming hand soap dispenser and pour the mixture into the dispenser via the funnel. You should be able to fill two 8.5-ounce dispensers with this mixture. 
• Make sure that you leave about an inch of room at the top of the dispenser for residual foam. Screw on the top and use when ready.

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There are some people who think that grapefruit is a tart fruit reserved for the elderly. Others have a natural desire to enjoy it whenever they can, especially when different varieties are in season. A grapefruit offers a slightly more tart flavor than your average orange, but it can also provide excellent sweetness. Ruby red grapefruit, for example, has a rich red flesh that is sweeter than most other varieties. If you notice that the flesh is lighter in color, the grapefruit will exhibit a tart flavor profile.

Like most citrus fruits, grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, but it also contains vitamin A. It may surprise you to learn that strawberries contain way more vitamin C than grapefruit. In fact, strawberries contain 88% more vitamin C than grapefruit per 100 grams. Grapefruit has more beta-carotene and lycopene than strawberries, but strawberries contain more lutein and zeaxanthin. All of these are powerful antioxidants that work to fight free radicals in the body.

When you blend strawberries and grapefruit together, you get a bright, refreshing flavor combination that is both sweet and slightly tart. The homemade almond milk provides a subtle nuttiness and creaminess, helping to make this more like a smoothie than a slushie. Finally, the mint leaves complement both the strawberries and the grapefruit. Mint is a classic herb that pairs beautifully with both of these fruits. If you think that you may not enjoy it, exclude the mint from the recipe.

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Embrace the warmer weather we get to welcome with spring and greet it with refreshing flavors. There are still many citrus varieties that are available in grocery stores, so get your hands on them when you can. The only citrus fruit that this recipe calls for is ruby red grapefruit, which offers a slightly bitter yet sweet flavor. If you are experimenting with citrus and want to add another variety to this salad, the Cara Cara orange is an excellent choice. It’s much sweeter than your average orange, giving you a break from intense tartness.

The key to this salad is balancing the different flavors. Each ingredient is assertive in its own right. The kale can be quite bitter, but the grapefruit offers a sweetness to balance it out. Just make sure that you remove all of the thick stems from the kale leaves, or you’ll end up with bitter, fibrous bites that are off-putting. Then you have the red onion, which has a rich allium flavor. Fortunately, you have the nuttiness of the walnuts and refreshing cucumber to help balance red onion’s intensity.

A salad wouldn’t be anything without a dressing, though. For sweetness, the dressing uses freshly squeezed orange juice, and the olive oil allows the sweetness to bloom as you whisk the dressing together. The mustard powder offers a strong flavor, dancing on your taste buds with every bite. The dressing also includes raw agave nectar, and you can include more of it if the dressing is too strong for your liking. Keep in mind that the dressing aims to complement and balance the ingredients in the salad. Give the dressing a taste test by dipping a few of the salad ingredients in it. If it passes test, dress your salad and enjoy!

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