What is a warming winter smoothie? Don’t worry, it isn’t a hot cup of soup. In order to properly define a warming smoothie, we have to journey into the Ayurvedic perspective on healthy beverages, such as smoothies. As you know, especially if you are familiar with our website, we love smoothies with all sorts of ingredient combinations. Like all things in Ayurveda, each ingredient can affect each person differently because of their unique blend of doshas (fundamental energies). There are, however, certain ingredients in Ayurveda that have a warming effect on the body.

In the case of this smoothie, nothing is cold. Say goodbye to ice cubes and frozen bananas. Ayurveda believes that cold beverages can weaken the digestive fire and lead to inflammation. Drinking beverages, even smoothies, at room temperature or warm can help boost overall health. Certain herbs, such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and mint, can not only promote digestion, but also warm the body’s internal fire. Whether or not you subscribe to this is entirely your opinion, but maybe you will have different thoughts after you drink this smoothie.

This smoothie contains pears, ginger, hemp seeds, raw almond butter, and homemade almond milk. This combination of ingredients provides the body with healthy fats, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals. Once everything in the blender is a smooth consistency, you can leave it blending for a while longer if you want to really embrace that warm sensation. That last part is entirely up to you!

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Did Christmas come early, or is that just you glowing after drinking this holiday halo in a glass? Our super healthy Winter Green Smoothie offers a pleasant, light relief from all of those holiday cookies, cocktails, and second helpings of everything. It is a vibrant blend that swoops in to restore balance to your winter diet. Don’t think of this as an excuse to eat more junk this season; rather, consider this a part of your healthy eating habits. You can have your treats, but you also have to nourish your body in the process.

Creamy, homemade almond milk provides a luscious base without any added sugars or emulsifiers that are typically in store bought varieties. The fresh ginger brings a gentle zing that actually warms you from the inside out, and it also supports digestion. Ginger is a real seasonal hero, if there ever was one. Cucumber and celery are mostly water, so they add a hydrating benefit to your smoothie. A generous handful of Swiss chard delivers vitamins A, C, and K to support immune function, a much needed benefit while all of those winter germs are making the rounds. Avocado contributes a silky texture and heart-healthy fats to the smoothie, but fear not because it will not make the smoothie taste like guac. The frozen pineapple provides just enough tropical sweetness to make this feel like a treat, not a savory dip.

Yes, you can still drink smoothies during the colder months, especially during the holidays. In fact, it is a smart and delicious way to sneak some more fruits and vegetables into your day. Plus, smoothies give your digestive system a break from heavier foods. It’s like this smoothie is your green insurance policy for the most indulgent time of year.

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

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

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

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The holiday season is a time of celebration, joy, connection, and inevitable stress. Busier schedules, elaborate meals, office parties, end-of-year projects, shorter days, and family dynamics can be quite overwhelming. All of these things can make it tricky to successfully navigate the holiday season. 

In an effort to help you eat wisely, prioritize mental health, and support your mood, we have a holiday survival guide. Hopefully, it helps you make it through the holiday season without burning out. You got this! 

Stress-Relieving Tips

Anyone who has encountered the holidays as an adult understands that stress is a real thing. Behavioral health experts encourage people to give themselves permission to simplify whenever possible. Are you being stretched too thin? Follow this self-care guide to keep your sanity this holiday season: 

• Set a spending plan because financial strain is one of the top causes of holiday stress and anxiety.
• Ask for help because there is no need to carry the weight of the holiday season alone. 
• Say “no” when you have to because saying “no” means that you are setting healthy boundaries. You do not have to attend every event. Take time for yourself to prevent a burnout.
• Take five minutes here and there to help reset yourself. Mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, journaling, or short walks can help reset the nervous system. 

Mental Health And The Holidays

The holidays can be a very joyful experience, but they can also bring about feelings of pain and loneliness. The “holiday blues” are very normal, whether you are managing a family conflict or dealing with your own loneliness. Having some coping mechanisms can help you understand when to seek care. When you find yourself in the darkness, use the following tips to help find some light:

• A short little walk outside goes a long way 
• Listen to music that makes you feel good and lifts your spirits
• Seek natural light, or utilize artificial light when necessary
• Experiment with a gratitude journal
• Try box breathing, meditation, or a yoga practice

If you notice that the holiday blues are not going away, or your symptoms are worsening, consider professional help. Persistent struggles may indicate a more significant situation, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Talk to your care provider if:

• Grief feels overwhelming
• You think you may have SAD
• Stress or general sadness is affecting daily life
• Your child shows signs of anxiety
• You have difficulty maintaining regular eating patterns

Healthy Eating During The Holidays

The holidays are both a festive and glutenous time. Special meals, traditions, parties, and more inspire eating copious amounts of unhealthy foods. Instead of viewing your meals through a “naughty” or “nice” lens, focus on balancing your diet. Keep the following in mind when you enjoy meals with family or friends this holiday season. 

Keep Your Goals In Mind

In order to avoid going off the deep end during the holidays, registered dietitians encourage keeping health goals in mind. It’s easy to abandon everything and think that you will just “fix it” in the new year when resolutions are fresh. Don’t skip meals; rather, eat regularly during the day to avoid overeating. Focus on meals that are rich in lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Feel free to enjoy your holiday treats in moderation instead of restricting entirely. Allowing yourself to have some treats will keep you from overdoing it. Lastly, slow down and focus on enjoying what you are eating. Mindful eating can keep you on the healthy path!

Avoid The Food Morality Mindset

If you label foods as “junk” or “bad,” you can experience guilt, restriction, or overeating as a result. Food has no moral value and you do not need to earn or burn off holiday treats. Focus on memories associated with holiday foods. A pie is not typically healthy, but making the pie and eating it together is a joyous experience. Take a step back, consider the positives that come from different foods, and reshape how you think about those foods without moral judgment. 

Be Patient With Yourself And Loved Ones

The holidays can worsen eating disorder behaviors or triggers for a lot of people. This is not something to take likely, considering over 30 million Americans have suffered from an eating disorder at some point during their lives. The holidays can increase stress, trigger anxiety, and cause emotional strain, all of which increase these eating disorder symptoms. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, encourage open conversation and get help when necessary.

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Thanksgiving Day is not the healthiest day of the year, not by a long shot. It is a day of indulgence, a time for loose-fitting clothing that allows the stomach to expand. Just because the Thanksgiving meal is not healthy, that doesn’t mean you can’t establish little tricks to make it slightly healthier. Not only will these tips keep you from entering an uncomfortable food coma, but they will also keep you from becoming one with the couch all night. 

A lot of people usually pack on at least one pound during the holidays. Statistically, that weight tends to stay on the body and accumulates as the years go by. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to sabotage your weight, nor does it have to make you feel like a slob. With a little knowhow, you can build a healthier meal for yourself this year, and for years to come. 

Start With Soup

Now, soup isn’t always at every Thanksgiving table, but you can change that by making a pot. That can be your contribution to the big meal, if you are not already covering other aspects of the meal. When you go to get food, pour yourself a large bowl of soup, which should be made from seasonal vegetables. A simple butternut squash soup, potato and leek soup, or even a broccoli and carrot soup with thyme. By starting the meal with soup, you will slow down while eating and may even reduce the amount of calories you consume throughout the meal. 

Go Crazy With The Veggies

This is a rule that everyone should live by: fill up at least 50% of your plate with non-starchy vegetables. Mashed potatoes and candied yams do not count, as they are loaded with butter, sugar, dairy, and other ingredients. Brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots, roasted bell peppers, or even a green salad count toward that 50%. Dietitians recommend sticking with smaller portions of starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, winter squash, and green peas to reduce caloric intake. 

Scoop Sides Sparingly

The majority of calories actually come from the side dishes, as they contain the most carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. We are talking about Mac n’ cheese, dinner rolls, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, candied yams, and green bean casserole. If you take a serving of these sides, it should be no larger than half of a baseball. Also, you don’t need a dinner roll. We all know what bread tastes like!

Fill Up On Skinless Turkey Breast

Compared to most other classic Thanksgiving dishes, the turkey itself is relatively low in calories. That is especially true if you stick to skinless white meat, such as the turkey breast. Nutritionists generally recommend three ounces of protein (about the size of a deck of cards), but they say it’s acceptable to eat a little more than that on Thanksgiving. You definitely do not need five times that serving amount on your plate, as that is not an appropriate portion size, which you have to keep in mind if you want to be healthier this year. 

Practice Portion Control With Your Dessert

It is difficult to adhere to correct portion sizes when presented with a giant buffet of delicious foods you only eat once per year. Yes, you should watch your dessert portions, but keep portions in check for the entirety of the meal as well. In regards to dessert, most nine-inch pies are designed to be cut into eight slices. Most people cut six slices, and those portions are way too large. Limit the variety of desserts you eat, if the dessert table is your weakness. Stick to one slice of your favorite dessert and don’t add additional calorically-dense, sugary items like ice cream or whipped cream to your dessert. 

Lastly, you should enjoy the Thanksgiving meal with the people you love. Savor the bites you take and don’t waste your calories on foods that you find “just ok.” Eat foods that you cannot get any other time of year, such as homemade cranberry sauce, specialty sides, and pumpkin pie. Skip the mashed potatoes, chips, and rolls because you can get those any time you want.

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Is there anything better than a warm bowl of comforting soup during a crisp autumn evening? A relaxing massage on a tropical beach might rival the bowl of soup, but just imagine that it isn’t for the sake of our argument. The ingredients in that bowl of soup, though, can either benefit or harm your health. Fortunately for you, the soups in this article are made from whole food ingredients and free of preservatives, excess sodium, added flavors, and unhealthy fats. 

There are many different soups, yet people tend to stick to a few classics: chicken noodle, tomato, or minestrone. If you purchase these soups in their canned form, chances are they are riddled with sodium, saturated fat, and processed ingredients. If you tend to enjoy soup when you are sick, you don’t want to put harmful ingredients in the body. In order to recover more quickly, the body requires nutritious foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals. The antioxidants in vegetables can help fight inflammation and get you on the mend more quickly than a can of beef stew.

Now, you do not have to fall ill in order to enjoy a bowl of soup. Comfort your soul on a crisp fall evening with one of the following soup recipes. If you make one of these soups, drop a comment and let us know how you liked it!

Creamy Celeriac Soup

This soup has a luxurious texture and depth of flavor. There is a slightly nutty flavor that makes this the perfect warming fall soup. It’s very easy to make, containing many members of the allium family, including leeks, onion, and garlic.

Click here to make the soup.

Roasted Root Vegetable Soup

Warm, comforting, and very filling, this roasted root vegetable soup includes root veggies like squash, carrots, and potatoes, and onion. Although we have a list of ingredients, you can take a little creative liberty with your root veggies.

Click here to make the soup.

Zucchini Potato Soup

An easy, velvety zucchini potato soup that is perfect for the chilly days of fall and winter. It makes for a great non-dairy, filling dinner!

Click here to make the soup.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Winter squash? Didn’t fall just start? You are not wrong but winter squash refers to squash that are harvested during the fall. And this soup uses one of the most notable squash of the season: the butternut squash. It’s easy to prepare, cozy, and has incredible depth of flavor.

Click here to make the soup. 

Tomato Lentil Soup

Get ready to feast on this culinary creation. This dairy-free, creamy tomato lentil soup is incredibly satisfying and packed with protein. It’s very adaptable, so you can put a little creative culinary spin on the recipe if the inspiration strikes.

Click here to make the soup. 

Creamy Vegan Carrot Soup

Feel a cold coming on? Warm your soul, soothe your sore throat, and enhance immune function with this creamy vegan carrot soup. Carrots contain phytonutrients that enhance the body’s defense mechanisms, making it more resilient against infections.

Click here to make the soup.

Vegan Kabocha Squash Soup

This perfectly creamy kabocha squash soup is rich, satisfying, and packs a little kick from the ginger and cayenne pepper. One of the cooler aspects of kabocha squash is that it has a lower glycemic load than sweet potato and pumpkin, so it won’t spike your blood sugar. 

Click here to make the soup.

Sweet Potato Kale Soup

This sweet potato kale soup is perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings! It’s filling and flavorful, so it wont’ last long at your table. Not only will it please your palate, but it will also keep your belly full without weighing you down.

Click here to make the soup.

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Get the ingredients and ready your food processor because homemade energy bites are as easy as one, two, three. An easy-to-make snack that is rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and free of preservatives and added sugars? How many times can we say yes? When you need a boost of energy and want to enjoy something that is wholesome, nutrient-dense, and delicious, turn to these chocolate hemp and pumpkin seed energy bites. They take less than 10 minutes to process and then another few minutes to form into balls. Freeze them until firm and then enjoy!

You will need raw pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, chia seeds, raw cacao powder, Medjool dates, raw sunflower seed butter, alcohol-free vanilla extract, and grade A maple syrup. Once you gather your ingredients, ready the food processor fitted with the ‘S’ blade. You will first have to process the pumpkin seeds with the hemp hearts. Once that becomes a crumbly mixture, add the chia seeds, dates, vanilla, sea salt, sunflower seed butter, and maple syrup to the processor. Pulse until that mixture is a dough-like consistency. It will almost turn into a ball in the food processor. Just make sure to stop blending, scrape down the sides, and continue blending in order to fully incorporate all of the ingredients.

Due to the fact that these energy bites have sunflower seeds, hemp hearts, chia seeds, and sunflower seed butter, they are not lacking in healthy fats, protein, or fiber. That makes them great for enjoying when you want something to hold you over between meals. They are also great to enjoy pre- or post-workout, as the nutrients in them aid both muscle performance and recovery.

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Who needs Larabars when you can easily make your own with three simple ingredients? These are perfect if you have been looking to enjoy healthy snack options during your cleanse. They provide outstanding flavor and lots of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, all of which help keep you full between meals. The dates and cashews establish a great balance of nuttiness and sweetness, and the pinch of sea salt gives the bars a little extra pizzazz. It’s almost like a pinch of sea salt on a chocolate chip cookie or delectable caramel. You truly can’t go wrong with a pinch of sea salt in sweet treats.

For this recipe you will need Medjool dates, raw cashews, and sea salt. Dates are naturally sweet and sticky, providing the base for these bars. Make sure your dates are soft and fresh. Need assistance blending? Soak the dates in warm water for about 15 minutes prior to blending them in the food processor. Raw cashews also blend a little easier if you soak them for an hour or so. Just make sure that you discard the soaking water for both the dates and cashews if you decide to soak them. Not a fan of cashews? You can swap them for any raw nut in the same amount. Walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and more work great!

After you blend the ingredients and achieve a sticky, dough-like consistency, you will transfer the mixture to an 8″x8″ baking pan lined with parchment paper. Press the mixture into the pan until you have an even layer that is about 1/2-inch or so thick. Freeze for 30 minutes and then remove from the freezer. That will ensure that the bars are somewhat solidified to the point where you can cut them into 10 bars. Separate them and consider wrapping them individually in plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

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When you are in need of a snack to fill you up, don’t reach for the bag of chips or package of cookies. Do those unhealthy snacks taste good and satisfy your sweet or salty craving? Yes, without a doubt, but they do not satiate you. In fact, they keep you coming back or wanting more, despite how much you ate. That’s why we love energy bites! They are made with a handful of healthy ingredients that provide healthy fats, fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

This recipe calls for hemp hearts, ground flaxseed, sesame seeds, and raw sunflower seed butter, among a few other ingredients. Those specific ingredients offer lots of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, complete protein, zinc, selenium, and other micronutrients integral to your overall health. The three primary ingredients that offer some of the best nutrients and health benefits are:

• Hemp hearts: These tiny cream and green-colored seeds are the soft, inner part of hemp seeds. The plant originated in Central Asia, although it can be found nationwide these days. Hemp hearts are naturally rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, offering more than in chia seeds or flax seeds.
• Raw sunflower seed butter: Harness the power of the sunflower, just in creamy, delicious butter form. Sunflower seed butter is both gluten-free and nut-free, making it an allergy-friendly spread. It is also one of the best sources of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps fight inflammation. Two tablespoons provides nearly 40% of the recommended daily intake.
• Ground flaxseed: Most nutritional experts recommend ground over whole flaxseed because the ground version is easier to digest. Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health and relieve constipation, but it may also reduce total cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.

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When you are sick, you’d give anything in the world to feel healthy. Are we right or are we right? You drink tea, hydrate beyond belief, take hot baths, gargle with salt water, do a sinus rinse or two, and nourish the body with healthy foods to accelerate your recovery. What if you took care of your body like that all the time, though? There is nothing wrong with giving your immune system a helping hand year-round. 

The immune system does a phenomenal job of protecting the body against microorganisms. Sometimes, it fails and a germ successfully invades the body and causes sickness. Now, it is enticing to strengthen and support the immune system to defeat invading pathogens. The first line of defense is to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and keeping stress levels in check. When you do these things, every part of your body functions better, especially the immune system. Boost immune function all year with the following healthy-living strategies. 

Get A Good Night’s Sleep

According to sleep experts, sleep and the circadian rhythm are strong regulators of immunological processes. One study found a bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the immune system. This connection is mediated by shared signals (neurotransmitters, cytokines, and hormones) and direct innervations of the immune system via the autonomic nervous system. Basically, the body releases proteins (cytokines) during sleep. By boosting cytokine production, you can help strengthen immune function. Additional research found that people who do not get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night are more susceptible to colds and respiratory infections. 

Keep Stress Levels In Check

Most people encounter stress, at least a small amount, on a weekly (if not daily) basis. The trick is to minimize the amount of stress that you experience, while also finding ways to handle the stress you cannot avoid. Stress can have a variety of effects on mental and physical health, especially the immune system. Chronic stress can decrease the production of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help the body fight off infection. If you want to reduce stress, consider adopting a variety of stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, grounding, and more. 

Exercise 

A lot of research indicates that exercising at moderate intensity for 30 to 60 minutes three to five days per week is highly beneficial to the immune system. You don’t have to hit the gym for hours every single day; rather, a brisk walk in the neighborhood, a bike ride, or laps at your local pool can be highly beneficial. Elevating your heart rate works to increase the circulation of immune cells. These cells are the body’s first line of defense for fighting off foreign invaders, so the more you have circulating, the better you are able to protect the body. As a quick note, though, long bouts of high-intensity exercise can actually weaken the immune system. So don’t think that a marathon a day keeps the common cold and flu away.

Eat Immune-Boosting Foods

It should not come as a surprise that eating a well-balanced diet benefits overall health. Supplying the body with a diverse mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, protein, fiber, and more can only benefit you. A balanced diet that consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and healthy fats can eliminate the need for taking lots of supplements. If you want a few foods that help encourage healthy immune function, consider the following:

• Berries contain flavonoids, which are antioxidant compounds that have demonstrated an ability to reduce respiratory illnesses. 
• Leafy green vegetables offer lots of beneficial antioxidants that are vital to cellular health. 
• Ginger exhibits antioxidant and ant-inflammatory properties that may enhance immune function. 
• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, and limes) contain lots of vitamin C, which supports the production of white blood cells. 
• Fermented foods, kombucha, kefir, natto, yogurt, and miso can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is linked to immune health. 

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Obesity, which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more in adults, has been linked to impaired immune function. Obesity may also lower the efficacy of numerous vaccines, including influenza, tetanus, and hepatitis B. If you are looking for safe ways to maintain a healthy weight, start first by assessing your diet. Develop a consistent aerobic exercise routine, watch your caloric intake, get sufficient sleep, and avoid being sedentary. The Full Body Cleanse may be an excellent option to kickstart your weight loss journey. 

Still need a little assistance optimizing immune function? Try the Dherbs Immune Booster Kit, which contains four of our signature formulas that aim to support optimal immune function. These supplements may assist your body in protecting itself from external threats.

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