Peaches have a very short season, so we encourage you to get your hands on them right now. Squeeze as many peachy delights as you can into your diet during the summer months. Trust us when we say that you won’t regret it. This green smoothie is more like a creamy milkshake than it is a smoothie. It energizes the body and powers it with pure plant goodness. If you don’t have the time to make your own almond milk, feel free to use filtered water, although that will make it less milkshake-like. You can also use homemade cashew milk if you prefer the flavor.

This smoothie only has four ingredients: homemade almond milk, peaches, spinach, and orange. Spinach is a powerhouse of a leafy green, offering magnesium, iron, protein, fiber, folate, vitamin K, and antioxidants. The peach, which you should pit, cube, and freeze ahead of time, is the source of sweetness in this recipe. Peaches are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as fiber, vitamins & C, potassium, niacin, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and some B vitamins. While peaches are highly impressive from a nutritional standpoint, they are purely delicious, especially during peak season.

The homemade almond milk is the ingredient that makes this smoothie taste more like a milkshake. Homemade is just better! It offers a subtle nuttiness that complements the peaches and spinach. Finally, the orange offers lots of vitamin C and a hint of sour, which is refreshing break from the sweet, succulent peaches. Make it and let us know if you like it so that we can post similar recipes!

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If you want beautiful hair, you have to begin at the scalp. It all starts with a great foundation, without which you cannot have a secure structure. The homemade natural remedy in this article uses chamomile and apple cider vinegar to soothe irritation, reduce itchiness, and promote a healthy, balanced scalp. The dynamic duo exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and cleansing benefits that nourish the scalp. 

Chamomile For Scalp Health

If you find yourself scratching your head all the time and notice little flakes on your shoulders, your scalp might be the issue. Although dandruff could be the problem, an itchy scalp isn’t always indicative of dandruff. If dandruff is the cause, your scalp is likely dry and unhealthy with clogged pores. Research shows that chamomile contains antioxidants that naturally exfoliate the scalp, helping to get rid of buildup, such as hair products and dead skin cells. Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties also help to calm scalp irritation, but the antiseptic properties are great for nourishing the inflamed, dandruff-plagued scalp. 

If you have used chemical treatments, such as coloring, rebonding, or perming, it’s possible that your hair is damaged, at least to some degree. Hair damage is more than just split ends; it encompasses dry, coarse, brittle, and dull hair. Fortunately, chamomile helps to nourish the hair by adding moisture. It also delivers vitamins C, E, and other antioxidants to the hair, working to fight free radical damage from chemicals, pollution, and UV rays. Chamomile also promotes circulation to the scalp, which may encourage healthier hair growth. 

Apple Cider Vinegar For Scalp Health

More than just a condiment for salad ingredients, apple cider vinegar may help strengthen hair, enhance shine, and improve scalp health. Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic, containing high amounts of acetic acid. The natural pH level of the hair ranges between 3.67 and 5.5, meaning that hair is slightly acidic. If your hair is dull, brittle, or frizzy, it is likely more alkaline. Due to apple cider vinegar’s low pH range between 2 and 3, it may help increase the hair and scalp’s acidity, which may encourage smoother, shinier, stronger hair. 

Apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial nature may help kill several bacteria, including E. coli and Candida albicans. Research suggests that the acetic acid exhibits anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that may benefit scalp conditions, including pruritus and head lice. Just note that highly concentrated apple cider vinegar can damage the skin, especially sensitive skin. And finally, using apple cider vinegar to restore balance to the scalp is the main purpose. It’s possible for it to burn or irritate the skin, so be careful to dilute it and avoid contact with the eyes. If you get it in your eyes, be sure to quickly flush them with running water. 

Homemade Scalp Treatment

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chamomile tea (brewed and cooled)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5-10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions: 

• First off, brew the chamomile tea by boiling water and steeping two chamomile tea bags in the water for five to 10 minutes. Once that time passes, remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature. 
• Pour the cooled chamomile tea into a large mixing bowl and then add the apple cider vinegar and optional lavender essential oil. Mix well to combine with a spoon or whisk. 
• Once prepared, you can apply the scalp treatment, but make sure to dampen your hair with water to allow the treatment to spread more easily. Ideally, pour the treatment into a spray bottle to allow for easier application. You can do the whole scalp, focusing on specific areas that need extra attention.
• After applying the treatment, massage into the scalp for a couple minutes and leave on for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water when done.

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

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

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

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Maintaining proper hydration is one of the most important aspects of life, regardless of the season. The body needs water for many bodily functions, including circulation, temperature regulation, and even immunity. When you drink a sufficient amount of water, you may even help balance your mood and improve sleep quality. Dehydration, on the other hand, can lead to a handful of unpleasant symptoms, including headaches, fatigues, decreased cognitive function, and dizziness. In severe cases, dehydration may cause heat exhaustion or stroke. 

In order to avoid the effects of dehydration, you have to stay on top of your water intake. Drinking water isn’t as exciting as drinking other beverages, but it is necessary for your health. You can always enhance your hydration efforts by drinking herbal teas, freshly made juices or smoothies, or drinking electrolyte-rich drinks (preferably not the bottled varieties with processed ingredients and added sugars). 

You can help meet your daily hydration goals by eating water-rich foods. Foods that contain water, in addition to the other nutrients, help protect the body from dehydration. Plus, the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, protein, and more in these foods benefit your health in other ways. The top choices include watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, strawberries, spinach, lettuce, and zucchini. For inspiration, here is a list of seven hydrating recipes to enjoy this summer. 

Summer Heirloom Tomato Salad

Do summer right when you whip up this refreshing heirloom tomato salad. It is as beautiful as it is tasty, so please enjoy!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Refreshing Cucumber Peach Salsa

Dive into this divine and refreshing cucumber peach salsa, which is both Whole30-friendly and 100% Full Body Cleanse approved. Peaches are freshest during the summer months, making this the perfect seasonal dish.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Tangy Thai Cucumber Noodle Salad

Tangy, refreshing, and perfect for a hot day, this Thai cucumber noodle salad is going to revolutionize your salad game during your cleanse. Not only that, the cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, and lime juice keep you on the path to optimal hydration.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Zoodles With A Mint Parsley Pesto

Yet another zucchini noodle recipe is about to impress your taste buds. These zoodles are tossed in a herbaceous mint parsley pesto.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Watermelon Cucumber Basil Lemonade

A perfectly refreshing drink recipe for warmer weather! This watermelon cucumber basil lemonade is free or added sugars and may help enhance your hydration efforts. 

Click here to make the recipe. 

Homemade Cantaloupe Popsicles

With the days getting warmer, that can only mean one thing: summer has arrived! To cool you off, try these homemade cantaloupe popsicles! They are so easy to make and cool you off in no time.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Subtly Sweet Strawberry Sorbet

Strawberries are one of our favorite summer fruits, which is why we wanted to make them into a dessert! It is sweet, but not overpowering. The zesty zap from the freshly squeezed lemon juice is exactly what you want when the sun is out!

Click here to make the recipe.

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When you want to avoid some of the toxic chemicals in store bought sunscreens, you can reach for this non-toxic sunscreen to protect your skin. Not only is it waterproof, but it is also safe for babies and marine life. The last thing you want to do is damage your skin (or your child’s skin) while simultaneously destroying reef and ocean life. You can truly avoid sunburn while avoiding toxic chemicals! 

Why Make Homemade Sunscreen?

There are more than enough sunscreen choices at your local supermarket, drugstore, or convenience store. Why are those traditional sunscreens not the best for your skin? Scientists note that commercial sunscreens contain a lot of ingredients that are not safe for your overall health, let alone your skin. Some common problems with conventional sunscreens include:

• Non-biodegradable chemicals typically lurk in commercial sunscreens. Some of these chemicals are known hormone disruptors and carcinogenic. The skin rapidly absorbs whatever you put on it, and you don’t want it to absorb those chemicals into the bloodstream!
• Nano zinc oxide contains particles small enough to penetrate the deep layers of the skin. That ultimately leaves the outer layers unprotected, meaning the sunscreen is ineffective at blocking UV rays. 
• Once you apply conventional sunscreen, the chemicals can seep deep into the body, reaching many of the skin’s layers. These chemicals can react with UV light and cause skin damage. Sunscreens that contain vitamin A or its derivatives, for example, may increase the risk of skin cancer, according to an evaluation of sunscreens from 2011.

Are All Sunscreens Bad?

With certain bans on chemical sunscreens in place, many manufacturers have started to make better, more natural sunscreen options. That said, you should still read the ingredient list, as many “natural” sunscreens still contain harmful ingredients. The same applies to so-called “healthy” foods, which are oftentimes not healthy. Just keep your eyes on the lookout for problematic ingredients. Fortunately, that is not something you have to do for the DIY sunscreen in this article. 

Does Homemade Sunscreen Work?

This recipe uses non-nano zinc oxide, a type of zinc oxide that has particles that are too big to seep deeply into the skin. Instead, it actually creates a physical barrier that protects the top and deeper layers of the skin from harmful UV rays. This DIY recipe also contains skin-nourishing oils, butter, and wax that protect and hydrate the skin. Some of the oils contain natural sun protection factor (SPF), which measures how well a sunscreen protects the skin from ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays. It should be known that no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UVB rays. 

The oils and butter are stable fats on their own, so they don’t go rancid easily. The cocoa butter also gives the sunscreen a beautiful chocolate scent. Beeswax also contributes a lovely scent, but it also makes the sunscreen waterproof. Although it may work well if you go in the pool, lake, or ocean, you may want to reapply not long after exiting the water. That ensures that your skin is optimally protected. 

DIY Sunscreen

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces virgin coconut oil
• 2 ounces olive oil
• 2 ounces cocoa butter
• 2 ounces beeswax
• 2 ounces non-nano zinc oxide

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a heat-safe glass measuring cup. Create a double boiler by placing this cup on a cloth inside a saucepan with about an inch of water in it. 
• Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and keep it there until the ingredients in the cup are fully melted. Stir to combine and then remove the pitcher carefully from the hot water. 
• Let the mixture cool slightly at room temperature and then pour into a glass container or silicone squeeze tube. Allow to cool completely before sealing the jar/tube and storing in a cool, dark place. 

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Don’t want to make a smoothie on the raw vegan diet? There are other options, like chia pudding, that change up raw vegan breakfast game. Not to mention, chia pudding is an incredibly filling dish that is highly versatile. Given that blackberries are in season during summer, we decided to make this recipe with fresh blackberries. If you don’t have access to fresh blackberries, feel free to use frozen blackberries, so long as they are free of added sugars and preservatives. We just recommend that you thaw them prior to blending with the other ingredients.

One ingredient that will catch your palate by surprise is the freshly grated ginger. It’s a little kick that beautifully complements the sweet and tart blackberries. If you have an aversion to ginger, for some strange reason, feel free to omit it from the recipe. It is highly beneficial for the body, though, offering lots of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. All of those active compounds work to enhance immune function, but the blackberries also contain beneficial antioxidants that aid immunity. The choice is yours, regarding ginger.

One last thing to note: you do not have to use homemade almond milk if you do not enjoy almond milk. You can make your own cashew milk, pecan milk, walnut milk, or even sunflower seed milk if you prefer those varieties. Just make sure that you do not use store bought nut or seed milks for the chia pudding. Most store bought varieties contain added sugars, thickening agents, and preservatives.

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

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

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

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The dry heat of summer can take a toll on the skin, especially if you spend the majority of your days outside. Salty beach air and sand or the chlorine in a pool can wreak havoc on the skin. While the good times may have ensued, your skin pays the price, feeling itchy and dry at the end of the day. How do you restore hydration, especially to your face, without using harmful products? 

This homemade cooling mist helps to rejuvenate the face, neck, and chest, giving your skin the hydration it needs to look the best. Should you incorporate it into your daytime routine while you’re outside, it may help to moisturize the skin. Protection is key if you don’t want your skin to dry out. You can also use it as an after-sun spray if you got a little more sun that you wanted to. Just keep a bottle with you at all times and you can treat yourself to a cooling mist whenever you want!

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has several cosmetic benefits. It may help to stimulate blood flow near hair follicles to produce hair growth and help treat dark spots. Tea tree oil also has a moisturizing effect on the skin, helping to fight the drying effects of the sun. If you experience itching or dryness after a long summer day, tea tree oil may work to reduce irritation and itching. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Since ancient times, people have used frankincense essential oil for its many health benefits and beautifying properties. Dermatologists agree that frankincense oil tends to be safe for all skin types, especially mature complexions. It is a luxurious oil that may boost the skin’s radiance, especially after using a cleanser and moisturizer. After a long day, applying or misting frankincense oil onto the skin with the rest of the ingredients in this spray may restore your skin’s texture. 

Aloe Vera

Skin experts say that aloe vera has a few primary benefits for soothing the skin. It works to soothe itchiness or irritation, calming inflamed or irritated skin that may result from extended sun exposure. When you are in the sun for a long time, it’s possible for the skin to lose moisture via transepidermal water loss. This happens when the skin gets dehydrated and inflamed. The phytosterols in aloe vera may prevent transepidermal water loss, which is especially important for sunburnt skin. Finally, aloe vera works to hydrate the skin and provide a cooling effect. Plus, the polysaccharides in aloe are known for their hydrating benefits. 

Witch Hazel

Indigenous to North America, witch hazel is a tree-like plant, from which extract is derived either from the bark or leaves. The bark and leaves are distilled to bring out the plant’s active compounds. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties provide a tightening effect on the skin. This is great for soothing puffiness, redness, general irritation, and skin tone. It may also sop up excess oil via the antioxidant-rich tannins. This is why witch hazel is a common ingredient in toners. 

Homemade Cooling Summer Face Mist

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or fractionated coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• 4-ounce glass spray bottle with mist sprayer 

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into the glass spray bottle. Use a funnel if you need to, or use a glass measuring cup with a pour spout. 
• Melt the coconut oil and pour it into the bottle. You can also use fractionated coconut oil so that it remains liquified. 
• Add the witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and essential oils to the glass bottle. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. 
• Use the face mist as needed, but make sure to shake the bottle before each use.

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

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

Opt For Lean Proteins

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

Be Mindful Of Condiments

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

Plan Ahead And Try To Be Mindful

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

Load Up On Fruits And Vegetables

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

Stay Hydrated

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

Portion Control

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

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“Summer’s here and the time is right…” for enjoying these zesty homemade mandarin popsicles. Sunshine and citrus collide in this raw vegan recipe that is pure icy perfection. Crafted with refreshing mandarins and wonderfully flavorful Meyer lemon juice and zest, these popsicles are like a tropical vacation on a stick Not only are they bright, tangy, and incredibly irresistible, but they also exhibit a natural sweetness from the mandarins and agave nectar that pairs beautifully with the floral notes of Meyer lemon.

Sweetened gently with agave nectar, these popsicles strike a pleasant balance between sweet and tart. Don’t worry, you won’t feel heavy or overwhelmed while enjoying these citrus delights because they don’t feel heavy or cloying. Because raw agave nectar has a smooth, caramel undertone, it beautifully complements the citrus’ vibrancy, making each bite a delightful dance of flavors on the palate. Plus, making these popsicles at home means you’re in control, meaning that you aren’t adding any artificial dyes, sugars, or preservatives. It’s just pure, homemade goodness that will you down and lift your spirits.

So, whether you’re lounging by the pool, hanging at the lake, chilling in the backyard, or just craving a sunny pick-me-up treat, these mandarin popsicles are exactly what you need. They’re as easy to make as they are to love! Think of them as frozen bites of citrus sunshine that will transform a boring day into a personal vacation. Grab your ingredients, get blending, and enjoy the icy, tangy magic of summer in every bite.

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