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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It is fairly common for people to gain an average of one pound per year during the holiday season. Unfortunately, that one pound doesn’t tend to go anywhere, and those pounds accumulate as the years go by. There are several factors that contribute to this weight gain, such as lack of exercise or motivation to go to the gym, stress, or seasonal depression. One of the most common factors, though, is the fact that many holiday-themed meals contain hard-to-digest ingredients that are quite fattening. 

Most holiday favorites, from stuffing and pie to peppermint mocha lattes and beyond, contain lots of sodium, fats, unhealthy carbs, and refined sugars. These dishes may taste delicious, but they leave you feeling exhausted because of the energy required to digest them. Holiday classics like turkey, ham, and stuffing can take between one to two days to digest. Next-day bloating isn’t inevitable, though. You can avoid sluggishness and discomfort with the following strategies. 

Avoid Allergies Or Intolerances

Sometimes, people will willingly eat foods they know do not agree with them simply because those dishes are specific to the holidays. Sure, there are lactose-free versions of many holiday staples, but the body can still experience some side effects from eating these foods. The body stores excess water when you eat carbohydrates and the class of sugars found in milk products. When planning your holiday menu or eyeing certain holiday treats, try your best to not overdo it with foods that slow you down. Aside from milk and wheat products, onions, garlic, beans, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower can cause digestive side effects in some people. 

Take A Walk

It’s no secret that working out is quite uncommon during the holiday season. People are busy with end-of-year projects, traveling, holiday parties, school events, and so much more. Plus, a lot of people plan to lose weight or get fit in the new year, but we all know how that resolution tends to go. Take a walk whenever you can, be it on your lunch break or around the neighborhood before you leave for work. Additionally, take a 15- or 20-minute walk after you finish eating to aid digestion. Encouraging blood flow helps kickstart your metabolism and sweat helps flush excess toxins from the body. 

Save Room For Fiber-Rich Foods

We believe the saying, “Save room for dessert,” should be changed to, “Save room for fiber.” The reason for that is most people do not eat a sufficient amount of fiber in their daily diet. Dense foods that are full of refined sugars, simple carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats take forever to travel through the digestive tract. Incorporating more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can make digestion a little easier this holiday season. Consider starting your meal with a salad or blended vegetable soup. Focus on fibrous greens, as they will help you feel full without overeating. 

Drink In Moderation

In addition to the fattening, hard-to-digest foods, alcohol also contributes to sluggish digestion and bloating. Mixed drinks tend to be high in refined sugar and air buildup from carbonated drinks like beer or champagne can cause excess gas. Additionally, the extra carbs in beer can leave you feeling slow, bloated, and sluggish. 

Check For Additives

We don’t want to generalize or insult any home chefs out there, so we’ll tread lightly here. Many holiday dishes utilize canned, boxed, or frozen foods that contain a lot of preservatives and excess sodium. Even a holiday staple like turkey can contain added sodium and pesticides. Additives can slow the digestive process and lead to water retention, two things that increase bloating. This year, opt for cleaner foods that are homemade. Consider roasting some seasonal vegetables or making blended vegetable soups. Knowing exactly what’s on your plate and in your food can help reduce the risk of bloating.

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Do you judge a restaurant or household by the condiments they have? What is the brand and what is the quality of the condiment? Do you love a homemade ketchup, chutney, or dressing? If you answered yes, then you, like us, prefer the preservative-free stuff made with love and care. That’s exactly what this pumpkin seed ranch dressing is: a salad dressing, dip, and sauce that contains tons of nutrients. It may just become a staple around your house!

Ranch dressing is beloved by many people and it is not uncommon for people to have serious opinions about the ranch dressing they enjoy. Usually, the valley is hidden, if you’re picking up what we’re laying down. Unfortunately, most store bought ranch dressings are full of fat, unhealthy inflammatory oils, preservatives, added sugars, and a lot of other problematic ingredients that should not be in a salad dressing. A good ranch dressing should be both creamy and refreshing, packed with herbs and spices, and completely gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and low-carb friendly.

Such is the case with this raw vegan pumpkin seed ranch dressing. It uses pumpkin seeds, homemade almond milk, apple cider vinegar, onion, mint or parsley, dried dill, paprika, mustard powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend all of those ingredients together to create a lovely sauce/salad dressing/condiment. Make sure that you blend until the mixture reaches the consistency you prefer. If you enjoy a thicker ranch dressing, you can add more pumpkin seeds or less almond milk. Play with those measurements to achieve your desired result.

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Most people deal with a gut-related issue at some point during their lifetime. Gut issues can include bloating, gas, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, or more serious issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), leaky gut syndrome, or something more serious. Eating a more nutritious diet can help mitigate a lot of common gut issues that stem from poor eating habits. While this smoothie will not solve your gut issues, it is a great place to start, as it contains ingredients that promote a healthy gut.

Leaky gut syndrome is not technically accepted as a formal medical diagnosis, but it is popular in lay literature. Many gastrointestinal symptoms are ascribed to leaky gut, such as distension, diarrhea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. Healing foods may help alleviate some of these issues, while promoting better gut function in the process. This smoothie is brimming with more nutritious than an average meal in the Standard American Diet. It contains spinach, kale, homemade almond milk, avocado, banana, ginger, hemp hearts, chia seeds, and more!

The mix of bananas and grade A maple syrup naturally sweetens this smoothie. The leafy greens provide vitamins K, A, and C, in addition to magnesium, iron, and fiber. The chia seeds and hemp hearts are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote brain and heart health. Additionally, those two ingredients are naturally rich in fiber, which helps keep you full for longer. Drink this smoothie for breakfast and you won’t need to snack unnecessarily before lunch. It’s such a great way to start your day!

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When you think of chocolate spread, you probably think of Nutella. It’s a classic spread that not only contains hazelnuts, but also milk, soy, vegetable fats, flavorings, and sugar…lots of sugar. A one-tablespoon serving of Nutella has the following stats:

• Calories: 80 calories
• Fats: 4.6 grams (g)
• Carbohydrates: 8.6 g
• Sugar: 8.4 g
• Protein: 0.9 g

If it is truly a hazelnut spread, why is sugar the first ingredient? That is never a good sign for your health. Fortunately, this recipe is the perfect dip, spread, or breakfast topping. You can even eat it by the spoonful! Just be mindful of how much you eat. because cashews also contain a lot of calories. It does taste good on just about anything and satisfies your chocolate cravings in a healthier way than Nutella does.

Besides the ingredients, the other primary difference between this recipe and a store bought chocolate spread is that is not shelf-stable. This recipe only lasts for about a week, but you have to store it properly in order for this to happen. You will need raw cashews, raw cacao powder, agave nectar, vanilla extract, coconut oil, and sea salt. It’s possible that the chocolate cashew butter will separate slightly, due to the fact that it contains agave nectar and coconut oil. Just give it a good mix every time you eat it and you’ll be fine!

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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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According to health experts, the best way to balance hormones naturally is through diet. For example, avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which play a crucial role in hormone production. Some experts agree that these fats serve as the building blocks for hormone synthesis. Other foods that are rich in fiber may help manage cortisol levels and regulate estrogen levels. 

In addition to balancing hormones through your diet, you can also use essential oils to supplement your dietary efforts. In fact, using essential oils may help ward off health problems associated with hormonal imbalance. Some of the common side effects of hormonal imbalance include:

• Low libido
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Infertility
• Hair loss and hair thinning
• Insomnia
• Weight gain

Key Ingredients

The serum in this article contains two top essential oils for balancing hormones: clary sage and thyme essential oil. It also contains ylang ylang oil and evening primrose oil, but thyme and clary sage essential oils are the standout ingredients. 

Clary Sage Essential Oil

Although clary sage essential oil exhibits numerous health benefits, the primary one is that it helps balance estrogen production in the body. Many healthy issues, including PCOS, infertility, and estrogen-based cancers, stem from excess estrogen in the body. This is primarily due to the consumption of high-estrogen foods. In addition to clary sage’s ability to balance estrogen levels, it may be helpful with other hormone imbalances. More research is still necessary on that matter, though. 

Thyme Essential Oil

Studies indicate that thyme essential oil may assist with progesterone production in the body. A lot of men and women with low progesterone levels have a higher risk of infertility, depression, PCOS, and other imbalanced hormones in the body. Because thyme essential oil has the ability to improve progesterone levels, it serves as a great oil for hormone balance. It also comes with fewer potential side effects compared to other treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Homemade Hormone Balancing Serum

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce evening primrose oil
• 30 drops clary sage oil
• 30 drops thyme oil
• 25 drops ylang ylang oil

Instructions

• Mix all of the ingredients together in a two-ounce bottle. Screw on the top and store in a cool, dark place. 
• When ready to use, take a vial dropper and rub 5 drops onto the neck twice daily. Continue until you feel the results.

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The fall brings some cozy and comforting treats, particularly those involving pumpkin flavors and spices. You’ve undoubtedly seen ads for pumpkin spice lattes (PSLs), in addition to pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin pies in stores. Now, we are in no way prepared to say that those items are beneficial to your health. What we can say is that pumpkin spice itself may not be as bad as you think. 

Pumpkin spice blends typically contain cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, all of which offer beneficial antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Even pumpkins themselves provide lots of beta-carotene, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals that benefit overall health. 

Is Pumpkin Spice Healthy?

Both cinnamon and nutmeg have the highest concentration of salicylic acid, which is an integral compound for reducing inflammation. Cinnamon has also proven to be effective at lowering blood sugar and LDL (bad) cholesterol and raising HDL (good) cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. Ginger works to soothe nausea and has antibacterial properties. It has also proven effective at alleviating menstrual cramps and osteoarthritis pain. 

Does Pumpkin Spice Benefit Mental Health?

We can agree that pumpkin spice is comforting during the fall. Many people feel warmed by the spice, but does the spice blend exhibit mental health benefits? In the United States, there is a recurring pumpkin spice theme during the fall. You can see it in coffee shops, grocery stores, and other establishments that anticipate the holidays. Some psychological experts believe that the anticipation of the holidays rekindles past experiences and builds community. There is even a link between smell and memories. For most people, pumpkin spice brings up warm and fond memories. There is no direct link between pumpkin spice and better mental health, but it is possible to evoke positive emotions. 

Pumpkin Spice Recipes

We could not publish an article about pumpkin spice without including a few recipes. These are not your calorically dense PSLs; rather, they are healthier recipes that embrace the classic fall spice. We hope you enjoy them. 

Pumpkin Spice Date Energy Balls

Have you been on the lookout for a healthy pumpkin spice treat? Well, you found it in these raw vegan date energy balls.

Click here to make the recipe.

Post Cleanse Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea

Is your post cleanse palate ready for this comforting tea? Delight in one of fall’s signature flavors by sipping pumpkin spice chai tea.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Raw Vegan Pumpkin Spice Almond Milk

The warming flavors of fall have taken over! Whip up a batch of this homemade pumpkin spice almond milk and we promise you won’t regret it.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Homemade Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte

Made in a matter of minutes using whole food ingredients and a blender, this vegan pumpkin spice latte is your new fall drink of choice!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Keto And Vegan Pumpkin Spice No Bake Balls

Pumpkin spice no bake balls are softy, chewy, and will satisfy anybody’s sweet tooth. They are keto-approved and taste like pumpkin pie!

Click here to make the recipe.

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There is something so satisfying about replacing an item you buy in the store with an even better homemade version. French fries, a loaf of bread, and these root veggie chips are just some examples of things you can make better, and healthier, than the ones you find in stores. Not only does it feel good to make your own chips, but it also means that you get to enjoy more nutrients. Researchers note that root vegetables help to boost serotonin (the feel good hormone) levels. Top off that crunchy goodness with a satisfying and luxurious spiced tahini sauce and you are ready to snack.

The hardest thing about this recipe is making sure that the chips are evenly sliced. That is why we encourage you to use a mandolin slicer on the 1/16-inch setting. You just have to be careful when you start slicing, as the mandolin blade is very sharp. Some mandolins come with protective devices that shield your fingers. If you just have the simple one with that feature, just mind your fingertips when you get close to the end of the potatoes and beets.

Regarding the root vegetables, you can choose ones that you enjoy, if you do not like the yam, white sweet potato, and beets in this recipe. Other great options include Yukon Gold potatoes, rutabaga, turnips, radishes, parsnips, or celery root. As long as these root vegetables are sliced uniformly thin, they will cook evenly. Some root vegetables may have a higher water content then others, so feel free to pat them dry prior to baking them.

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What is cinnamon vanilla cashew butter? Please, allow us to introduce you to your new, favorite indulgence. It is regular homemade cashew butter, but with the addition of warming cinnamon and vanilla. It’s as though plain old cashew butter got dressed up for a night on the town. Didn’t this recipe arrive just in time for this cooler fall weather? Not only is it incredibly easy to make (although blending process can be a little lengthy), but it is also brimming with flavor.

If you have ever browsed the raw vegan nut butters at the grocery store, you know that they can be quite expensive. That is especially true for cashew butter and almond butter. Instead of paying $21 for a small jar of raw cashew butter, buy a large bag of raw cashews and you can make multiple jars yourself. All you need is a food processor, the cashews, cinnamon, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Just keep in mind that it can take 10-15 minutes to become velvety smooth. You will have to stop blending, scrape down the sides of the processor bowl, and continue blending to ensure all of the cashews blend evenly. You can also leave it a little chunky if that’s what you prefer.

One thing to keep in mind about this highly addictive cashew butter is that it does come with a small price. It is naturally rich in calories and fats, even though they are healthy fats. Keep servings small because you can rack up a lot of calories very quickly if you go at this jar with a spoon. If losing weight is your goal, keep yourself away from this, or keep your portions very small and limited.

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