Have you been wanting to make some sort of healthy dessert while cleansing? How about a decadent chocolate ice cream that you can enjoy guilt-free? If you answered “yes” to those two questions, then you clicked on the right recipe. The great thing about this chocolate ice cream is that you don’t need to churn it, meaning you don’t have to go buy an ice cream machine. You just need a food processor or blender, a container, the ingredients, and a freezer. Plus, it is made with avocados and bananas, both of which create an ultra creamy texture.

If you want to make the smoothest, creamiest ice cream, we suggest you use a food processor or high-speed blender. The reason for this is because both of these appliances will blend your ingredients thoroughly, meaning you won’t have any rogue banana or avocado chunks in your ice cream. The last thing you want when enjoying dessert is to encounter a large piece of avocado. Because of the high-fat and creamy nature of avocado, this non-dairy ice cream has a similar texture ice cream made with dairy.

For the liquid, you can use homemade almond milk if you prefer. We chose to use homemade cashew milk for this recipe because it creates a creamier texture in your ice cream. If you don’t have cashews on hand and don’t want to run to the store because you have almonds, make almond milk. You don’t need to change the measurement if you use one or the other. If you make this recipe, let us know how you like it in the comments. Post a picture and tag us on social media!

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Fancy a tea or coffee that’s sweetened with homemade condensed oat milk? You are in luck because this recipe requires three ingredients and 15 minutes of your time. The condensed oat milk is sweet, thick, rich, and perfect for any tea, coffee, milkshake, or creamy beverage. You can also use it in myriad dairy-free or vegan baking applications. Drizzle it over scones, cakes, biscotti, and more!

There are not too many (if any) non-dairy condensed milk options available for purchase. Commercially available condensed oat milks are very rare, but you can sometimes have luck with condensed coconut milk. Because they are not easy to find, we wanted to provide you with an easy homemade option. All you need is the ingredients, a blender, a saucepan, and some of your precious, valuable time.

After you blend the ingredients, strain the blended mixture through a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or fine mesh sieve. Pour that strained liquid into a saucepan and heat slowly while whisking frequently. This step is very important because you want the mixture to thicken evenly. The frequent whisking and heat will thicken the liquid, but be mindful that this can take three to five minutes. Just be patient and remove the saucepan from the stove once it reaches your desired consistency.

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It is a gift to be able to make your own nut milk because you know exactly which ingredients go into it. Besides the fact that they do not contain any emulsifiers, thickening agents, or added sugars, homemade nut milks simply taste better than anything store bought. They taste fresher and are usually creamier. Because they are homemade and do not contain preservatives, they have a much shorter shelf life. Homemade nut milk, such as this strawberry cashew milk, has a shelf life of about three days, so be sure to drink it all up.

Carrageenan is probably the most common ingredient that you’ll see in a store bought nut milk. It’s a potentially carcinogenic ingredient that you should avoid if you can. Even “clean” nut milk companies will uses ingredients like carrageenan, which doesn’t instill confidence in buyers. A great nut milk should consist of a few ingredients: nuts, water, and a sweetener, such as raw agave nectar, grade A maple syrup, or dates.

For this homemade strawberry cashew milk, there is no sweetener; rather, the strawberries serve as the sweetening component. Choose your strawberries right and you’ll have a perfectly balanced sweet and slightly tart flavor. Now, you can make this strawberry cashew milk in one of two ways. Either you add all of the ingredients to a blender and then strain through a mesh sieve or nut milk bag, or you juice the strawberries and then mix that juice with the strained cashew milk. Choose your destiny and let us know how you like it!

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Are you an almond milk fanatic, or do you prefer oat milk? Maybe you enjoy macadamia nut milk or hemp seed milk instead. There is nothing wrong with these non-dairy milk alternatives; rather, quite the opposite, so long as you buy the unsweetened varieties with minimally processed ingredients. Better yet, if you make your own plant-based milks then you are really killing the game. We will say, though, that if you have never tried cashew milk, you are in for a treat, especially with this recipe.

Cashew milk can be quite expensive in stores, so making it at home may help you save a little money. Plus, as you know by now, making your own nut or seed milk is an incredibly easy process, especially if you have a nut milk bag. In the case of this recipe, the cashew milk offers a warm, sweet, and slightly richer flavor than your typical store bought variety. It also drinks smoother and has a creamier texture, which is great if you want to add this to your post-cleanse cup of coffee.

The great thing about this cashew milk, besides the highly addictive flavor, is its versatility. It goes great in smoothies, baked goods, energy balls/bars, cereal, or coffee. The options are truly endless and you can feel great about enjoying this cashew milk because it doesn’t contain the emulsifiers, thickening agents, added sugars, or preservatives, all of which are usually in store bought varieties. If you like this recipe and want to see more like it, drop a comment below so we know!

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Finally, a smoothie that does not require homemade almond milk. It does, however, call for homemade cashew milk and raw cashews, so just buy some extra to make your nut milk ahead of time. We find cashew milk to be a bit creamier and smoother than almond milk, and that contributes to a silky smooth smoothie.

We could talk to you about strawberries, cashews, and dates at length, but there is an unusual ingredient in this smoothie: cardamom. There is not a huge amount because too much would easily overpower the smoothie. You get a subtle hint of aromatic essence from the cardamom that blends beautifully with strawberry’s sweet tartness. The sweetness from the dates helps to mellow cardamom’s intensity, so you don’t have to worry about this spice overwhelming your palate.

What you need to know is that cardamom acts like a superhero for your digestive system. It can help soothe an upset stomach and fight off harmful bacteria that cause digestive issues. Researchers note that cardamom’s antioxidant compounds help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Those same antioxidants also work to protect your cells from oxidative stress, so you can remain youthful and spry. Lastly, some studies suggest that cardamom’s anti-inflammatory properties work to lower inflammatory markers in the body. This smoothie is truly the epitome of drinking to your health!

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People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk. This can result in diarrhea, gas and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products.

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Coffee used to be simple, with milk and sugar being the only additions. Nowadays, you can look at an entire refrigerated section in a grocery store with hundreds of coffee creamer options to choose from. With dairy and non-dairy options aplenty, how do you know which ones to choose? Not to mention, which one is healthy, unhealthy, or somewhat healthy? We can assure you of one thing, and it is that the brown sugar cinnamon swirl option isn’t doing your body any favors. 

Are any of these coffee creamers better or healthier options than cow’s milk? Even oat milk, which is a popular non-dairy milk alternative, recently received negative attention for spiking blood sugar. Most coffee creamers, though, have added sugars, emulsifiers, thickening agents, and preservatives to extend their shelf life. And yet, even with these ingredients, people choose them over regular cow’s milk and sugar. 

How do you select the healthiest coffee creamer? It can be very difficult to do this, but you can click here to make three homemade vegan coffee creamers that are healthier than store bought varieties. They don’t have harmful ingredients and they taste incredible! Make them and see for yourself. Continue reading to learn why you should rethink your coffee creamer. 

The Different Types Of Creamers

Generally, you can break down coffee creamers into the following four categories:

• Basic dairy, including milk, cream, and half-and-half
• Powders, such as nonperishable products, either plain or flavored
• Basic non-dairy, including unsweetened oat, soy, almond, coconut, and macadamia nut milks
• Liquids, such as coffee flavored products, either made from dairy or non-dairy ingredients

As a quick rule of thumb, the simpler the product, the healthier it is for you, according to registered dietitians. From the four categories above, basic dairy and basic non-dairy creamers are the best options. That said, you still have to read the nutritional labels to ensure that they aren’t full of emulsifiers, added sugars, and more. You want to look for minimal ingredients!

When Is Coffee Creamer Bad For You?

Everything in moderation, right? If you use your favorite coffee creamer sparingly, there is nothing to worry about. Most people add coffee to their creamer. You know those types, the people that like their coffee so sweet to the point where the coffee flavor is almost non-existent. Additionally, coffee milkshakes, frappuccinos, pumpkin spice lattes, and other similar drinks contain excess calories and sugar. Those drinks don’t contain coffee creamers, but they are just as unhealthy as pouring tablespoons of creamer into your coffee cup. 

Just keep in mind that nutritional values vary between brands and flavors. Most coffee creamers have about 20 calories and at least one gram of sugar per serving, although many non-dairy creamers do not contain sugar. Here are some of the ingredients in coffee creamers to watch out for, especially if you over-pour.

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

Hydrogenated vegetable oil typically tops the ingredient lists of most powdered creamers. It is used as a preservative and thickening agent, extending the shelf life and giving the creamer its creamy texture. Although hydrogenated oil is not as bad as partially hydrogenated oil (trans fat), you still shouldn’t consume a lot of it. Hydrogenated oil is still saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease. If that is the case, why does powdered coffee creamer state that it has zero grams of saturated fat? Well, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that a label can claim zero grams of saturated fat if a serving has less than 0.5 grams per serving. That is why you need to be aware of the serving size and monitor how many servings you add to your cup. 

Carrageenan

This is a common food additive in many non-dairy creamers and non-dairy milks. Extracted from red seaweed, carrageenan may potentially impact gastrointestinal health, causing bowel inflammation. That said, a USDA report found that food-grade carrageenan doesn’t pose significant health risks at dietary levels. Carrageenan intake should be based on your individual health status, so just be aware of how it makes you feel if you consume a creamer that contains it. 

Dipotassium Phosphate

As a common additive in many processed foods, dipotassium phosphate is generally considered safe by the FDA. Some health experts have their concerns about this additive, and other food additives in general. According to research, dipotassium phosphate is absorbed at a much higher rate than phosphorus. Because of this ingredient’s prevalence in processed foods, many Americans may be over-consuming phosphates. Researchers note that high levels of phosphates in the blood increase the risk of kidney problems, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. More rigorous studies are still necessary, but you may want to consider limiting your intake of phosphate additives. 

Gellan And Other Gums

Gellan gum is a plant-based alternative to gelatin, so it is used as a stabilizer and thickening agent in non-dairy creamers. According to research, gellan and other gums are generally safe, even when consumed in larger amounts than your regular coffee creamer serving size. Just be mindful of your intake because too many gums may negatively affect digestive health.

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If you want your skin to glow, you have to treat it right. The matcha clay face mask in this article is a simple, all-natural mask that works to detoxify the skin. Not only does that help remove impurities from your pores, but it also helps the skin look more radiant. Can you go wrong with nourishing ingredients like matcha, French green claw, kaolin clay, honey powder, aloe vera powder, and more?

This face mask helps to absorb excess oil and deep clean the skin. Matcha, spirulina, and goat milk powder help to calm and revive the skin with nourishing vitamins and minerals. Other ingredients help trap moisture into the skin and give it an immediate glow. Whether you have acne prone skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, or dry skin, this mask is highly suitable. Continue reading to learn about some of the standout ingredients. 

Aloe Vera Gel Powder

Aloe vera gel is a natural humectant, which attracts moisture from the air and supplies it to your skin. By deeply moisturizing the skin, you strengthen your skin’s elasticity, helping it appear smoother and more supple. If you notice that facial skin feels dry, this is an ingredient your skin requires.

Spirulina Powder

Spirulina is a notable superfood that provides the body with protein, thiamin, copper, niacin, iron, and more. It is also a great source of antioxidants, which help contribute to a fresh, clear complexion. Spirulina helps nourish the skin, promoting cell growth and regeneration with its amino acid content. 

Matcha Powder

Made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, matcha exhibits impressive antioxidant activity. The leaves dry naturally, so no heating is involved, which better preserves their nutrients. Matcha also offers antibacterial and antibiotic properties, which help rejuvenate skin cells, promote smooth skin, and reduce fine lines. 

Kaolin Clay

Kaolin clay has a fine texture, so it is very gentle on the skin. It is less absorbing than French green clay, which we will discuss next. If your skin is dry or sensitive, double the amount of kaolin clay and omit the French green clay from this recipe. 

French Green Clay

Rich in trace minerals, French green clay works to nourish the skin, clear impurities, and absorb excess oils. Studies show that this clay benefits people with acne because it helps to remove blackheads and germs in pores. It also tightens pores and promotes overall skin rejuvenation. The green color is attributed to the centuries-old plant matter, from which French green clay is made. It also contains iron oxide, which helps draw out toxins from the skin. 

Honey Powder

Honey exhibits antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help soothe inflammation. The antioxidants in honey support cell regeneration and strengthen the skin. Just like aloe vera, honey is a natural humectant, so it helps trap moisture into the skin and add shine to your complexion. 

DIY Matcha Clay Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1.4 ounces French green clay
• 1.4 ounces kaolin clay
• 0.7 ounces goat milk powder
• 0.35 ounces matcha powder
• 0.35 ounces honey powder
• 0.17 ounces spirulina powder
• 0.04 ounces aloe vera gel powder
• 0.02 ounces allantoin

Instructions:

• First of all, a digital scale to make your life easier. Weigh out the different powders and place them all in a medium-sized mixing bowl. 
• After mixing the powders thoroughly, Pour the mixture into an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place. You don’t want this to be exposed to sunlight or a heat source. 
• When ready to use, put two teaspoons of the powder into a small mixing bowl and stir in one teaspoon of water. Continue stirring until you achieve a smooth paste. 
• Using a brush or spatula, apply the mask to your face, making sure to avoid the lips, hairline, eyes, and eyebrows. 
• Rinse with warm water and a washcloth after 10 minutes. You can then apply a toner and moisturizer.

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A lot of people look forward to the Thanksgiving feast for months. Is it a healthy holiday? Absolutely not, but people excuse themselves from diet restrictions on Turkey Day to gorge on the impressive spread. Between the casseroles, turkey, stuffing, pies, mashed potatoes, and endless selection of other sides, it’s safe to say that you can easily rack up the calories. In fact, the Calorie Control Council estimates that the average American consumes about 4,500 calories during the Thanksgiving feast alone. That doesn’t even include the rest of the day!

Just in case you were wondering, 4,500 calories is more than double the recommended daily calories you should consume in a day. Research has shown that Americans experience an average weight increase of up to 0.2% over Thanksgiving, and 0.4% over Christmas. That may not sound like a lot, but the average person doesn’t lose that weight either. Year after year, this can accumulate and cause a lot of weight gain. 

While there are certain dishes that you can only get on Thanksgiving, exercise moderation and control when you encounter these foods. Most foods are on the “naughty list,” dietarily speaking, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid them entirely. Enter the Thanksgiving feast with a game plan and do your best to control your portions, especially in regards to the following unhealthy dishes. 

Stuffing

People love to gobble up stuffing, which is nothing but a calorically dense, carbohydrate-rich, fattening side dish. It does taste good though, right? Most people use store bought stuffing mixes, which contain preservatives, excess sodium, and processed ingredients. Plus, stuffing often contains bacon, giblets, and sausage, which can increase the calories to 500 per cup. Many people often eat more than two cups, accounting for 1,000 calories with one dish. Get a small portion, or make stuffing a little healthier by using less meat in your stuffing. Consider reducing the butter content by 50% and using lower-calorie and lower-sodium ingredients as well. 

Green Bean Casserole

You either love it or you hate it, but green bean casserole is a staple on many holiday tables. It’s a vegetable dish, so how can it be unhealthy? Even though it may be the only green you see on the Thanksgiving menu, it tends to contain 200 calories, 22 grams of carbs, 8 grams of saturated fat, and 574 milligrams of sodium per serving. Keep in mind that most people use canned creamy soup and fried onions, increasing the sodium, fat, and calorie content. If you do make it, try to use fresh green beans and low-sodium soup to keep the sodium down. 

Pecan Pie

Perhaps the most calorically-dense item at the Thanksgiving feast, pecan pie tends to be a family favorite. You may want to rethink your dessert choice, now that you know a slice of this pie contains over 500 calories and a ton of sugar. Gut health experts agree that pecan pie is one of the worst food options at Thanksgiving. Try something a little lighter, less buttery, and less sugary for dessert. Baked apples with cinnamon topped with Greek yogurt are quite lovely!

Macaroni And Cheese

Traditional mac and cheese recipes call for milk, butter, piles of cheese, and potentially more milk and butter. Plus, you have the enriched flour and carbs from macaroni. That means that this staple side dish can topple over the 1,000-calorie mark per serving. It’s difficult to lighten this serving, but you can do it. Use smaller amounts of flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar or pepper Jack, and consider supplementing with reduced fat cheese. Add vegetables like chopped cauliflower or cubed butternut squash to your mac and cheese to replace some of the pasta. 

Candied Yams

For some people, Thanksgiving is not complete without a dish of yams topped with golden-brown marshmallows. Unfortunately, this dish contains about 450 calories per serving due to the artery-clogging fat from all the cream and butter. Plus, the processed, sugary marshmallows only add unhealthy preservatives and chemicals to the mix. There are so many ways to make this sweet potato dish a lot healthier! Use low-fat milk and flour for thickening instead of using heavy cream. Lastly, make a lighter, crunchy topping with some chopped pecans and a few pinches of brown sugar. 

Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes have an impressive nutritional profile, but the copious amounts of butter, cream, and milk make mashed potatoes quite an unhealthy dish. In fact, an average serving of mashed potatoes contains 400 calories. Drizzle a hefty amount of gravy on the potatoes and you raise the calorie count by 200. There are so many alternatives to mashed potatoes that offer more nutritional value, so long as you skip all the butter and cream. Opt for mashed cauliflower or a combination of potatoes and root vegetables like parsnips. Celeriac is another great potato alternative!

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When you have a sore throat, all you want is to get better so that itchy, scratchy feeling can go away. You may drink hot herbal tea, which is a great relief method, or you may reach for some ice cream in hopes of soothing the throat. Although ice cream provides a soothing cold relief, it may not be completely harmless. In fact, ice cream may make your condition worse. Continue reading to get the full scoop on eating ice cream for a sore throat. 

If you have ever eaten ice cream to soothe a sore throat, you know that it may provide temporary relief. Depending on your beliefs, you may completely avoid all things cold when you have a sore throat, or you embrace both hot and cold items. Regarding ice cream, the relief it provides is often short-lived. The type of ice cream and the ingredients may even increase inflammation, lower immune function, and worsen your condition. The good news, however, is that there are some ice cream options that may help provide relief without the negative side effects. 

Can Sugar Worsen Your Sore Throat?

According to research, sugar is not the ideal ingredient to boost immune function, which should not surprise you. Sugar can cause more inflammation in the body and weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infections. High sugar intake may reduce the efficacy of white blood cell activity against infections. That is especially true if a sore throat is caused by a virus or bacteria. 

Better Ice Cream Options For Sore Throat

If you are dead set on eating ice cream to soothe your sore throat, the best thing to do is opt for specific, healthier varieties. Due to the vast amount of dietary restrictions and preferences these days, there are many low-sugar, non-dairy, and other “healthier” types of ice cream. Here are some varieties to consider:

• Non-dairy options: If you are sensitive to dairy, or you have a dairy allergy, avoid eating dairy ice cream while sick. A person who is allergic to dairy will only put more stress on their immune system, which is battling the virus or bacteria. Non-dairy ice creams made with coconut milk, almond milk, macadamia milk, or cashew milk are readily available. They provide that soothing cold without the risk of dairy problems. 
• Smooth textures: If you can, opt for ice cream that has a smoothy, creamy texture. Don’t purchase ice creams that have crunchy or hard mix-ins, as these items may irritate the throat. 
• Low-sugar varieties: Because high sugar content may increase inflammation and irritate a sore throat, choose low-sugar ice cream options. Sugar-free or low-sugar alternatives can be both gentler on the throat and the immune system. 
• Fruit sorbets: Generally lower in fat and typically dairy-free, fruit sorbets make for a much lighter option than traditional ice cream. If you find the ones that are made with real fruit, that is even better, as fruit provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may help soothe your throat. Keep in mind, though, that many sorbets can be very high in sugar. Don’t forget you can easily make your own sorbet with some frozen fruit and a food processor!

Are Cold Or Hot Foods Better For A Sore Throat?

Experts suggest that both cold and hot foods can offer relief, but the preference varies from person to person. A popsicle may be great for one person, while a warm cup of vegetable soup is better for another person. One study observed 120 children (ages four to 12) that underwent tonsillectomy prior to the start of the study. The kids were divided in two groups, one of which received a cold diet while the other received a room-temperature diet. The results indicated that the temperature of the diets didn’t significantly affect pain levels, vomiting, or bleeding. As long as the food isn’t so incredibly hot, your throat should tolerate the food. 

Ultimately, what it comes down to is not feeding your body inflammatory foods while you are sick. If you find that a couple spoonfuls of ice cream relieves pain and doesn’t worsen symptoms, then proceed responsibly. Just keep your sugar intake in mind, opting for low-sugar and non-dairy varieties whenever you can while sick.

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