If you have spent time in our recipe section, especially browsing the Full Body Cleanse-approved ones, you know how much we love cheesy dishes. Cheese is the primary ingredient that stops vegetarians from becoming vegans. While there are vegan cheeses available in the grocery store, some of them are lacking in flavor. That isn’t the case for this raw vegan nut-free parmesan cheese. It combines pumpkin seeds, nutritional yeast, hemp seeds, garlic powder, and sea salt. You’ll want to sprinkle this on everything you make, especially your salads while cleansing.

Most vegan parmesan cheese recipes contain nuts, particularly cashews. In fact, most vegan cheeses use cashews because they are creamy, but if you are avoiding nuts due to an allergy, this recipe is perfect for you. Nuts do not agree with everyone, causing inflammation or poor digestion in certain people. That isn’t necessary the case with pumpkin seeds and hemp seeds, both of which offer impressive nutritional profiles. Pumpkin seeds are naturally rich in zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and vitamins E, K, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Hemp seeds are highly nutritious, offering good amounts of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, vitamin E, and phosphorus. A single serving (about three tablespoons) of hemp seeds has nearly 10 grams of protein, which works to curb hunger and energize the body between meals. The antioxidants in hemp seeds may also help lower blood pressure and protect against free radicals, which are molecules that increase the risk of chronic inflammation, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions.

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What do we know about pooping? Well, we know that maintaining regular bowel movements is a key indicator of good digestive health. The frequency of bowel movements, however, can vary widely among people. When you understand what constitutes “normal” bowel habits, you can make the necessary changes or seek medical advice to maintain optimal digestion. So how often should you poop? Continue reading to find out. 

How Often Should You Poop?

Bowel frequency is an interesting topic of conversation. Many health experts suggest that it is perfectly normal to have anywhere from three bowel movements per day to three per week. One study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology confirmed that information, regardless of age or gender. There is also no general answer for how often you should poop, but people tend to have their daily bowel movement habits. If you poop three times per week or less, something is going on. We always say that eliminating between one to three times per day is an indication of optimal digestive health.

What Affects Poop Frequency?

Hydration

When you drink enough water, your stool softens and becomes easier to pass. That is why staying hydrated is an important factor for maintaining regular bowel movements. According to research, increasing your fiber and fluid intake can significantly enhance stool frequency. One study showed that participants who consumed 25 grams of fiber daily, in addition to two liters of water, showed greater improvements in stool frequency than those with lower fiber and fluid intake. 

Stress

Emotional stress and poor mental health can actually alter your bowel habits and affect frequency. Research suggests that psychological stress can influence functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A little stress can make it more difficult to empty the stomach, which stimulates colonic transit. That ultimately leads to alterations in stool consistency and frequency. Another study involved 10- to 16-year-olds and found that exposure to stressful life events was linked to bowel movements that occurred less than three times per week. Additionally, those bowel movements were often painful or strained. More research on children between the ages of nine and 10 found that psychological stress and negative family factors increased the rate of constipation. 

Physical Activity

It is well-documented that regular exercise stimulates peristalsis, the intestinal contractions that encourage bowel movements. One analysis found that vigorous exercise positively influenced women, but results were mixed among male participants. Another study found that moderate exercise, such as cycling or jogging, accelerated gut transit time, but did not alter stool weight or frequency. Additionally, a Nurses’ Health Study suggests that daily physical activity can lower the risk of constipation. 

Diet

Increasing fiber intake from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can influence stool frequency. It is rather unsurprising, then, that vegetarian and vegans tend to have more frequent bowel movements than meat-eaters. That isn’t to say that all vegans and vegetarians have optimal regularity, but they do tend to eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains than meat-eaters. Another study found that increasing fiber intake increased stool frequency and made stool softer. Vegans with the highest fiber intake experience the most frequent bowel movements, even more than vegetarians and omnivores.  

What Does The Consistency Of Your Pooping Mean?

Both the consistency and frequency of stool is integral to overall health. The Bristol Stool Form Scale classifies stool types from 1 (hard lumps) to 7 (watery liquid). You want to be somewhere around type 3 or 4, which is considered normal. These types are well-formed stools that are easy to pass, meaning they are soft and sausage- or snake-like. You can support healthy pooping by: 

• Stay hydrated: drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get. 75, you should drink 75 ounces of water per day.
• Exercise regularly: Movement leads to movement, if you catch our drift. Walking, jogging, swimming, and other forms of light to moderate exercise can benefit your digestive health. 
• Increase fiber intake: Ideally, aim to consume 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Aim to get your fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. 
• Manage your stress: Experiment with different stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote healthy bowel movements.

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Depending on who you are, breakfast may or may not be the most important meal of the day. Some people skip breakfast as part of an intermittent fasting meal plan, while others require the nutrients from that meal to power them until lunch. Given that breakfast is the first meal of the day, it is your chance to give your body nutrient-dense foods for energy and focus. 

The unfortunate reality is that there are many breakfast foods in the Standard American Diet that do more harm than good. Fueling the body with bacon, eggs, and toast is not on par with homemade chia pudding, for example. Some breakfast foods provide all-day clarity, while others cause stress and wreak havoc on your brain. Continue reading to learn about a number of breakfast foods that can cause stress and make the brain tired. 

Loaded Coffee

What is a loaded coffee? We can assure you that it is not a velvety cup of black coffee that you made with a French press or pour over. A loaded coffee contains refined sugars (a lot of them), artificial flavors, and dairy, all of which increase inflammation in the brain and body. Inflammation can increase symptoms of psychological stress and impair cognitive functions. Avoid the sugary treat and consider straight black coffee or an almond milk cappuccino. 

Cereals

There are a handful of breakfast cereals that have their benefits, but most cereals are loaded with sugars. Are they easy to prepare in the morning? Absolutely, but that is because you only need to add your choice of milk or non-dairy milk. Unfortunately, cereal boasts no cognitive benefits, as most varieties are devoid of nutrients. It is better to nourish the body with whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats. A great example of that is a bowl of oatmeal or overnight oats. Don’t miss your opportunity to nourish your body!

Fruity Yogurts

You have seen the strawberry banana or vanilla yogurt with granola pack in the grocery store before. These are sugar bombs, but the yogurt aspect makes you think it is a healthy breakfast choice. Plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries, however, is a great breakfast option that can promote gut and brain health. Fruit-flavored yogurts are different, and you can see that difference by reading the nutrition label. For your reference, four grams of sugar equates to one teaspoon, so make sure that you are not consuming eight to 10 grams of sugar per serving on something that is supposed to be healthy. 

“The Detective”

We are giving this name to the classic combo of donuts and coffee, due to the stereotypical police officer/detective eating donuts and drinking coffee. Plain black coffee can provide some valuable nutrients, but that donut does away with it all. Not only does eating a donut make you want to eat more, but it also makes you crave unhealthy carbs. Donuts are loaded with pro-inflammatory carbohydrates and inflammatory oils. Both can set you up for short-term brain fog and poor memory outcomes in the long run. 

All-Fruit Smoothies

A smoothie is a great way to deliver a lot of nutrients to the body in one fell swoop. It is a great breakfast item, but the problem is when you only include fruit in the smoothie. You don’t want to make a sweet milkshake in disguise, which is why we encourage you to blend a mixture of fruits and vegetables. If you only consume all-fruit smoothies, you may experience a big blood sugar spike, which can cause an energy crash a few hours later. Don’t let yourself become a victim of fatigue, anxiety, and general irritability! 

Breakfast Burritos

A breakfast burrito can be made with healthy ingredients. If you only include eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheese, though, you may wind up feeling bloated and run-down. The tortilla also introduces unnecessary simple carbohydrates and refined starches. If you want to make a breakfast burrito healthier for the gut and brain, consider skipping the wrap and enjoy some scrambled eggs with fresh vegetables, black beans, and a splash of salsa.

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The last thing you want to be after enjoying a full meal is hungry. You should feel content and satiated post-meal. What we mean by this is that you should not have a growling stomach or low energy levels that typically indicate that you need to eat. If you want to indulge in a little dessert after a meal, that is something completely different, as that refers to appetite. We are talking about hunger!

The hunger you experience between meals and snacks typically means that you are not eating enough of the right foods. What do these foods have that others don’t? Focus on foods that are naturally rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Don’t know where to start or what to incorporate into your meals in order to stay full between meals? Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Potatoes

Potatoes have a high water content and lower energy density when compared to other carbs like pasta or rice. That means that you can eat a bigger portion to enjoy the same amount of carbs. Potatoes also contain resistant starch, which is a type of carb that helps slow the digestive process. Here’s a pro tip: cook and then chill your potatoes for several hours before eating to increase the resistant starch content.

Greek Yogurt

Offering a combination of protein and fat, plain Greek yogurt works to slow gastric emptying. Basically, that means that it slows the emptying of the stomach, which helps keep you fuller for longer. Additionally, yogurt helps maintain blood sugar levels, reducing your urge to snack between meals. Try to begin your day with a filling yogurt bowl that contains some chopped nuts, mixed berries, and just a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar. 

Avocado

Rich in monounsaturated fats and fiber, avocados are excellent foods to help you maintain feelings of fullness. The healthy fats work to slow digestion, while the fiber (about 13 grams in one avocado) helps keep blood sugar stable, which reduces the likelihood of sudden hunger or energy crashes. According to research, eating one whole avocado per day can help improve cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help you make healthier food choices throughout the day. 

Quinoa

Although technically a seed, quinoa is typically associated with grains. The reason for this is because its nutritional properties are more similar to grains than seeds. No matter how you categorize quinoa, one thing remains: it is an excellent source of protein. In fact, quinoa provides all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. Additionally, quinoa is high in fiber, which helps increase feelings of fullness and reduces your desire to eat unnecessarily. 

Legumes

Beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts (yes, they are technically legumes, not nuts) exhibit impressive nutritional profiles. Notoriously, legumes are great sources of fiber and plant-based protein, yet they have low energy density. That means that you feel quite full after eating a serving of legumes. An older article reviewed nine randomized trials that examined post-meal fullness from pulses, which belong to the legume family. The results indicated that participants were 31% more full from eating pulses compared with eating meals without pulses that contained the same amount of calories. 

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Some energy balls are just more delicious and nutritious than other recipes, and this is one of those recipes. It combines the natural sweetness of dried apricots and Medjool dates with the rich, creamy texture of Brazil nuts. You make these bite-sized treats by blending the ingredients into a sticky paste. This takes some time and you’ll have to scrape down the sides of the processor to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Using your hands, roll that sticky mixture into bite-size balls, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking. They are also great little pick-me-up snacks to boost your energy levels during long days.

The apricots provide a natural source of antioxidants, including vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber, which increases feelings of fullness, helps stabilize blood sugar, and supports digestion. Brazil nuts are known for their high selenium content, an essential mineral that benefits thyroid function and exhibits antioxidant potential. Together, all of these ingredients create a nutritious and delectable snack that helps you sustain energy keep you full between meals. Whether you are an athlete, busy professional, or anyone seeking a wholesome treat, these energy balls are for you!

These energy balls are also versatile and customizable. If you want to enhance their flavor with raw vegan additions like cinnamon powder, ground nutmeg, or a sprinkle of chia seeds, then go for it. The prep work is minimal because all you need to do is pulse in the food processor and roll. Freeze them immediately after rolling to accelerate the hardening time. The quicker they firm up, the sooner you get to eat them!

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Is this dandelion pesto nature’s green powerhouse in sauce form? We’ll leave that for you to decide. What we can tell you is that this highly addictive sauces is crafted from dandelion greens, which bring a wild, bitter-green twist to a classic sauce. Forget the basil and cheese, because they aren’t needed here. It still contains pine nuts, lemon juice, olive oil, and other seasonings, but the dandelions require other ingredients to tame the subtle bitterness.

Often dismissed as pesky weeds, dandelions are rich in antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and K, and other minerals like calcium and iron. That makes this pesto a superfood sauce in disguise! Blended with heart-healthy olive oil, crunchy pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, turmeric, nutritional yeast, and sea salt, this pesto strikes a great balance between bold, rustic flavors and bright citrusy tones. It’s a great sauce, whether you decide to pour it over zucchini noodles, use it as a dip, or pile it onto a tray of roasted veggies. It truly awakens the palate!

Best of all, it does not contain preservatives, dairy, and artificial additives, which are common ingredients in most store bought pesto sauces. This sauce is pure plant-powered goodness straight from the garden to your plate. Now, that does not mean you have to go foraging for dandelions, but they are a common weed that people discard. Just forage for flavor! Play it safe and buy dandelion greens from the grocery store, a move that will also ensure you have enough greens free of pests for the pesto.

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Oh, this salad is oh, so flavorful. It’s got everything you want from a recipe: spice, zest, acid, sweet, tang, and more in every bite. Besides the impressive and refreshing flavors, this salad offers a variety of colors and textures. That makes for a more enjoyable eating experience with the added benefit of getting the various antioxidant compounds from the different-colored ingredients. Don’t let the recipe make you think that this is difficult to make, either. It comes together in a matter of 10-15 minutes and truly showcases the flavor of mango.

Traditionally, Thai mango salad is made with green mango, which is shredded or thinly sliced and mixed with red onion, cilantro, peanuts, fish sauce, and lime juice. The green mango, which is unripe, takes a similar role to green papaya, which is also unripe. Green mangos have a firm, crunchy texture and are quite tart. That’s why they are common in chutneys or pickles. Because green mangos are not as readily available in your average grocery store, we elected to use ripe mangos, which offer a juicy sweetness that complements the kick and punch of the other ingredients. Additionally, we replace the peanuts with raw cashews and, for obvious reasons, we omitted the fish sauce.

We always support culinary creativity at all times. If you feel that you have a cleanse-approved ingredient that would work well with the ones in this salad, feel free to add it in. What we do encourage is that you maintain somewhat uniform cuts for the ingredients. Slice the cucumbers and mangos thinly and on a diagonal so that they can be similar to the thinly sliced onions. Lastly, we only included red pepper flakes, not Thai chilies, because we care about not burning your taste buds off!

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By now, it should not be a secret that diet influences many aspects of your health. From digestion and brain function to athletic performance and aging, the foods you eat either boost or take away from your health. In fact, science-backed evidence continues to prove this, especially in recent years. New research indicates that sugar may be a big contributing factor that accelerates cellular aging. 

Not everyone is a big sugar consumer, but it lures in people with its sweet, addictive deliciousness every day. If donuts are out, it’s very difficult to resist grabbing one. You don’t want one. You’re full, actually, and yet you still reach into that box and allow the power of sugar to take over. Some people feel that way about saltier snacks, but many succumb to sugar’s addictive quality. 

A new cutting-edge measure, known as the “epigenetic clock,” helps scientists better understand the link between added sugar consumption and how quickly cells age. Continue reading to learn more about that. 

What Is An Epigenetic Clock?

Before delving into the definition, you must first understand that aging is characterized by different changes that occur at the cellular, sub-cellular, and nuclear levels. One of those levels is epigenetic aging. Scientists understand that epigenetic alterations affect aging. For this reason DNA methylation patterns have been used as a measure of biological age. This is currently referred to as an epigenetic clock. 

An epigenetic clock is essentially a biomarker of age, and various clocks continue to emerge. DNA PhenoAge, DNA GrimAge, and Horvath’s clock are just a few in existence. It’s not a science fiction gadget; rather, it is an advanced marker that helps scientists evaluate changes to DNA to estimate biological age. The study that detected how quickly sugar ages cells involved 342 women at midlife. Researchers collected DNA from saliva in order to measure their epigenetic age, in addition to analyzing participants’ diets.

The Findings

The researchers noted a measurable acceleration in biological aging for every gram of added sugar that participants consumed. Even the individuals who followed an otherwise healthy diet experienced this accelerated aging. That said, people who consumed nutrient-dense, low-sugar diets were linked to slower aging. Let’s examine the key takeaways from this research:

1. Cut back on sugar and you may just turn back the hands of time. In fact, reducing your added sugar intake by just 10 grams per day could potentially reverse biological aging by up to 2.4 months. 
2. Stick to a nutrient-dense diet that focuses on foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E. Additionally, consume foods that contain magnesium and fiber, as all of these nutrients have been linked to a younger biological age. 
3. According to researchers, a Mediterranean-style diet is a smart choice to help slow cellular aging. Most blue zones, which are areas with a high concentration of centenarians, exist in the Mediterranean. The consensus is that these people consume a lot of foods rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

How Does Sugar Impact Your Health?

According to many studies, excess sugar consumption contributes to elevated inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. What does all of that mean for your cellular health? As you can imagine, it’s not good news. It’s perfectly fine if you decide to indulge in a sugary treat every so often and maintain a nutrient-dense diet the rest of the time. Consistent overconsumption, though, can take a toll on the body’s natural repair processes, which affects your epigenetic age. 

Looking for simple ways to cut back on added sugars without surrendering flavor? There are a variety of sugar swaps that help you satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way. They are:

• Opt for oatmeal topped with nut butter and fresh berries for a healthier, sweet breakfast treat. You can also enjoy a fruit and vegetable smoothie in place of sugary processed cereals. Chia pudding is another great option, especially if you need to take breakfast on the go. 
• Indulge in some antioxidant-rich dark chocolate instead of packaged candy bars. Aim for 70% cacao or higher in order to reap the health benefits. 
• It can be difficult to stop drinking soda, as it is highly addictive and overly sweet. Grab a sparkling water or healthy soda alternative instead of reaching for sugar-laden energy drinks or standard sodas. 

The Takeaway

Sugar influences cellular health and longevity, as was proven clear during this recent study. If you shift your focus to consume less sugar and more antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory foods, then your body and health, including your biological clock, will benefit. 

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Welcome to yet another simple, no-bake energy ball recipe. These beautiful blueberry bliss balls (say that five times fast) are about to be your new favorite snack, especially if you’ve been looking for something to fuel your lethargic afternoons. Eat one or two of these before a workout, or enjoy one as a post-workout snack to help kick-start the muscle repair process. Just make sure that you don’t eat all of them at once. That would most likely be impossible due to the massive amount of calories.

If you have never had dates, just know that they provide natural sweetness with a flavor that is reminiscent of caramel. In fact, you can actually blend dates with a little water to make a date caramel, which is a great alternative to traditional caramel. If you are interested in that recipe, click here. Dates are necessary in this recipe for two reasons: providing sweetness and helping bind the other ingredients together. Just make sure that you pit the dates prior to blending them with the other ingredients. Another step that can help is if you soak the pitted dates in warm water to help soften them before blending.

One thing to note is that this recipe is that it does not use fresh blueberries. You will need to procure dried blueberries, but make sure that they are free of added sugars and processed ingredients, such as sulfur dioxide. If you cannot find dried blueberries, you can choose another variety of dried fruit, such as dried apricots. The main thing to remember is that you do not want to have added sugars in whichever dried fruit you decide to use. And finally, if you do not like raw cashews, choose another nut, such as raw almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or hazelnuts.

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If you are familiar with the content we post, then you know we laugh at the idea of a salad being a simple side dish. We direct the spotlight on the salad, allowing it to take center stage as the main course. You just need to pack it with plenty of cruciferous and colorful vegetables, heart-healthy nuts, savory beans, avocados, berries, and, most importantly, an incredible dressing. 

Make It Colorful

In order to make the perfect salad, you want to include as many nutrient-dense, filling ingredients as possible. If you can make it as colorful as possible, that is a bonus. The reason you want to include colorful foods, such as blueberries, purple cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, or bell peppers, is to diversify your antioxidant intake. This relates back to the concept of “eating the rainbow.” Eating this way not only ensures that you eat a wide range of fruits and vegetables, but also that you eat as many vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients as possible. Continue reading to learn about other tips to make a great post-holiday detox salad. 

Start With The Greens

Greens will form the base of your salad, but you don’t have to be traditional with your choice of leaves. Some people enjoy crispy romaine, while others prefer the diversity of spring mixed greens. Kale makes for an excellent salad base, so long as you remove the thick stems and chop it finely. Arugula is a great choice if you water a peppery base, and shredded Brussels sprouts or cabbage work well as bases for slaws. The point is that green vegetables are some of the healthiest foods on the planet! Some people abide by the phrase, “The more you eat green, the more you get lean.”

Don’t Be Afraid Of Onions

Onions, garlic, and other members of the allium family, exhibit unique flavor profiles. They have a strong bite, but a lot of health benefits come with that intensity. For example, onions exhibit impressive anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties because of their sulfide compounds. The same compounds that make your eyes tear up benefit your health! If you need to tame the intensity of onions, soak them in a little sea salt and lemon/lime juice. You can also crush up fresh garlic to incorporate into your salad dressing. Fun fact: crushing the garlic actually releases the health properties!

Bring Legumes To The Party

Legumes are naturally rich in fiber and protein, two things that help fill you up. When you add them to salads, they add a starchy creaminess that is very hard to replicate. In fact, you keep aiming for black beans, kidney beans, or garbanzo beans bite after bite! Most beans are naturally rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, in addition to resistant starch. Plus, several studies found that they exhibit anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Dress For Success

Before you dig into your big bowl of greens, colorful vegetables and fruits, onions, and legumes, you need a proper dressing. You can go with a simple vinaigrette using olive oil, your favorite vinegar, and sea salt and pepper, or you can blend several ingredients into a dressing. If you prefer creamy dressings, consider blending avocado, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and salt and pepper. Once your dressing is ready to go, drizzle it over your salad, toss to coat all the ingredients, and serve. When ready to eat, you can top with some almonds, walnuts, cashews, or other nuts and seeds of your choice. 

We regularly publish salad recipes on our website. If you need inspiration, you can click here to view all of our salad recipes. It’s a useful resource that can help you if you’re ever in a pinch.

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