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

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

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

SHARE:

The post Cashew Date Energy Bars appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Do you have a cabbage obsession? If you don’t, you’re about to love this low-calorie superfood. Not only does it add texture and color, but also a subtle and humble flavor to your salads. For this salad recipe, though, we eliminated the lettuce and went straight to shredded cabbage for the base. It’s more of a slaw than a salad, but we aren’t about to debate the qualifications of a slaw versus a salad. The fact of the matter is that this recipe embraces fall ingredients and is quite delicious.

For this cabbage apple salad, you can use red or green cabbage, or a mix of both if you want more contrasting colors. The same can be said for the apples. You can use Granny Smith (green) apples, Fuji apples, Honeycrisp apples, or Red Delicious apples. Can’t decide which one to use? Use a combination of two or more apple varieties to establish sweet and tart flavors in this salad. The combination of cabbage, apples, walnuts, and sweeter dressing creates a lovely mix of sweet and savory flavors. Will you serve yourself on a separate plate or eat straight out of the salad bowl?

When it comes time to prepare the salad, you can choose to cut your ingredients uniformly or slightly different. You can thinly slice the apples, or you can cut them into matchsticks to be more similar to the shredded cabbage. Crumble the raw walnuts and then drizzle the dressing over everything. If you want to make this recipe more fall-themed, consider adding some dehydrated cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Dried cranberries are pictured, just FYI. Just make sure that the dehydrated cranberries are free of added sugars and preservatives.

SHARE:

The post Cabbage Apple Salad appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

We aren’t late to the party; rather, we were just waiting until the Fall Equinox before posting a pumpkin spice recipe. We can officially say that it is pumpkin spice season, which means warm fall flavors with colder weather on the horizon. While pumpkin spice lattes are not for everyone, the pumpkin spice flavor itself is highly versatile. It lends itself to a variety of sweet treats, smoothies, beverages, and more. In fact, it makes for a great addition to energy balls made with nuts and dates.

Do dates sweeten the energy bites? Yes, they do, but they also pack a lot of protein and fiber, two things that help you sustain energy and keep you full between meals. They also help bind all of the ingredients together. Dates are not the only energy-boosting ingredient in these balls. The raw almonds and chia seeds provide healthy fats, protein, fiber, and other macro and micro nutrients. Together, the almonds, dates, and chia seeds create the base, but the fun comes when you add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.

Should you want a nut-free version, you can replace the almonds with pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Additionally, you have the option to roll the energy balls in raw cacao powder or desiccated coconut, but that may yield a different flavor. The cacao powder will add a bitter element, which some people prefer because it balances the natural sweetness of the dates. We hope you enjoy this first taste of fall because many more pumpkin spice recipes will follow suit. Be on the lookout for all things pumpkin spice and everything nice.

SHARE:

The post Pumpkin Spice Date Energy Balls appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Is there any better way to start the day than with a nutrient-rich meal that boosts your brainpower and gives you energy? The ingredients in this smoothie have been scientifically proven to help enhance focus, boost overall cognition, and support memory. They are naturally rich in antioxidant compounds that fuel the brain. You may find that drinking this smoothie helps increase your energy, productivity, and mental clarity. Say goodbye to that mid-morning slump when you drink this smoothie in the morning. Just take a look at the ingredients that get those brain cells firing:

• Banana: A great source of natural sugars and complex carbs, banana provides a quick little boost of energy. It also contains vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6, all of which benefit brain function.
• Chia seeds: These super seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which work to support brain healthy by encouraging proper neurotransmitter function. Chia seeds also provide lots of protein and fiber, both of which provide sustained energy release.
• Walnuts: Packed with DHA, a type of omega-3, walnuts are not only shaped like little brains, but they also contain valuable nutrients for the brain. Studies suggest that eating walnuts regularly may improve overall cognitive performance.
• Avocado: Avocado contains monounsaturated fats that contribute to improved blood flow, which ultimately supports healthy brain function. The vitamins (C, E, B5, and B6) in avocado also play roles in cognitive processes.
• Blueberries and raspberries: These berries are antioxidant superstars, and they are especially high in anthocyanins, which have been proven to improve cognitive function. These antioxidants may also protect the brain from oxidative stress.

SHARE:

The post Blueberry Brain Booster Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

This is a wonderful, vibrant, and flavorful way to enjoy raw zucchini noodles. It combines the creaminess of avocado pesto with the textural crunch of zucchinie noodles. Is it a meal? Yes, but it is also as nourishing as it is delicious. Spice up your dinner routine and get away from salads by making this incredibly easy raw vegan entree. As you’ll see when you make it, the ingredients and steps are quite simple. You don’t need to overcomplicate recipes; rather, you just need quality ingredients.

The raw vegan world celebrates zucchini noodles and the majesty of the spiralizer. They are quite versatile and give you the feeling of indulging in spaghetti, only you don’t feel that common feeling of bloating and digestive discomfort that can result after eating a giant bowl of pasta. A bowl of zoodles covered in a creamy pesto is also a great introductory meal into the raw vegan world. The fresh basil and garlicky undertones come together beautiful in the beautiful pesto. Now, the pesto calls for raw walnuts, but if you enjoy the classic flavor of pine nuts in pesto, you can obtain raw pine nuts. Just keep in mind that pine nuts can be quite expensive, while raw walnuts are a much more affordable option.

The vibrant green pesto is a glorious celebration of fresh ingredients. Make sure to add nutritional yeast to achieve that signature cheesy flavor you know and expect from pesto. Fancy a bit of spice to your pesto? Feel free to add red pepper flakes! Love this recipe? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media when you make the recipe.

SHARE:

The post Raw Zoodles With Avocado Pesto appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When you decide to make the switch to a vegan diet, it can feel like stepping into a whole new world. The ingredients may be unfamiliar and it’s common to face unexpected challenges. It’s also common to face way more chickpeas, greens, whole grains, and nuts than you ever thought you would. 

It can be tough to go vegan, especially if you are going it alone. That is especially true if you are the primary cook in the family and have to prepare other non-vegan foods for others. It’s possible for your family to react with confusion or even resentment, but it’s a commendable dietary change. That’s especially true if you make the shift for health reasons. Going vegan is not always about taking the moral high ground. 

All of that said, there are some common mistakes that people make when switching to the vegan diet. Continue reading to understand what to watch out for when you go vegan. We hope the information helps you during this major transition. 

Lacking Strong Motivation

Approaching the vegan diet like a new diet is actually a mistake. The reason that many people stick with their vegan diets for so long is because their motivation is rooted in values and ethics. Some people make the switch because they no longer want to support mass animal farming, which is perfectly understandable. Perhaps your motivation is to avoid certain illnesses that run in your family. Be it climate crisis, personal health, or the mistreatment of animals, find your reason and let that be your guiding light. 

Buying Foods Without Reading Ingredient Lists

There are many foods that seem vegan, but are actually not. For example, it’s possible for chips to have chicken powder or salad dressing to have milk powder or eggs. Some sugar may even be processed with bone char, which manufacturers use during the refining process to whiten sugar. Even non-dairy creamers can contain small amounts (less than 2%) of sodium caseinate, a milk-derived product. Do your research and always read ingredient labels to avoid slipping up on your new diet. 

Believing Food Is Healthy Just Because It’s Vegan

There are many unhealthy foods that are technically vegan, such as French fries, Oreos, some sour candies, faux meats, pasta, bread and more. Just because it is vegan doesn’t mean it is healthy. You could consider yourself a vegan if you only eat fries, pasta, and Beyond burgers. If you made the shift to veganism for health reasons, focus your efforts on balancing those unhealthy vegan foods with an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Don’t let a food’s vegan label make you think that it is healthy!

Relying On Faux Meats

It is true that many fast food restaurants and other establishments have vegan burgers or options on their menus. If you are used to eating chicken and rice or meat and potatoes for dinner, it can be tricky to have veggie-centric meals all the time. Faux meats qualify as vegan, but they are lab-generated and full of processed ingredients. Sure, they can fill you up, but there are many problems with those foods. There is an abundance of incredibly delicious meal options that a vegan diet offers. Don’t be afraid to look at mealtime through a different lens. Get inspiration from social media or different websites and experiment!

Not Having Fun With Food

Do not fall into a rut of making the same thing over and over again just because you know it is vegan. You have to keep your taste buds interested, so treat cooking as a creative exercise. Experiment with different spices, explore different cuisines, and try new recipes. Going vegan is not about deprivation, but about discovery. If you avoid the common mistakes in this article, then you will find that your new lifestyle can be as joyful as it is nourishing. 

And if you need a little assistance with your dietary transition, consider our Going Vegan 20-day Challenge (click here for more information). It has nutrients that support your transition into veganism. It may be more helpful than you realize!

SHARE:

The post 5 Common Mistakes People Make When Going Vegan appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

“Eating vegan is expensive,” “veganism is just a fad,” and “vegan diets are unhealthy.” Do these statements sound familiar? The vegan diet is often misconstrued, especially with false claims and misinformation on the internet and social media. There is a lot of poorly researched content that is readily available, but there is also a lot of information detailing the benefits of veganism. You just have to filter what you read to get the real story. 

If you are going vegan, though, you may be a little hesitant, which is perfectly natural. How do you know what to believe? Do you have to milk almonds in order to get their milk? Will you be able to get any protein? Will going vegan damage your relationship with others? It’s amazing what myths exist about this diet! Don’t believe everything you read or hear about the vegan diet, folks. What you can believe, however, is the information in this article. We detail five common myths about going vegan. 

You Can’t Get Protein

This is potentially the most common vegan myth in existence. Believe it or not, you do not have to eat meat or animal products to obtain protein. It is true that there is protein in meat, but that doesn’t mean it is the only source. In fact, protein exists in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. Some common, high-protein foods in the vegan diet include:

• Nuts (cashews, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, and almonds)
• Legumes (black beans, lentils, edamame, pinto beans, and kidney beans)
• Whole grains (brown rice, bulgur wheat, and quinoa, which is not technically a grain but commonly used as one)
• Green vegetables (broccoli, green beans, kale, peas, spinach, and seaweed)

With this information, you can have a few vegan go-to protein-dense meals, such as a whole wheat sandwich with almond butter, chia seeds, and bananas. Add quinoa to your salads and blend cashews into your dressings to make salads more filling. The options are endless!

The Vegan Diet Makes You Weak

First of all, there are many professional vegan athletes who are thriving. The common thought is that you need animal protein to build muscle, but new research shows that that is not 100% true. Vegan diets are rich in many essential nutrients, but you may occasionally have to supplement, especially with vitamin D and vitamin B12, in order to give the body what it needs. There are, however, many vegan foods that are fortified with these specific nutrients. 

You Can Have Honey

Now, there is debate among vegans about honey. Here’s the deal: bees make honey naturally, but for themselves, not for humans. Honey is winter food storage for bees, which is why they work all summer to make it. Similarly, cows make milk for their calves. The honey from farmed bees is taken from the hive and sold for human consumption. Essentially, the bees lose their natural food source, which affects immunity and may be a reason for why bee colonies are collapsing. Most vegans believe that honey is not for their consumption, but there are some who do not see any harm in consuming it. If you are a strict vegan, you will not consume honey and opt for maple syrup or agave instead. 

Being Vegan Damages Your Relationships With Family

This is not true, plain and simple. Now, there are vegans who want to preach the gospel to everyone about why they are superior to others. We are here to tell you that there is no moral high ground to going vegan. It’s important to establish a healthy conversation about veganism in order for more people to be receptive to the idea. Sure, some family and friends may not subscribe to the idea of being vegan, but that doesn’t mean it ruins relationships. You may not like rock music and your best friend does, and yet you still get along. The same applies to your diet!

Vegan Food Is Flavorless

First of all, seasonings are 100% vegan. That means that you can season your food with sea salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, rosemary, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and more. You don’t need artificial flavoring components when you have the real seasonings! Season your vegetables, whole grains, legumes, tempeh, or whatever else falls in the vegan diet and enjoy yourself. Be creative and have fun with your new diet. Just remember that your food doesn’t have to be bland!

SHARE:

The post Top 5 Myths About Going Vegan appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

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.

SHARE:

The post Raw Vegan Nut-Free Parmesan Cheese appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

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.

SHARE:

The post How Often Should You Poop?  appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

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.

SHARE:

The post Are These Breakfast Foods Stressing You Out?  appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.