When you think of the holidays, twinkling lights, hot cocoa, festive cheer, and time with friends and family come to mind. Too many people understand that the holidays typically bring about stress and pressure. Planning gatherings, hosting parties, and managing financial concerns are just a few things that come with the season. That’s why we recommend you take some time for self-care in order to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 

What Is Self-Care?

In a nutshell, self-care is any action or effort that preserves or improves your overall health or wellbeing. That is especially true during periods of stress. Self-care is especially important during the holidays, as it balances the pressure you put on yourself or what others put on you to fulfill expectations. Create a buffer for yourself using self-care practices, which can look different for everyone. Some people may need a relaxing bath, while others may simply need to say no to holiday commitments. Consider the following self-care tips to have a stress-free holiday. 

Make Time For Movement

Physical activity, even if it is a brisk walk in the crisp winter air during your lunch break, is a great way to relieve stress. Find time to move in ways that are supportive to your body. Gentle movements, such as yoga or stretching, can be highly beneficial, especially if you sit all day for work. During time with family, spend time walking around the neighborhood and admire the lights.

Practice Positive Affirmations

A simple practice of saying positive affirmations for a couple minutes every day can help reinforce a sense of inner peace. You can also meditate for five minutes every day to help reduce stress and center yourself. Alternatively, practice gratitude by keeping a daily gratitude journal. Write down five things (big or small) that you are grateful for!

Set Healthy Boundaries

This tip applies to family or friends, because you should always do what is comfortable for you. Attend the number of events that you want, know your limits, and do not be afraid to communicate them with friends or families. Just remember that it is perfectly acceptable to turn down invitations or delegate tasks during chaotic times. 

Stay Hydrated

With all the hustle and bustle, you can easily forget to both eat and drink water. Drinking water throughout the day can help improve digestion, manage stress, prevent unnecessary snacking, and improve overall wellbeing. If you are not great about drinking water, carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times. You can even set alarms on your phone to remind yourself to drink more water. 

Stick To A Budget

Be mindful of what you can and cannot afford in order to reduce financial stress this holiday season. Plan your spending and stick to it! Use budgeting apps to help you avoid over-spending and remember that it is ultimately the thought behind the gift that means more than how much you spend. 

Take Social Breaks

Socializing can take a lot out of you, so it is no wonder that you feel exhausted after attending a party or gathering. It is essential to incorporate solitary quiet time to help you reconnect with yourself. Look for moments in your schedule where you can schedule solitude, even if it is only for 15 minutes. Consider meditating or doing your affirmations during this time as well. 

Express Emotions Openly

The holidays can stir up a mixture of emotions. Do not hold these feelings inside; rather, allow yourself the freedom to express what you are feeling, be it joy, sadness, stress, etc. Keep a journal or schedule a weekly call with someone you trust and can openly vent to. Sharing emotions with someone you trust can be incredibly relieving, so do not be afraid to seek support this holiday season.

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This vanilla cinnamon chia pudding is a creamy, lightly sweet breakfast treat made by soaking chia seeds in a mixture of homemade almond milk, vanilla extract, and a touch of cinnamon. Not to get too scientific, but the seeds absorb liquid and swell to form a naturally thick, pudding-like texture that is similar to tapioca. Cinnamon is a warming spice that helps balance the mellow vanilla flavor, while optional additions like a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh fruit, or nuts create layers of both flavor and texture. Chia pudding seems like a dessert, but it is nutrient-dense and makes for the perfect grab-and-go breakfast.

Chia seeds are naturally rich in soluble fiber, which forms a gel in the stomach, supports digestive function, and keeps you feeling full for longer. The seeds also provide omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Combine all of those benefits with wholesome flavorings like cinnamon, which exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and your chia pudding becomes a well-balanced meal that promotes long-lasting energy, rather than spiking blood sugar. Unlike a lot of breakfasts that rely on refined grains or added sugars, chia pudding derives its sweetness naturally and allows full control over ingredients.

Compared to unhealthy American breakfast classic—think sugary cereals, oversized muffins, pastries, syrup-drenched pancakes, or processed breakfast sandwiches—chia pudding offers sustained energy without the mid-morning crash. Traditional American breakfast foods are generally rich in refined flour, saturated fats, or added sugars. They tend to lack fiber and essential micronutrients as well. Those unhealthy options can elevate blood glucose rapidly, lead to inflammation, and leave you hungry shortly after finishing the food. In contrast, chia pudding contains slow-digesting fiber, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients that nourish the body and help maintain balanced energy throughout the day.

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This vibrant vegan pesto made with broccoli stems offers a refreshing twist on an old classic sauce (pesto) while reducing kitchen waste. We say this because people typically discard broccoli stems and only focus on using the florets. The stems offer valuable nutrients and taste incredible, whether you blend them into a pesto, shred them for slaws, or cook them in stir-fries. This recipes calls for blending broccoli stems with basil, garlic, lemon, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and a handful of seasonings to create a naturally creamy pesto that balances earthiness with subtle sweetness. This smooth, green pesto adheres beautifully to zoodles, spreads easily on sandwiches, or works as a tasty dip for fresh vegetables.

Using broccoli stems in pesto also invites a pleasant yet mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the aromatic basil. They have a firm yet tender texture once you peel them, and they give the sauce body without the need for cheese. That makes this recipe an easy vegan, and even raw vegan, staple for future cooking. Due to the relatively light flavor of the stems, they pair especially well with citrusy ingredients, allowing the fresh lemon juice to brighten the pesto without creating a bitter flavor.

Broccoli stems themselves are generally under-appreciated in most kitchens. They are rich in fiber, which supports digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer, and they also contain many of the same nutrients found in the florets, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Because people typically discard the stems, using them helps reduce food waste while simultaneously stretching your grocery budget. Maybe now that you have this recipe, you can figure out more ways to incorporate them into other recipes you make in the future.

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A more perfect fall salad may not exist. Since we don’t want to offend anyone, we don’t want to officially make that claim, but trust us when we tell you that this salad is on another level of deliciousness. The beautiful orange persimmon and vibrant red beet slices are carefully layered around the plate and topped with pomegranates, mint leaves, walnuts, and an addictive vinaigrette. It’s a delicate and gorgeous salad that will make any table festive. Use it as a side dish or bring it to your holiday feast!

For the beets, it is paramount that you thinly shave them with a mandoline slicer. That will ensure even slices that are thin enough to eat raw. Nobody wants to eat raw beets that are thick, as they can be quite difficult to chew. When you hold one of these slices up to the light, you should be able to see through it. That’s how you know it will be easy to eat! Beets have been extensively studied for their ability to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This is likely due to the high concentration of nitrates that the body converts to nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates blood vessels and causes blood pressure to drop.

Persimmons are only available for a limited time during fall, so we like to make the most of them while they are in grocery stores. Persimmons are naturally rich in carotenoid antioxidants like beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, a nutrient that supports immune function, healthy skin, and eye health. The anti-inflammatory compounds in persimmons may help manage inflammation and lower the risk fo asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions that stem from inflammation.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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