During the summer months, melons are the freshest they will ever be, no matter if it is a watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew. The honeydew, and other melons, have a rich water content, aiding your hydration efforts during those hot summer days. Most melons are over 90% water and in the case of honeydew, it also offers iron, calcium, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, fiber, vitamin A, lutein, folate, and beneficial fatty acids.

Honeydew isn’t the only hydrating ingredient in this smooth. Cucumber also brings with it a boatload of water and other integral nutrients that contribute to healthy bodily function. It provides vitamin K, vitamin C, and other antioxidant compounds. The chia seeds offer beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that work to enhance brain, gut, and heart health. We don’t just want to bore you with a long list of nutritional benefits, though. Ultimately, this smoothie is about the incredibly refreshing flavor!

Because this smoothie contains honeydew and banana, you probably do not need to add the maple syrup. That is entirely up to you, but consider omitting it first, taste the smoothie, and add the maple syrup if you really crave a sweeter flavor profile. The spinach is also optional, but adds more nutrients. You don’t have to worry about that leafy green ruining the flavor of the smoothie at all. You can’t even taste it! As long as you have a sweet and scrumptious honeydew, that’ll be the primary flavor you taste when you enjoy this smoothie.

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When the sun is shining and you need a filling smoothie to cool you off keep you satiated until your next meal, this is the recipe you need. This smoothie has a variety of spices and seeds, which is why it offers a variety of nutrients. It delivers a hefty dose of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, complex carbohydrates, and anti-inflammatory properties. And while the seeds and banana are the ingredients that fill you up, it is turmeric that provides the following benefits:

• Improves digestion and helps prevent gas and bloating
• Helps improve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
• Helps lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers
• Helps prevent certain types of cancer, including skin, prostate, breast, and colon, and may reduce side effects of chemotherapy
• Aids in weight management and fat metabolism
• Exhibits natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
• Slows the progression of MS and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline

The hemp hearts give this smoothie a slightly nutty flavor profile, which is complemented by the sweetness of the banana. For added sweetness, we included raw agave nectar, and made the smoothie creamy with homemade almond milk. It is truly a smoothie you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Easy to make and even easier to drink, we know that you’ll love this!

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Are you ready to escape to a tropical paradise without leaving your home? If you answered yes to that question, then you are ready for our delightful mango coconut chia pudding. Some might call it summer’s sweetest secret, while others call it a nutritious breakfast that you can take on the go. It is a creamy, vibrant treat that combines juicy mangos and velvety, full-fat coconut milk for a flavor explosion that’s as refreshing as the ocean breeze. Plus, the chia seeds offer valuable omega-3s and fiber, helping to keep you feeling full between meals to avoid unnecessary snacking. The antioxidants in mangos help to boost your immune system as well, making this breakfast or snack the perfect guilt-free indulgence to keep you cool and nourished all summer long!

Not only does this chia pudding delight your taste buds, but it also offers a lot of healthy fats from the coconut milk. These fats work to support skin health and energy levels. Full-fat coconut milk is not sweet, but it is very creamy and offers a subtle nuttiness that complements the natural sweetness of the mango. The mango contains natural sugars, so you can choose to omit the agave if you choose. Some mangos are sweeter than others, so try the chia pudding without the agave first and then add it if it needs a little extra sweetness.

Let’s not forget the visual component of this delicious coconut mango chia pudding. The mango cubes look like little treats within the speckled tapioca-like pudding. Is it Instagram worthy? Well, that’s up to you to decide! Take a picture and tag us when you post it so that we can love it as much as you do. It is truly your summer-ready breakfast that will transport you to a tropical beach.

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If ever there was a duo to boost digestive function, it is pineapple and papaya. These two tropical fruits, while incredibly bright and delicious, offer impressive health benefits, specifically for immune, skin, and digestive health. Given that papaya is a classic summer fruit, there is no better time to get your hands one for this smoothie. Pineapple is considered a spring and summer fruit, despite the fact that they are typically available throughout the year. During the summer, though, you may notice that the price of a pineapple goes down, meaning it is in season.

You’ll love this smoothie for several reasons, primarily because of the refreshing tropical flavors and nutritional content. We are talking nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and an array of antioxidants. The omega-3s and protein come primarily from flaxseeds, which also offer a great nutty flavor. As a pro tip, make sure to use ground flaxseed, as the whole seeds may not properly blend with smoothie ingredients. Flaxseed also offers beneficial fiber, helping to ensure regular bowel movements. The smoothie also contains coconut oil, which offers healthy fats and makes the smoothie more filling. Not into adding coconut oil to your smoothie? Feel free to add the same amount of raw almond butter instead!

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Resources for improving mental health are abundant. From in-person therapy sessions to calming apps on your phone, there is no shortage of mental health tools, many of which are free. Mental health is more than just a buzzword, though. It is about the functionality of the brain and everything that impacts it. Many factors influence your mental health, such as genetics, family history, and life experiences. 

Although you may not have full control over the hand you’re dealt, you can influence many other aspects of your mental health. Your ability to improve your mental health can help you maintain a more even-keeled mental state. 

Why Is Mental Health So Important?

Whether it’s the way you handle stress, relate to others, or make choices, your mental health influences a lot. Caring for your mental health can help:

• Clarify your thinking
• Reduce anxiety
• Improve your mood
• Enhance self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth
• Deepen relationships

By nurturing your mental health, you can also help manage mental health conditions that are worsened by anxiety and stress. This nourishment also helps you perceive the world through a clearer lens and helps you handle things that life throws at you. Continue reading to learn about daily habits that can boost your mental health. 

Reduce Social Media Engagement

When you constantly consume information about other people’s lives, you compare your own experience to theirs, whether you know it or not. This can promote feelings of low self-worth and self-esteem, both of which fuel depression and anxiety. To spend less time on social media, try to keep your phone in a drawer or outside your bedroom while you’re in bed. Turn off social media notifications, so you are not prompted to check it every time you get a “bing.”

Move Your Body On Your Own Terms

There is no denying that regular exercise benefits mental health and brain function. Scientific studies have proven that exercise can elevate mood, relieve stress, and help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. Not everybody exercises or moves their body in the same way, though. That’s why you have to move on your own terms, be it in a Zumba or Pilates class, boxing boot camp, walk around the neighborhood, or gardening in the backyard. There are many fun physical activities that you can do outside the gym. Take stretch breaks every hour during work or go on a family hike! You do not need a vigorous workout in the gym to support mental health. 

Get Restful Sleep

Sleep is the body’s natural way of rejuvenating itself. In fact, sleep is a nonnegotiable element of physical and mental health. According to an American Psychological Association (APA) report from 2023, sleep deprivation makes people more anxious and less happy. Sleep is vital, but the quality matters even more. Disrupted sleep can worsen mental health symptoms. To ensure that you get quality sleep, start with these habits:

• Make your bedroom quiet, clutter-free, and relaxing
• Try to keep the temperature in your bedroom between 60ºF and 65ºF
• Avoid caffeinated beverages after 3 p.m.
• Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day

Know When To Take It Easy

It’s very possible that on a difficult day, you may not have the energy to do anything. That can make you feel even worse about yourself, but sometimes you have to allow yourself a day to take it easy. Turn to compassion and find accessible strategies, for example: 

• Engage in breath work, even if only for a few minutes
• Take a bath or long shower
• Give yourself permission to rest
• Avoid snacking on processed foods, such as chips, cookies, and candy

Spend Time In The Sun

Not only is the sun a great source of vitamin D, but studies show that spending time in the sun can improve attitude and mood. You do not have to spend your entire day in the sun, so don’t worry about frying like an egg. Experts suggest five minutes of uninterrupted blue skies per day to benefit the mind and heart. You do not just have to stand in the sun; rather, you can take a short walk, exercise outside, eat lunch at a park, open a window near your desk, or take a phone call outside. 

Savor Nutrient-Dense Foods

There are certain foods that detract from mental health, but there are also foods that support it. Dietitians encourage people to focus on foods that contain mood-boosting nutrients, some of which are: 

• Whole grains
• Beans
• Bananas
• Berries
• Omega-3s

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help you avoid dehydration, which actually denies your brain and body the nutrients necessary for optimal function. Alcohol, caffeine, refined carbs, and added sugars can actually worsen anxiety, so limit your consumption of those foods. 

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You have probably come across a recipe (or 10) that you absolutely love, but you are missing one or two ingredients. Maybe the recipe has a less-than-optimal ingredient, so you go on the hunt for a healthier substitute. Typically, that unhealthy ingredient is vegetable oil, but most people don’t know that that is even unhealthy. 

Why is it that so many people consider vegetable oil a healthy ingredient? Well, many people see words like “cholesterol-free” or “heart healthy” on the label. Unfortunately, vegetable oil tends to be highly processed and lacking in nutrients. On the other side of the coin, it is highly versatile, which is why you see it as an ingredient in salad dressings, baked goods, or general cooking recipes. 

Unlike actual vegetables, vegetable oils are not nutrient-dense whole foods. Canola, corn, soy, sunflower, and safflower oils are highly inflammatory because they are rich in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6s are not as chemically stable as other fats and they break down easily when exposed to light, heat, or oxygen. By the time these vegetable oils make it to your kitchen, the omega-6s have already been oxidized, and oxidized fats contribute to inflammation in the body. 

The Best Substitutes For Vegetable Oil For Salad Dressings

Make your salad dressings taste better and skip the extra additives and fillers when you replace vegetable oils with healthier options. You need a quality oil to pair with an acidic component, such as vinegar or lemon juice, for a great salad dressing. The following oils not only add better flavor to your dressings, but they also offer more health benefits. 

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil exhibits a slightly nutty flavor profile, which is reminiscent of walnut or hazelnut oils. That makes it an excellent choice for salads, but you can also incorporate it into dessert recipes. Pumpkin seed oil also supports cardiovascular function. 

Flaxseed Oil

Need a boost of omega-3 fatty acids? Make flaxseed oil your next oil choice when making a salad dressing. Omega-3s have been linked to better brain and heart function! You can also use flaxseed oil as a topping for pasta dishes, but don’t incorporate it into the cooking process or it may impart an unpleasant flavor. 

The Best Substitutes For Vegetable Oil In Baked Goods

Need a healthier substitute for vegetable oil in your baking recipes? You don’t even have to use other oils! For example, you can use the following:

Applesauce

Applesauce is the way to go if you want to infuse your baked goods with more fiber and phytonutrients. This is a simple enough swap that works in everything from muffins to pancakes and beyond. Make sure to do your research about the ratio for how much applesauce to use when you sub it for vegetable oil. 

Mashed Bananas

Mashed bananas are not only great for banana bread, although they do make that bread 100% delicious. Bananas work as a vegetable substitute in almost any baked good and may help you reduce the sugar content in the recipe as well, due to their natural sweetness. Mashed bananas will add moisture to baked goods without vegetable oil, and the added fats may replace the need for excess sugar. 

The Best Substitutes For Vegetable Oil When Cooking

Vegetable oil is a neutral oil, meaning it doesn’t impart its flavor into whatever you are cooking. Other healthier oils, such as olive and avocado oils, may have stronger flavors that enhance what you’re cooking. 

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

One of the most popular swaps for vegetable oil is extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). Cold-pressed EVOO is the optimal choice and has powerful heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory effects. There is some debate about cooking with olive oil at high temperatures, so stick with low or medium temps for cold-pressed EVOO. 

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a great oil to cook with because it has a high smoke point. For this reason, you can use it with all sorts of dishes and preparations. Avocado oil also has high levels of lutein and oleic acid, both of which benefit heart and eye function. 

Sesame Oil

Typically used as a flavoring oil, sesame oil offers a unique nuttiness. In the right recipe, sesame oil can be a great replacement for vegetable oil. Just be mindful of the strong flavor. It can be a great oil to use on broccoli or green beans in the air fryer. Plus, it is naturally rich in an assortment of antioxidants.

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Please allow us to introduce you to your new favorite snack: chai-spiced energy bites. These little flavorful bites are perfect to enjoy before a workout or between lunch and dinner to help you power through the afternoon slump. They are like a warm hug for your soul in snack form. The warming flavor of cinnamon, zesty ginger, and hint of cardamom come together to create a snack reminiscent of a chai tea latte. Made with crunchy cashews, Medjool dates, and a little bit of optional ground flaxseed, these energy bites are not only delicious, but also incredibly healthy for you.

Why are they known as energy bites? Do they take the place of energy drinks or caffeinated beverages? No, but they do provide a slow release of energy thanks to natural sugars, fiber, and healthy fats. After you enjoy one or two of them, you will remain full without experiencing a crash. Plus, the fiber from dates and flaxseed keeps your digestive system functioning optimally, while the omega-3s in flaxseed support brain and heart health. Let’s not forget about the spices, either. Cinnamon and ginger exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which help you fight off those pesky colds and keep your immune system in check. Please indulge in these little powerhouse snacks because they are every bit as sassy as they are tasty.

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As people become more aware of the chemicals in commercial skin care products, they slowly transition to natural alternatives. According to research, the average woman applies more than 200 chemicals to the skin during her skin care routine. The skin can absorb those chemicals, whereby they end up in the bloodstream. Not only does this decrease the overall health and appearance of the skin, but it also causes internal damage to bodily organs and systems. 

Within recent years, carrier oils increased in popularity as natural options to improve skin health. These oils, which are not the same as essential oils, work to nourish, moisturize, and care for the skin. Carrier oils come from the fatty portion of a plant, typically from seeds, nuts, or kernels. In the case of avocado oil, for example, the oil is extracted from the avocado fruit. While carrier oils have countless therapeutic properties, not all are meant for every skin type. For example, one carrier oil that assists one person with acne reduction may not benefit another person the same way. 

Check out some of the most common carrier oils below and see which one works best for your skin type. When you purchase these oils, make sure to purchase high quality varieties. There’s one for each skin type, so if we somehow didn’t include one for you, let us know in the comments below. 

Carrier Oils For Oily Skin

Tamanu Oil

Known for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, tamanu oil helps to fight bacteria and accelerate wound healing. It comes from tamanu nuts and is an excellent oil for oily, acne-prone skin. Some preliminary research studies found that it may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. The anti-inflammatory properties may also help relieve itching associated with eczema. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is a hypoallergenic carrier oil that’s great for all skin types. It’s particularly beneficial for people with sensitive or oily skin. The fatty acids in sweet almond oil work to remove excess sebum, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Let almond oil clear excess oil so your skin can be clean and bacteria-free. It also has emollient properties, meaning it helps your skin retain moisture.

Carrier Oils For Combination Skin

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is perfect for all skin types, working to enhance moisture and offer skin protection. Technically speaking, jojoba oil is a liquid polyunsaturated wax that has a similar consistency to the skin. Because of this, jojoba oil can effortlessly mix with sebum to form a thin, protective layer. Not only does it allow the skin to breathe, but it also keeps moisture in. It has the potential to fight acne and may even offer anti-aging and regenerating properties. 

Pomegranate Seed Oil

First of all, pomegranate arils are excellent for the skin because of the impressive antioxidants. The same goes for pomegranate seed oil, which works to promote a youthful glow by rejuvenating skin cells. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties offer protection for all skin types, and may even keep your skin safe from UVB damage. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil may be the holy grail of carrier oils. It contains a diverse mix of antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids that help protect against premature aging and moisture loss. Additionally, coconut oil exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal activity that may fight acne and candida. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that is safe to use on dry, sensitive, or oily skin. If you have oily skin, however, don’t lather coconut oil on your face because it may increase the risk of breakouts. 

Carrier Oils For Dry Skin

Avocado Oil

Extracted from dried avocado fruit, avocado oil is a thick oil that can penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. Naturally rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, avocado oil helps to encourage cell growth and increase collagen production. People with dryer skin benefit from avocado oil because it noticeably improves moisture levels. Because it is a heavier carrier oil, introduce it slowly as a body moisturizer before slathering it on your face. 

Rosehip Seed Oil

This deeply moisturizing carrier oil is excellent for anyone who has skin in need of moisture. Rosehip seed oil contains vitamins A, C, E, and myriad antioxidants that contribute to healthier skin. It’s actually one of the richest plant-based sources of vitamin C, which is great for your collagen! The antioxidants work to reduce sun damage and may even inhibit the development of aging spots. The essential fatty acids in rosehip seed oil may also neutralize free radicals, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

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These raw vegan fudge pops are similar to a chocolate avocado smoothie or pudding, in that the avocado is completely undetectable. It flies under the radar of your taste buds and all you taste is chocolatey deliciousness. They are easy to whip up and magical once frozen. With warmer weather gracing us, there has never been a better time to make these pops. Perfect for a backyard barbecue, movie night, or children’s birthday party!

The last thing you want to do is use unripe avocados to make these fudge pops. Not only will your pops not be creamy, but they will also have a slightly bitter flavor, which you do not want from a dessert. Make sure your avocados are ripe and quite soft to the touch, but you don’t want them overripe either. Blend the avocados with the rest of the ingredients until completely smooth. Once the mixture is smooth, you can poor it into the popsicle mold. Cover the mold with the lid and insert the popsicle sticks, or you can use the sticks that come with the mold if you have that type of mold.

If you are not the biggest avocado fan and want to start eating more of them, this is a great entry point because you cannot taste it. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, avocados work to benefit heart health by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. They also contain a variety of B vitamins, including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), and niacin (B3), all of which help the body convert food into energy. Niacin, specifically, can fight inflammation and protect arterial health by improving triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

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What do you need to make one of the best seed milks you’ve ever tasted? Two ingredients, although we added a few extra just to enhance the flavor. Hemp milk is quick and easy to make, and the best part is that you don’t have to strain it like you would almond milk or cashew milk. It is smooth, creamy, and rich, making it a great choice for smoothies, baking, or even cooking. You could even take it to the next level and make a hemp cream, but we don’t have time for that recipe today.

If you have never had hemp milk, you are probably wondering what it tastes like. It has a similar nutty flavor to almond milk, but is creamier than both almond milk and soy milk. Hemp milk also exhibits subtle earthy notes, which is similar to the flavor of hemp seeds themselves. That’s why we decided to add raw agave nectar and alcohol-free vanilla extract to distract your taste buds from those earthy notes. Flavor notes aside, hemp milk is incredibly nutritious, exhibiting impressive amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp seeds are also rich in vitamin E and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and potassium.

Hemp seeds are very tender, which means that they break down easily during the blending process. No soaking required to soften them! Simply add the hemp hearts and other ingredients to the blender, blend, and serve! You don’t need a nut milk bag or cheesecloth because there is no pulp!

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