For anyone looking to take their breakfast game to healthier heights, look no further than overnight oats. This is a simple, nourishing dish that is great for busy professionals, health enthusiasts, and families alike. An overnight oats recipe typically contains lots of fiber, protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals, making it a great dish to begin the day. Not to mention, you do all the prep work at night so that your breakfast is ready to go whenever you need it in the morning. Because it is in a jar or bowl, you can take it to go if you are in a rush.

This recipe combines the indulgent, slightly bitter flavor of raw cacao powder with a handful of other nutrient-dense ingredients, including almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and optional toppings. Creating this overnight oats recipe is a fairly straightforward process. Before you prep any of the ingredients, though, make sure that you have a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a whisk or mixing utensil, and mason jars or airtight containers for storage. Once you have your kitchen essentials, you can prepare the overnight oats.

Begin with rolled oats and whisk in your unsweetened almond milk. The liquid works to hydrate the oats and create a creamy consistency. Incorporate the cacao powder, which is crucial for the chocolatey flavor. It also gives the overnight oats a generous boost of antioxidants. Chia seeds work to thicken the oats, while adding valuable omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Finally, the vanilla extract adds another dimension of flavor, complementing the natural sugars in the maple syrup.

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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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Don’t want to snack on freshly cut fruit or chopped vegetables while cleansing? Time to make some energy balls! You can fully customize energy balls with different nuts, nut butters, seeds, seed butters, dried fruit, and more. This recipe, however, is nut-free and only requires three ingredients: dates, hemp hearts, and desiccated coconut. To make the quick distinction, desiccated coconut is not the same as a package of sweetened coconut flakes you see in the baking aisle of a grocery store. Desiccated coconut is unsweetened, grated coconut meat that has been dehydrated. Because it has no added sugars, the flavor is slightly nuttier.

Although any date variety will work for this recipe, we recommend Medjool dates because they are usually sweeter and more flavorful. Not a fan of dates? You can replace them with another dried fruit, such as dried figs or raisins. Just play around with the measurements in order to yield the best consistency possible. Energy balls are not an exact science, so your measurements do not need to be exact. We often eyeball each batch and they turn out just fine! If you are a stickler for the rules, though, we have the measured recipe for you to follow.

Due to the thick nature of the energy ball batter, which you form into balls with your hands, you must use a food processor. A food processor will easily blend the ingredients together until they form a clumpy, dough-like consistency. Once you achieve that, it’s time to get rolling! Just make sure that you wet your hands with water first to avoid the mixture sticking to your hands. It will yield about 10-12 energy balls, which you can store in an airtight container in the fridge for two weeks, or in the freezer for up to two months.

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One of the most common questions that we receive is, “How will I get enough protein through the raw vegan diet while I’m cleansing?” We completely understand that the raw vegan diet can seem completely devoid of protein to the naked eye. Most people associate protein with animal-based foods, including beef, poultry, fish, seafood, legumes, dairy, and deli meats, among other foods. Please allow us to change that tune with this blueberry smoothie that’s packed with plant-based protein. It’s great to enjoy for breakfast, or even pre- or post-workout.

Although blueberries color the smoothie a deep purplish-blue, they are not the protein superstars of this smoothie. Spinach, which is potentially the best green to add to a smoothie because it doesn’t take over the flavor, is rich in vitamin K, magnesium, antioxidants, and offers a minimal amount of protein. The real protein (and omega-3 fatty acids) comes from the flax and chia seeds. This smoothie contains one tablespoon of flax and chia seeds, which means this smoothie contains nearly four grams of protein. Add in a little extra protein from the dates, spinach, and homemade almond milk and you’ve got yourself quite a filling smoothie!

Dates may not contain a whole lot of protein, but they help provide you with energy. This is because they are rich in invert sugar, which gives the body energy for hours. This means that the sugar content in dates is almost entirely inverted from glucose or fructose. The invert sugar is immediately absorbed by the body without the need for digestion, which ordinary sugar typically goes through. You can use the sugar for energy without a blood sugar spike!

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Every cell in the human body contains protein, and one could argue that proteins are the building blocks of life. You need protein in your diet to help the body repair cells and produce new ones. Protein is also necessary for growth and development in children, teenagers, and pregnant women. 

By adding protein-rich foods to your diet, you can support immune function and create necessary hormones and neurotransmitters. Protein can also improve body composition, support blood sugar regulation, and aid weight loss. Be mindful of your protein sources, though, as some foods and drinks can both meet and exceed daily protein needs. Some foods and drinks may also not contain as much protein as you think. We’ve detailed some common culprits in this article. 

Chia Seeds

Don’t get us wrong, we love some chia seeds because they contain a lot of fiber, magnesium, selenium, calcium, and zinc. Although they are rich in these nutrients and other healthy fats, they are not particularly high in protein. One ounce of chia seeds contains 4.68 grams (g) of protein. Because you typically consume chia seeds in smaller portions (such as one or two tablespoons at a time), they should not be labeled a high-protein food. That said, they do contain a diverse mix of nutrients that are beneficial for overall health.

Granola Bars

These bars may be convenient for snacking, but they are not the best protein sources. In fact, many granola bars contain lots of processed ingredients and excess sugar. Sometimes, the healthier varieties provide complex carbs and fiber, but only contain a few grams of protein. Choose high-protein bars that offer at least 12 g of protein per serving. That amount of protein can help keep you satiated between meals and promote blood sugar regulation. 

Nut Milks

Although nut milks are great non-dairy alternatives to regular cow’s milk, they are not particularly high in protein. Cow’s milk typically provides 9.5 g of protein per cup, on average. Most people choose not to consume it nowadays for health preferences, dietary concerns, or environmental reasons. Nut milks provide other nutrients that are beneficial, but only a couple provide a sufficient amount of protein, specifically coconut milk, pea milk, and soy milk. Some people can compensate for the low protein content of nut milks by adding a scoop of collagen peptides to the beverage, as they tend to provide 12 g of protein per scoop.

Regular Yogurt

Yogurt makes for a great breakfast and snack option. Some types of yogurt are healthier than others, though, and the same rule applies for protein content. Plain Greek yogurt is the best yogurt option regarding nutrition. It is a great source of protein, providing nearly twice the amount of protein compared to regular fruity yogurts. Not to mention, Greek yogurt doesn’t contain the sugars and processed ingredients that flavored yogurts do. A six-ounce container of Greek yogurt offers 17.3 g of protein! It also contains 50% fewer carbs than regular yogurt. 

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is commonly thought to be an excellent source of protein. While it offers vitamin E, folate, healthy fats, and other beneficial nutrients, it only offers a small amount of protein. Peanut butter provides eight g of protein per two tablespoons, which is not enough to be categorized as a high-protein food. That same serving contains 200 calories, so you would need to consume several hundred calories to get a lot of protein from peanut butter. 

Broth

Trying to get more protein in your life via soups, stews, and other recipes means that you have to select the right broth. One cup of regular chicken broth contains 3.26 g of protein, making it a low-protein food. Bone broth, however, is more concentrated and contains more protein. Be mindful that packaged broths, even bone broths, tend to contain a lot of sodium. Bone broth also helps to increase your collagen intake. 

Hummus

Hummus is a wonderful dip and chickpeas are naturally rich in protein. One cup of cooked chickpeas offers 14.5 g of protein! Because you consume hummus in small amounts, it is not as high in protein as people think. A quarter cup of hummus provides 4.77 g of protein, which is not enough to be classified as a high-protein dip. If you want to consume more protein, consider eating hummus with high-protein foods, or eat more chickpeas.

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Imagine a cute little jar layered with creamy goodness and vibrant colors. Well, you just clicked on that recipe! This mango papaya chia pudding is slightly different than the standard chia pudding recipe we usually post. This culinary creation is a tropical treat that is perfect in the middle of fall! It has a layer of creamy mango and papaya for the base with classic chia pudding on top. It’s almost like a chia pudding parfait! You can layer that mango papaya mixture several times between the chia pudding if you want to create a uniquely textural and more visually stunning dish.

The unique thing about chia seeds is that they turn into gelatinous pearls when you soak them in liquid, be it almond milk, water, cashew milk, or coconut milk. Seeds plus liquid somehow equals something similar to tapioca? Yes, yes indeed! Chia seeds are also nutritional powerhouses, replete with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and more. Omega-3s are great for heart and brain function, while fiber aids digestive health.

Not only is mango sweet, juicy, and downright irresistible, but it is also loaded with vitamin C, making it a fabulous immune booster Mangos also contain a wide variety of antioxidant compounds, which work to fight off pesky free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress. Finally, you have papaya, which offers a smooth texture and subtle sweetness. This fruit is a digestion hero because it contains papain, an enzyme that works to break down protein. Papaya also contains substances that may accelerate the healing of infections and small wounds.

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Do you care about the food you put into your body? We hope you do! If you truly care about the effect food has on your physique and physical performance, then you most likely have your macros figured out. By macros, we are referring to the macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. What about your micros (micronutrients), though? Vitamins and minerals are necessary for overall health and quality of life. They also work to optimize your energy levels and enhance exercise performance. 

Consuming micronutrient-rich fruits and vegetables can benefit the body in more ways than you think. The great thing about fall is that you can enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables that contain a wide variety of micronutrients. In fact, diversifying your intake of micronutrients can help boost exercise performance. Start incorporating the following three fall produce items into your diet and feel the difference. 

Winter Squash

Yes, it is still fall and not winter yet. Don’t let the name fool you because winter squash come into season during early fall. These squash varieties are rich in potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The most interesting micronutrient, in terms of winter squash, is pectin. Pectin is a form of soluble fiber, which helps to regulate blood glucose levels, which are already in a healthy range. By regulating these levels, pectin may help you sustain energy for a lot longer. You’ll be able to squash any mid-workout fatigue if you include a little butternut in your diet. 

Pro tip: Save the seeds when you clean your squash out before you prepare it. Much like pumpkin, you can roast squash seeds, so long as they are large and plump. You don’t want to burn them during cooking, either! Rinse and dry them before roasting them in an oven with some olive oil and sea salt for about 15 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Beets

Although beets are not the most attractive produce item, they pack a serious nutritional punch. Beets are naturally rich in potassium, fiber, folate, vitamin C, and nitrites, which help to lower blood pressure. Potassium is also a key electrolyte that is essential for muscle contractions and nerve signaling. Beets have a natural ability to enhance the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to working muscles. That’s why it beats out others in terms of boosting exercise performance. The dietary nitrites have a positive impact on oxygen demand while you are engaging in physical activity. 

One study found that consuming 16 ounces of beetroot juice per day significantly decreased oxygen demand during moderate-intensity activity. Additionally, researchers noted that the participants who consumed beetroot juice experienced an overall reduction in oxygen cost. Chugging 16 ounces of beetroot juice per day is not for everyone, though. Through other studies, researchers determined that eight ounces of beetroot juice per day can elicit exercise benefits. 

Pumpkin

There is no individual nutrient in a pumpkin that will magically boost your exercise performance. That said, this glorious orange gourd is beneficial for your gains. Don’t skip on the impressive amount of fiber, B-vitamins, vitamin A, and selenium. After you scoop out your pumpkin seeds to roast, you can use the pumpkin meet in myriad ways. You can make homemade pumpkin puree, which you can use in many recipes, or roast the pumpkin or even turn it into pumpkin hummus. Pie pumpkins tend to be on the sweeter (and smaller) side, just in case you don’t want to grab a huge pumpkin.

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Who loves pesto but either has a nut allergy or cannot properly digest different nuts, such as cashews, pine nuts, or almonds? Almost all pesto recipes call for nuts, so we decided to create a unique raw vegan pesto recipe that uses sunflower seeds. They have a mild, nutty flavor and add a smooth and creamy texture to this pesto. We also added two tablespoons of hemp seeds for an added boost of healthy fats and proteins.

Although you can use a blender, it is better to use a food processor when making this pesto. It also works best to process all of the ingredients, except for the basil, until smooth and then add the basil at the very end. That will help keep basil from bruising as much. You can also drizzle in a little more olive oil while blending if the pesto is too thick for your liking. Just keep in mind that this pesto, unlike store bought pestos, will only stay fresh in the fridge for a few days. That means that you will want to eat it soon after making it. You can also freeze it, so consider making a double or triple batch so that you can enjoy some later.

For easy storage, put the pesto in silicone ice trays, freeze, and then pop out the pesto cubes to put in a freezer-safe plastic bag. You can defrost the ice cubes 24 hours before you want to enjoy it. The sunflower seed pesto works great as a dip for raw vegetables, or you can use it with raw zucchini noodles to make a filling raw entree.

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Carving pumpkins is a great family activity to do on or before Halloween. What happens to all of those nutritious seeds that you scoop out with the pumpkin guts? If you are like most people, you probably throw them away. We urge you not to throw out pumpkin seeds because they contain valuable nutrients. Plus, they make for the perfect fall snack! 

There are a few reasons why most people throw out pumpkin seeds when they carve pumpkins. First and foremost, it can be very time consuming to separate them from the pumpkin’s gooey insides. After you do that, you have to rinse them and then pat them dry before you can roast them. The second reason is that most people would rather consume a bag of chips than take the time to roast their own pumpkin seeds.

Regarding pumpkin seeds, you have a few things you can do with them after carving pumpkins. Repurpose these seeds to help reduce food waste! Continue reading to learn how to save and use pumpkin seeds. 

Compost Your Seeds

If you do not want to use the pumpkin seeds at all after carving your Jack, please don’t throw them in the trash. Pumpkin seeds, and the pumpkin guts, make for great compost additions. You can add them to green material, such as lawn cuttings or other food scraps, and mix them with dry leaves or hay. The green matter helps provide nitrogen and leaves offer carbon. Don’t soak the seeds prior to composting them, though, or else they can germinate and you may end up with a rogue pumpkin plant as a result. 

Preserve The Seeds To Plant Them

You can save your pumpkin seeds to grow another pumpkin by next Halloween, just as long as you dry them for long-term storage. Soak them in warm tap water to remove any pulp and then stain them through a colander. At this point, put the seeds on a dish towel and let them dry for about a day or so. Wrap them in paper towels and place them in a sealable plastic bag or airtight jar. Store them in a well-ventilated place (such as a refrigerator) and plant them in late April or May to harvest the pumpkins by September. 

Transform The Seeds Into Butter

Pumpkin spice lattes take center stage during fall, but autumn is about all things squash. Spreading homemade pumpkin seed butter on warm toast is a special autumnal treat. Begin by washing your seeds after a successful carving session. Dry them and then add them to a food processor. Blend until they are smooth and creamy, adding a touch of oil and sea salt to help ease the blending process. It will take some time, but it is worth it. You can also add a drizzle of honey and cinnamon for more flavor. 

Roast The Pumpkin Seeds

This is potentially the best way to utilize and enjoy pumpkin seeds. All you have to do is wash and dry the seeds and place them in a large mixing bowl once you pat them dry with some paper towels. Season them with a little olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper and mix to combine. Scatter the pumpkin seeds across a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. You can experiment with different seasonings or flavor combinations, such as cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds, coconut aminos with white pepper and garlic powder, or create a sweet and spicy mix. Chili powder, sea salt, and fresh lime juice make for an incredible batch of roasted pumpkin seeds! To start you off right, use the following recipe. 

The Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are some of the most nutrient dense seeds, so don’t get rid of them after pumpkin carving. Turn them into a healthy snack.

Click here to make the recipe.

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Drinking a smoothie is one of the best ways to get a healthy dose of fruits and veggies in one fell swoop. The best thing about this smoothie is that it tastes like a milkshake. It’s as though you are not even drinking something healthy, but then you see the ingredients and realize that each one exhibits impressive health benefits. This smoothie is as chocolaty as it is healthy, offering lots of protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Unlike most smoothies, this chocolate creation does not have a banana base; rather it uses avocado, which enhances the creaminess. Don’t worry, though, your smoothie will not taste like a large cup of guacamole. You will not even know that the avocado is in the smoothie because the raw cacao powder, fresh raspberries, grade A maple syrup, vanilla extract, and homemade almond milk mask the avocado’s mild flavor. To help enhance the level of creaminess, we suggest that you cube the avocado and freeze it overnight. Now, some stores sell frozen avocado, which you can have while cleansing, so long as there are no preservatives or added sweeteners.

The key with this smoothie is getting the right consistency. You can always add some ice if the smoothie is too thin, or a little extra almond milk if the smoothie is too thick. Feel like you need some extra fiber in your life? Consider adding a tablespoon or less of chia seeds of flax seeds. Need it to be sweeter, add a squeeze of maple syrup at a time and taste until it reaches your desired level of sweetness. You may not even need the sweetener, but that depends on your taste preferences. The main thing is that we hope you enjoy this delicious creation.

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