Like many holidays in the United States, the Fourth of July focuses on food. One could argue that food is the main attraction, besides the fireworks of course. For the most part, the food is unhealthy. Attending a Fourth of July barbecue is like going to a place that is designed to make you feel sluggish and bloated. Healthy habits take a backseat when you are faced with the incredible spread of sodium, unhealthy fats, and sugar. 

If you take a small amount of time to plan and make mindful choices, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious Fourth of July celebration. Continue reading to learn about six tips to help you eat healthy at that festive holiday barbecue/cookout.

Opt For Lean Proteins

It’s not uncommon to see hot dogs and burgers sizzling on the grill at a Fourth of July celebration. These meats tend to be high in saturated fats, which do not support heart health. If you can, opt for leaner protein options, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts, wild caught fish, or turkey. Marinate your leaner proteins with herbs, spices, and a touch of citrus before grilling to enhance the flavor without adding excess calories. 

Be Mindful Of Condiments

Why do people love ketchup so much? Well, it contains tons of sugar and added flavors that make it highly addictive. Condiments are notoriously rich in unhealthy fats, hydrogenated oils, preservatives, added sugars, and excess sodium. Try not to drown your food in ketchup and mayonnaise-based sauces. Instead, create lighter options with Greek yogurt or olive oil-based dressings. Homemade salsas and marinades are also great condiment alternatives. 

Plan Ahead And Try To Be Mindful

Before you attend the Fourth of July hoorah, or any holiday shindig for that matter take a moment to plan your eating strategy. The plan should also include what you will eat prior to arriving at the party. Begin your day with a fruit and vegetable smoothie or chia pudding. If possible, enjoy a big salad for lunch, but make sure it has a lot of filling ingredients, such as avocados. The last thing you want to do is eat light all day and show up to the party with a ravenous hunger. When you are mindful of your hunger levels, you can make better, healthier choices and prevent overeating. Take time to focus on flavors and enjoy textures of the food at the party. 

Load Up On Fruits And Vegetables

Worried about having a fruit or vegetable option if you are attending a party? Bring a fruit or vegetable dish, or both! Bringing a dish such as this ensures that you’ll have something healthy to enjoy. The goal should be to make fruits and vegetables the stars of your plate. In fact, two-thirds of your plate should consist of fruits and vegetables. Consider serving a fruit platter, vegetable tray with hummus, or a nutritious and colorful salad with a homemade dressing.

Stay Hydrated

It is very easy to forget about hydration at a Fourth of July event. The music is playing, the vibes are great, the company is impeccable, and the food keeps you coming back for more. Add the summer heat to the equation and you have a recipe for dehydration, especially if you are drinking alcohol. Keep in mind that in addition to drinking water, you can eat water-rich fruits and vegetables to aid hydration efforts. Watermelon, cucumber, cantaloupe, apples, and other options are rich in water. Drink your water, but eat it, too! Should you decide to consume alcohol, do so in moderation and make sure that you drink water between each alcoholic beverage you enjoy. 

Portion Control

With a wide variety of food options available to you in a buffet-like setting, it can be difficult not to overindulge. Depending on who you talk to, overindulging is the name of the game! Let’s try to break free from that way of thinking this year, though. Fill your plate with a balanced mix of lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, avoid going back for seconds and listen to your body’s hunger cues to prevent overeating.

SHARE:

The post 6 Tips To Eat Healthy During A Fourth Of July Celebration appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When warmer weather arrives, so do the bugs. Insects like mosquitoes, flies, ticks, leafhoppers, hornworms, and more flock to your garden to infest your flowers and plants. If you’re sitting around the patio enjoying time with family, you don’t want to worry about bugs biting you every other second. The good news is that you can forget about trying to clap insects to their death mid-flight because there are plants that help repel bugs. 

If you don’t want to inhale the fumes of mosquito candles and torches all summer, you can plant a series of plants around your patio, pool, house, and fence to keep out unwanted pests. In addition to causing itchy bites, mosquitos and other pests can damage your gardens, crops and home. Using plants to repel insects is an eco-friendly solution to your problem. Plus, these plants add both beauty and fragrance to your home and garden. Here is a guide to many common plants that repel insects. 

Geraniums

Geraniums are quite common in patio planters, but you can also pot them or plant them in your garden to naturally repel mosquitos. These flowers not only beautify your garden, but they also release a strong fragrance that mosquitos, flies, and beetles despise. That helps you enjoy your patio or garden without worrying about bites or infestation of the fruits and vegetables in your garden. Plant some geraniums around your garden to keep those pests out. 

Mint

Fresh mint is a great plant to have in your garden because you can harvest some of it to use in culinary applications. It’s very easy to grow and has been proven to repel flies, ants, and mosquitos. It emits a wonderful fragrance and helps deter bugs from infesting other nearby plants. Planting mint near your windows or doorways can help keep irritating insects out of your house. 

Citronella

Don’t want to buy citronella candles or citronella-infused oil for tiki torches? Plant the real citronella plant in your garden or pots near your doors to keep the mosquitos out. The plant itself acts as a natural insecticide, repelling a variety of flying insects, including mosquitos. The plant can grow fairly large, so you may have to keep it under control with your garden scissors from time to time. 

Lemongrass

Similar to citronella, lemongrass gives off a powerful aroma that mosquitoes dislike. Lemongrass is tall, grassy, and ornamental, growing up to four feet tall and three feet wide in one season. Not only does the plant do a great job at repelling mosquitos, but it also adds beautiful greenery to your garden or patio. 

Lavender

Before we get into the insects that lavender repels, it is important to note that lavender blossoms can attract bees. If you are allergic to bees, planting lavender near your patio or doorways may not be the best idea. How does lavender repel bugs? It contains linalool, which is a compound that contributes to the plant’s natural aroma. Other plants also contain linalool, but lavender seems to have the highest content and is the most effective at repelling bugs. You can harvest your lavender and hang some bundles around your patio and indoors.

Marigolds

Marigolds add vibrant colors to your garden or patio planters. Ranging from red and orange to yellow, marigolds make the perfect additions to your vegetable garden bed. They help keep tomato hornworms away, so consider planting them next to your tomato plants. Marigolds are very popular summer plants that also deter plant lice, mosquitos, and even rabbits!

Chrysanthemums

The primary reason that insects avoid chrysanthemums is because the flower contains pyrethrin, a neurotoxin that kills insects. Don’t worry about your furry friends because it is safe for animals. According to research, the list of insects that these flowers repel is quite extensive, including  ants, roaches, silverfish, lice, fleas, spider mites, ticks, bedbugs, and harlequin bugs. Plus, the flowers are just stunning to look at!

SHARE:

The post The Best Insect-Repelling Plants For Summer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Heat stroke is a condition that occurs when the body overheats, typically as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures. During the summer, it is very common to experience heat stroke or heat exhaustion. If you experience a heat stroke, it is very important to seek emergency treatment as it can be a life-threatening situation. When you don’t treat heat stroke immediately, you can damage muscles, heart, kidneys, and the brain. 

The scary part about heat stroke is that you don’t always know that you are in danger of it until it’s too late. What happens is that you end up in a state of confusion or deliriousness because nerve damage takes place. If you want to keep yourself out of harm’s way this summer, you have to take steps to ensure that you are hydrated and cool. There are things you can do and things you can avoid to reduce the risk of heat-related illness. 

Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion

Heat stroke happens when the body’s ability to regulate core temperature fails, so you overheat as a result. It is the most serious phase of heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion, on the other hand, is the phase just before you experience heat stroke. You start to feel the signs of heat illness, including muscle weakness and fatigue. How does the body get to these stages, though? Well, the body regulates core temperature to maintain a constant of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, even in the hottest and coldest climates. When the mechanisms that regulate core temperature break down, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur. If you want to prevent this from happening and avoid heat exhaustion this summer, make sure to keep the following tips in mind. 

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Avoid heat-related illness by limiting your exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day. The sun tends to be at its hottest during midday, so make sure to find shade or remain inside during those times. If you are outside, take additional measures to protect the skin by applying sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

Drink Water

When you are in the sun, it is natural to sweat because that is the body’s way of regulating core temperature. The body loses water and other minerals via sweat, though, meaning that you need to replenish that water by drinking lots of it. If you enjoy electrolyte powders, you can incorporate them into your hydration efforts as well; just don’t go for sugary electrolyte beverages. Always keep a full water bottle handy if you venture outside during the summer, and make sure to refill throughout the day. Additionally, consume more liquids if you do any sort of physical activity outside. 

Eat Hydrating Foods

In addition to drinking a lot of water, enhance your hydration efforts by eating water-rich foods. Various fruits and vegetables have high water content and contain electrolytes that can replenish the ones you lose via sweat. When you are able to maintain your fluid balance in the body, you can help keep blood pressure stable and aid with nerve signaling. Some great hydrating fruits and vegetables include carrots, watermelon, berries, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, grapefruits, kiwis, pineapples, oranges, broccoli, honeydew, cantaloupe, and grapes. 

Check Your Medications

Believe it or not, certain medications increase your risk of heat stroke. They either interfere with your salt and water balance or affect how the body reacts to heat. Medications that increase the risk of heat exhaustion include antibiotics, laxatives, diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure or cholesterol meds, and antipsychotics. If you take any of those medications, talk to your doctor about an increased risk of heat stroke. 

Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, And Sugary Drinks

When you go through the effort to drink a lot of water during hot weather, the last thing you want to do is sabotage your hydration. When you focus on sugary, sweetened drinks, or beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine, you work to dehydrate the body. All of these drinks increase the need to urinate, which depletes your water and electrolyte supply. Additionally, consuming too much alcohol or sugary drinks can increase inflammation, which worsens symptoms of heat exhaustion.

SHARE:

The post Helpful Tips To Avoid Heat Exhaustion This Summer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

It’s possible to find pesticide residue on a wide variety of conventionally grown produce items. Spinach, kale, grapes, peaches, and non-organic strawberries all have traces of pesticide, according to a new study. These fruits and vegetables, in addition to others, have made the “Dirty Dozen” list from the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2025 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. 

The EWG is a health advocacy organization that annually produces this report, and has done so for more than two decades. It analyzes government food safety data, comparing samples of non-organic (conventionally grown) produce items. This year, 96% of the samples of the 12 non-organic fruits and vegetables contained detectable levels of 203 different types of pesticides. Each sample of all of these “Dirty Dozen” produce items, except cherries, contained more than 50 different pesticides. 

2025 “Dirty Dozen” List

The 2025 guide assessed fruits and vegetables based on four criteria: 

• Average number of different pesticides on a single sample
• Percentage of samples with at least one pesticide
• Average total concentration of pesticides found on a single sample
• Overall toxicity of pesticides on a crop

This year, black berries and potatoes joined the list, while tomatoes and winter squash fell off the list from last year. The EWG’s 2025 “Dirty Dozen” produces items (ranked from highest to lowest amount of pesticides) is as follows:

• Spinach
• Strawberries
• Kale, collards, and mustard greens
• Grapes
• Peaches
• Cherries
• Nectarines
• Pears
• Apples
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Potatoes

On the basis of pesticide concentration and toxicity, these produce items topped the list:

• Green beans
• Spinach
• Bell and hot peppers
• Kale, collard, and mustard greens

2025 “Clean Fifteen” List

In addition to the “Dirty Dozen” list, the EWG puts together a list of nonorganic produce items that have little or no pesticides detected in lab tests. The “Clean Fifteen” foods are ranked from highest to lowest:

• Pineapple
• Sweet corn
• Avocados
• Papaya
• Onions
• Frozen sweet peas
• Asparagus
• Cabbage
• Watermelon
• Cauliflower
• Bananas
• Mangos
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Kiwi

Sweet potatoes dropped off the list this year, while cauliflower and bananas are new to the list. 

Continue To Eat Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain beneficial vitamins, minerals, and compounds that benefit your overall health. The EWG encourages people to focus on enjoying a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, even if they are non-organic. Decades of nutrition studies that verify the importance of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Consuming a variety of produce items can improve physical and mental health, prevent certain diseases, and increase longevity. 

Most of the studies confirming these proven benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables did not specifically focus on organic or non-organic growing methods. The focus was purely on conventionally grown produce and the consumption of it. If you want to minimize the risk of pesticide residue on your produce, though, the National Pesticide Information Center encourages the following:

• Thoroughly wash all produce, even organic produce, including the ones you are going to peel.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables like melons and potatoes. There are fruit and vegetable brushes made for cleaning these produce items.
• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to minimize the risk of increased exposure to a single pesticide. 
• Wash produce items under running water instead of soaking or dunking them.
• Dry produce items with a clean cloth or paper towels.
• Remove and discard the outer leaves of leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
• Peel fruits and vegetables when you can.

SHARE:

The post Berries And Potatoes Make 2025’s Dirty Dozen List appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Cue the music because summer’s here and the time is right for juicing with some beets. Anyone? Sometimes, you run out of recipe ideas for homemade juices. What do you do in these situations? Perhaps you look up some recipes, searching for juices with ingredients you already have at home. When we need inspiration, we will try to make juices that focus on ingredients that are all the same color.

In the case of this recipe, we wanted to highlight red ingredients, many of which are in season. If you are familiar with our website, you know how much we emphasize using seasonal produce items. This recipe works because it contains simple ingredients that are nutrient-dense and perfectly balanced. It contains a nice blend of fruits and vegetables (well…fruits and vegetable), so the sweetness of the fruits balance the earthiness of the beet. This juice is hydrating, filling, and you can adjust the amount of beet you use if you are new to the world of beets.

Although you can use any mix of berries, we encourage you to use the red ones, such as strawberries, red currants, and raspberries. Just be mindful that currants can be quite sour, and so can the cherries if you pick them incorrectly. Any type of cherry works, but just remember to remove the pits and stems prior to juicing them. Can’t find cherries or they are too costly? Use a little more berries and watermelon!

SHARE:

The post Watermelon Cherry Beet Berry Juice appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There are many foods, both unhealthy and healthy, that can easily spike blood sugar levels. If you have type 2 diabetes, then you probably know those foods pretty well, as counting carbohydrates can help you control blood sugar levels. The number of carbs in a certain food, however, is not the only determining factor that affects blood sugar. 

All carb-rich foods convert into sugar in the body, but a food’s fiber, fat, and protein all influence that food’s impact on blood sugar levels. All of those nutrients play a role in a food’s glycemic index (GI), which is a ranking of how drastically it can raise blood sugar levels compared with pure glucose. Pasta and sports drinks, for example, rank high on the list of high-GI foods. Lettuce, dark chocolate, peanuts, and other foods have a lower GI rating. Below, you’ll learn about six foods that tend to spike blood sugar levels, in addition to better ways to approach them to regulate blood sugar.

Fast Food

The common thought is that hamburgers and French fries are calorically dense and rich in unhealthy fats. That is true, but these foods are also rich in sugar and refined carbs, both of which can raise blood sugar levels. Many popular fast food chains sell burgers that contain as much sugar as a candy bar! A cheeseburger from a fast food place may contain seven grams (g) of sugar and 32 g of carbs, compared to a two-ounce Snickers bar, which contains 29 g of sugar and 35 g of carbs. Unfortunately, there is no recommendation for approaching fast food places in a healthy way. We recommend that you avoid these establishments at all costs.

Dried Fruit

Fruit can spike blood sugar levels if you consume a lot of it, but you don’t have to completely eliminate it from your diet. Many fruits offer fiber, beneficial vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants that help protect cells. When you do consume fruit, make sure that you only enjoy a single serving, as opposed to an entire bowl of fruit salad. Choose whole fresh fruits because they are not processed and don’t contain added sugars. Plus, you have the added nutrients that may help you manage type 2 diabetes. 

Dried fruit tends to have a lot of sugar and processed ingredients. That is especially true for the varieties in trail mixes and such. A whole apricot, for example, contains a little over three g of sugar, while half of a dried apricot has nearly two g. If you want to enjoy dried fruit, choose the varieties that are free of preservatives and added sugars. 

Starchy Vegetables

In large amounts, starchy vegetables like corn, potatoes, and peas can have a greater amount of carbs than non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Don’t eliminate starchy vegetables from your diet; rather, eat them in moderation. Starchy vegetables still provide beneficial nutrients and are usually higher in fiber than non-starchy vegetables. Pair your starchy vegetables with foods that contain healthy fats, fiber, and lean protein. In doing so, you will dramatically reduce the likelihood of a big blood sugar spike. 

Sugar-Sweetened Drinks

We get it: soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks are delicious. It is very difficult to control your blood sugar if you drink those beverages, though. Ignore the heavy amounts of sugar in soda, sweetened juices, or teas for a second. These beverages do not contain any fiber, protein, or healthy fats. They also do nothing to fill you up and they may even increase the risk of dehydration on sunny days. The only thing they may be beneficial for is if someone needs to quickly raise blood sugar when experiencing acute hypoglycemia. Instead of drinking sugary sodas, opt for soda water, which is sugar-free and still provides carbonation. You can also add fresh fruit to water to naturally flavor the water and increase the healthy benefits. 

Some Non-Dairy Milks

Some people decide to consume non-dairy milks to reduce their consumption of dairy products. In an effort to be healthier, people who drink more non-dairy milks may raise their blood sugar levels. These milks are not low-GI foods, with oat milk being the highest in sugar. Rice milk is the second highest in sugar, exhibiting a GI of 86. If you want to drink a non-dairy milk, opt for unsweetened versions. Unsweetened soy milk, for example, contains 0.5 g of sugar and 3.5 g of protein per serving.

SHARE:

The post 5 Foods That Typically Spike Blood Sugar  appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Do you regularly cycle through different skin care products in search of the fountain of youth? Perhaps you have your skin care routine dialed in, but you notice that it isn’t yielding the results you want. Instead of spending more and more money on miracle skin care solutions, registered dietitians suggest that you pay more attention to the foods you eat. Your grocery list may be the secret to clearer skin. 

Many people are under the impression that a 10-step skin care routine is necessary to achieve great skin. This is primarily due to skin care ads and beauty influencers. What these ads don’t tell you is that eliminating certain foods from your diet can do your skin a great deal of good. Your skin is resilient, provided you feed it the goods it needs and craves. Instead of complicating your skin care routine, simplify it and diversify your diet. Rotate the foods you eat, not the products you use. 

Many nutritionists state that there is a connection between gut health and the appearance of your skin. In order to improve your gut health to clear up your skin, consider the following eating habits. You may notice how your skin looks and feels, but more so how you feel in your own skin. The great news is that these are not restrictive eating tips!

Keep Your Blood Sugar In Check

You don’t have to track your blood sugar to understand if your skin is trying to tell you that something is awry. For example, some people with recurring acne or eczema can experience flare ups if they eat foods that spike their blood sugar. That is primarily because big blood sugar spikes promote inflammation. Inflammatory skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne, or eczema, do not respond positively to sugar. 

That doesn’t mean you have to eliminate carbs and sugar completely from your diet. Don’t demonize them; rather, balance your carb intake with protein to curb a blood sugar spike. Add some Greek yogurt to your oats, for example. Pairing 20 grams of protein with a serving of starch can make a big difference, both for your skin and energy levels.  

Count Your Plants

No, not the amount of plants that are growing in your garden. According to research, one of the best ways to support a healthy gut microbiome is to diversify your plant intake. According to the American Gut Project, stool samples from healthy individuals indicated that they had a very rich gut microbiome in common. Most of these individuals were eating at least 30 different plants per week. 

That is drastically different from the typical American diet, which usually lacks fiber and a variety of plant-based foods. Most people only consume 14 to 16 grams of fiber per day, and the minimum is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. Research confirms that 95% of American adults and children fail to meet their daily fiber needs. To meet your fiber needs, aim to consume five different fruits and vegetables per day, every single day of the week. And while you’re at it, do your best to enjoy fruits and vegetables that are all colors of the rainbow to get your share of different antioxidants. 

Eat More…Especially Protein

Although there is an obesity epidemic in the United States, it is very common to under-eat, especially protein. Most people overeat carbs, sugar, caffeine, and unhealthy fats and do not eat a sufficient amount of protein, and that can negatively affect the skin. The skin requires more protein than you think, particularly if you want to enhance your skin barrier or repeat any wounds. Doubling your protein intake at meals can have a large impact on your skin, energy levels, and even your sleep. Just make sure to consume lean protein, such as wild caught fish, cage-free boneless skinless chicken, and turkey. There are also plant-based protein options to enjoy, such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

SHARE:

The post 3 Eating Tips To Help You Achieve Clearer Skin appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Summertime…and the weight loss is not so easy, especially if you have been struggling with weight for a while. The dream is to look “summertime fine” or “bikini ready,” but that is not easily achievable for everyone. The reality is that summer is hot, which can make you less motivated to exercise. It is also a time to attend picnics, barbecues, pool parties, and more, all of which provide unhealthy snacks, drinks, entrees, and desserts. 

There are many factors that make it difficult to lose weight during summer. We aim to detail three primary reasons that may be inhibiting your weight loss efforts. These issues do not get in everyone’s way, but they can be big obstacles for those struggling to get rid of some extra pounds. 

Changes In Routine

Whether the kids are out of school or you are taking time off work for vacations, summer is a common season to experience a change in routine. Seasonal schedule changes and other deviations from your regular day-to-day can hinder weight loss efforts. Summer camp drop-offs, errands, work, and more can force you to put exercise and healthy eating on the back burner. 

If you find yourself in a situation such as this, take a moment to reflect on your schedule. Try to identify areas during which you can prioritize your health. Dropping the kids off in the morning when you would typically be exercising? Consider taking a walk on your lunch break. Don’t have time to go grocery shopping or plan your meals? Try to order groceries online or enroll in a meal prep service. 

More Opportunities To Indulge

Cookouts, al fresco dining, and vacations are all events or experiences that make food a focal point. Making s’mores at the campfire, going for ice cream after dinner, or grilling hot dogs and burgers by the lake are just a few examples of summertime indulgences. All of these foods and food experiences make it a little harder to lose weight. 

If you want to stay on track and maintain weight loss efforts throughout summer, try your best to enjoy balanced meals, enjoy dessert in moderation, and limit your alcohol intake. If you happen to be at a cookout, scan the food options and think about how you want to build your plate. Walking up to the full spread and piling it on is the first mistake that leads to overeating. Ideally, pick one protein, limit your carbs, and select vegetables for the remainder of the plate. For dessert, choose a small piece of the one you want to enjoy the most. Really savor that flavor and be present in your enjoyment of that treat. 

Weather Changes

It can be very discouraging to go outside when the weather is hot and humid or dry and desert-like. Perhaps smoke from wildfires (depending on their occurrence and your location) or extreme humidity can make spending time outside near impossible. In these situations, you may want to swap your regular workout or exercise routine for lazy, sedentary activities inside where the air conditioning is blowing strong. 

Additionally, it’s possible to experience physical and hormonal changes during warmer weather. These changes can cause fluid retention, which can lead to modest weight gain and bloating. Very hot weather may even slow down your metabolism! 

Although all of these factors make it difficult to lose weight, it is not impossible to lose weight during the summer. You can counteract all of these roadblocks! Instead of exercising outside, attend a fitness class inside an air-conditioned studio. If you have central air conditioning at home, consider doing a workout in your living room. There are many online videos and apps that make working out anywhere possible. Lastly, remember to stay hydrated, even if you are retaining a little more fluid. It’s very common for people to remain in a state of dehydration during the warmer months. 

SHARE:

The post 3 Reasons Why Losing Weight Over Summer Is Difficult appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you want to sneak more vegetables into your diet, smoothies and popsicles (believe it or not) are two of the best ways to do so. That is especially true if you have children and want to sneakily get them to enjoy more vegetables. These popsicles are more like smoothie pops because you blend the ingredients together prior to pouring the mixture into popsicle molds. In doing so, you completely disguise the carrots amongst the blended orange flesh, fresh orange juice, and agave nectar. You and your child(ren) will not even notice the carrot in this recipe!

As a general rule of thumb, most things that make a smoothie delicious also make for a great popsicle. That could be green smoothie popsicles or these orange carrot popsicles. Not only are carrots rich in beta-carotene, but they also have a naturally sweet flavor, so your taste buds won’t be shocked by any pure carrot flavor. It’s not like you’re taking a big snap of a carrot after enjoying wings or anything like that! Although, if you are familiar with eating carrots, you know that beneath the subtle woody flavor is a natural sweetness. If you feel more adventurous once you finish cleansing, add some steamed beets or boiled sweet potatoes to this recipe!

For popsicle molds, we love environmentally-friendly silicone molds, especially since the popsicles come out of them so easily. You can also use quick freeze molds, which do come at a higher price point because they have quick-freezing technology that will freeze popsicles in minutes. Finally, if you want a popsicle for on-the-go purposes, you can get single-use plastic push pops. These are great for serving kids. Don’t have popsicle molds? No problem! You can use muffin tins, shot glasses, ice cube trays, or yogurt containers!

SHARE:

The post Orange Carrot Popsicles appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

At Dherbs, we constantly preach the benefits of adhering to a plant-based diet, primarily because plant foods offer valuable nutritional benefits. It is true that fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation, improve immune function, boost brain health, etc. What may shock you is that some of these fruits and vegetables, despite being rich in nutrients, can cause some serious bloating. Lentils, some fruits, and various cruciferous vegetables, can be quite difficult for some people to digest.

The good news is that there are foods that can help counteract all that bloating. Stuff a whole bunch of those anti-bloat foods in a smoothie and enjoy it when you’re feeling like your pants won’t button properly. So what is in this smoothie that gives it the anti-bloating properties? Let’s detail the ingredients below:

• Ginger: A natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that also functions as a digestive aid. It works to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, which helps prevent bloating.
• Cucumber: The cucumber is made up of over 90% water, which not only aids your hydration efforts, but also helps fight bloating. Too often do people get bloated because they are not properly hydrated.
• Banana: Bananas are rich in potassium, which works to regulate sodium levels, an effort that prevents water retention. Too much sodium in the body can increase the risk of elevated blood pressure levels and bloating. That is why bananas and other potassium-rich foods help fight back against bloating.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Although this ingredient is optional and the smoothie will taste better without it, apple cider vinegar does help relieve bloating and gas. If you are serious about reducing that bloat, consider adding this to the smoothie.
• Coconut Water: This is the fresh stuff directly from a young Thai coconut. Like bananas, it is rich in potassium.

SHARE:

The post The Anti-Bloat Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.