Don’t you feel like you have to color outside the lines and break the mold sometimes? Well, every now and then, you need to make a recipe that is slightly outside the box. This is one of those recipes and although it may seem strange and foreign, we promise that it boasts tons of flavor. Raw almonds make up the base of this recipe, but the drink gets its color and some flavor from black sesame seeds. 

The recipe for most nut milks is very simple. It is usually a 1:2 ratio where you use one cup of nuts and two cups of water. You can use that ratio and increase the measurements accordingly if you want to make a bigger batch. Ideally, you soak the almonds in water for a couple hours, or even overnight, to help soften and plump them up. Soaking almonds, or any nut for that matter, also helps release the slightly bitter taste. You can also soak black sesame seeds if you want. Just make sure that you discard the soaking liquid for both the almonds and black sesame seeds. 

Black sesame seeds have already been roasted, meaning you cannot enjoy this drink while cleansing. Black sesame seeds don’t just uniquely color this almond milk, though, they also exhibit impressive health benefits. They are high in copper, which offers anti-inflammatory properties that may ease joint pain. They are also rich in magnesium and calcium, which work to lower blood pressure and support bone health, respectively. Finally, black sesame seeds contain unique lignins, which may help reduce cholesterol. 

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Sometimes you need to have a dessert that also functions as a snack. Not just a snack, a filling, energizing, nutrient-dense snack! No, we are not talking about a refreshing bowl of fruit. We are referring to these raw chocolate cranberry squares. You can make them thinner and cut them into bars to take on the go, or you can keep them thicker and cut them into smaller squares. Think of these like energy balls, only in square or rectangular form.

To make these chocolate cranberry squares, you add all of the ingredients to a food processor and blend until you achieve a dough-like clump. Keep in mind that you will likely have to stop blending, scrape down the sides of the processor bowl, and continue blending to fully incorporate all of the ingredients. It’s perfectly acceptable if you see small chunks of almonds and walnuts. They add a nice crunchy texture to these bars, which are quite soft.

Once all of the ingredients are thoroughly blended, remove the mixture from the food processor and press it into a square pan lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper is crucial because it prevents sticking. Listen, if you enjoy soaking your baking dish for a full day and then scrubbing it three times to clean off the chocolatey goodness sounds fun, you don’t have to use parchment paper. We will let you take that journey on your own. We just want to make your life as easy as possible!

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The back-to-school season is a time for new opportunities and beginnings. For some students, especially those with compromised immune systems, the susceptibility to illness increases. Protecting your child(ren) and yourself against common colds or other infections that circulate the classroom can be a lot easier with the right steps in place. 

Developing a back-to-school routine is a challenge in and of itself. Waking up earlier, establishing a quick and efficient routine, and leaving the house on time can prove difficult, especially after summer vacation. Many health officials state that immune health is tied to diet, sleep, and exercise. Building a healthy diet and establishing movement and proper sleep hygiene can enhance immune function, which your child needs as they face the new school year. Hopefully, the following tips can help better prepare your child’s immune system for the back-to-school reality.

Get Plenty Of Sleep

The Sleep Foundation encourages school kids between the ages of six and 13 to get nine to 11 hours of sleep every night. Without sufficient sleep, the body has a more difficult time regulating biological rhythms. Not to mention, insufficient sleep makes the body more susceptible to sickness. If you or your child has trouble sleeping, there are practices that have proven to be quite effective. Click here to learn more about methods that help you fall asleep.

Drink Water

Water is essential for a healthy life because it has many roles in the body. Not only does it help with waste elimination, but it also helps the immune system function optimally. If the body is in a dehydrated state, it cannot effectively produce white blood cells, which help fight off bacteria, pathogens, and viruses. Drinking plenty of water can also help flush toxins from the body, which keeps the immune system functioning optimally. Need help getting your kiddos to drink more water? Spice it up by adding fresh fruit to the water, or consider blending some fruit with water to make a healthier rendition of a punch.

Eat The Right Foods

Dietitians agree that one of the best ways to boost the immune system is to eat the right foods. Focus on fruits and vegetables because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost the function of immune cells. High-fiber foods also work to maintain a healthy digestive system. What foods do you eat to encourage better immune function? Consider packing the following snacks in your child’s lunch: 

• Oranges: One orange can have up to 75% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C. 
• Mandarins: Mandarins pack a considerable amount of vitamin C and make for the perfect lunch snack. They are easy to peel, easy to put in lunches, and their seedlessness makes them easy to enjoy!
• Sunflower seeds:  Make sure to opt for the unsalted, shell-less sunflower seeds because they are very easy to eat. Sunflower seeds are also rich in vitamin E, which exhibits antioxidant effects in the body. 
• Almonds: Similar to sunflower seeds, almonds are naturally rich in vitamin E, which helps to fight off free radicals and boost immune function. They also contain heart healthy fats, protein, and lots of fiber. 
• Broccoli: It may be very difficult to get your child to eat broccoli, but it is an excellent source of vitamin C and sulforaphane, both of which encourage immune function. Sneak broccoli into meals like broccoli tater tots or fruit smoothies!

Exercise Regularly

It’s no secret that kids like to run amok like they haven’t a care in the world. The important thing to remember is to not let your child immediately plop on the couch or bed and watch TV or play video games from the time they get home to the time they go to bed. Even if your child is active in school sports or playground activities, make sure they remain active outside of school hours. This is especially important as they progress through the year and the weather starts to cool off. 

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States, and it puts children and adolescents at risk for poor health. Between 2017-2020, 19.7% of children between the ages of two and 19 were affected by obesity. Obesity prevalence between two- and five-year-olds amounted to 20.7%, and 22.2% among six- to 11-year-olds. Data revealed that obesity prevalence was higher in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children than it was in non-Hispanic White children and non-Hispanic Asian children. Aside from decreased immune function, obesity increases the child’s risk of other health problems. Consult your family doctor if you notice the child’s weight is becoming a problem.

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Will you transform into a superhero if you eat superfoods? That’s not for us to say, but eating foods with a high concentration of nutrients will benefit your overall health. Take these superfood energy balls, for instance. Although their color is due to spirulina, the spirulina isn’t the only nutrient-dense ingredient in this recipe. These energy balls contain almonds, pumpkin seeds, dates, desiccated coconut, and almond butter, all of which offer a combination of healthy fats, protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Spirulina is a type of algae that grows in fresh or salt water, but we don’t expect you to scavenge the coral reef for it. It is readily available in tablet or powder form and provides many antioxidant compounds that may help protect from various diseases. One review found that spirulina was able to significantly improve markers of total cholesterol and triglycerides in people with metabolic syndrome. Another review of five studies found that taking between one to eight grams of spirulina per day helped reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

Don’t worry about these energy balls tasting like a freshly caught fish, though. The sweetness from the dates and nuttiness from the almond and pumpkin seeds. The pumpkin seeds also contribute to the signature greenish-blue color of these energy balls. They provide lots of zinc, fiber, unsaturated fats, and protein. You’ll be fueled up with just one or two of these balls of energy!

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When you adhere to a raw vegan, you need snacks that fill you up and taste good. You don’t want to eat snacks that taste bland or drink beverages that taste like lawn clippings. We strive to provide all of you with recipes that have incredible depth of flavor. The worst thing you can do while cleansing is eat tasteless or boring meals and snacks. Not only does that make you disinterested in raw vegan foods, but it also increases your likelihood of cheating with unhealthy foods.

These homemade fig bars are filling and unlike store bought versions, they do not contain artificial flavors, preservatives, or added sugars. You know the ones, right? The brand name rhymes with Schmig Toopins. Separately, figs and almonds are nutritious snacks that you can enjoy any day of the week. Each of these foods provides a unique set of nutrients that can help you meet your daily nutritional needs. Together,

Now, you won’t be using fresh figs for these fig bars, though. You’ll use dried figs, and we recommend that you get dried Smyrna figs for optimum flavor. The kiss of citrus that you get from the orange zest in every bite is simply wonderful. And the best part about these fig bars is that you don’t get the inevitable sugar crash that comes from store bought varieties. The reason for this is because these contain fiber, healthy fats, and protein without the added sugars that cause blood sugar spikes. Just don’t go crazy on them because they aren’t low in calories.

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Believe it or not, not all pesto is green. The classic green pesto that you know and love is from Genoa, Italy, and it typically consists of basil, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. If you peruse our recipe section, you will find many pesto variations, many of which are raw vegan. Your love for pesto doesn’t have to stop at the color green, though. There are many kinds of pesto sauces from various regions throughout Italy. This recipe is inspired by the traditional Sicilian pesto.

What makes a Sicilian pesto different from the classic green pesto is that it uses almonds instead of pine nuts. It also uses fresh tomatoes, which prominently grow in the south of Italy and Sicily. Traditionally, Sicilians use the small Pachino tomato, but this recipe calls for grape or cherry tomatoes. Adding tomatoes to the sauce brightens the flavor and gives the sauce a lighter consistency.

This is a great condiment and sauce to have on hand, especially now that the weather is warming up. You can use it as a dip or pour it over your zucchini noodles to enjoy a light raw vegan entree. If you aren’t cleansing, feel free to spread this pesto on a crostini, or serve it alongside roasted or grilled vegetables. It also makes for an excellent cheese board condiment. Try it out and let us know if you like Sicilian pesto more than a classic Genovese pesto!

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We are very excited to share this homemade bitchin’ sauce, which looks like hummus but is made from almonds. Bitchin’ Sauce is a brand that is readily available in many supermarkets, and you can typically find various flavors. This homemade version doesn’t contain any preservatives or excess sodium and it is 100% raw vegan. That makes this dip great for anyone following our cleansing programs. It goes great with almost any raw vegetable, but we prefer it with celery, carrots, mini sweet bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or cauliflower.

Because this bitchin’ sauce uses almonds as the base, it has a thicker consistency, but isn’t quite as thick as hummus. Not only that, this sauce is oil-free, which helps to cut down on the calories. Almonds, just like other nuts, are calorically-dense, so keep that in mind when enjoying this dip. Trust us when we tell you that you will want to eat the entire batch. Although it contains ingredients that benefit your overall health, eating too much of it will not do you any favors. Don’t do it! Your waistline will regret it!

Once you make this recipe and get comfortable with the ingredients, you can start to flavor it differently. Play around with the seasonings to start developing different bitchin’ dip flavors. Perhaps you add some sun-dried tomatoes and basil, or garlic, herbs, and lemon. The possibilities are endless, but keep in mind that the more fresh ingredients you add to the dip, the shorter it will keep fresh in the fridge, even in an airtight container.

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If you have never had overnight oats before, you are in for a real treat with this recipe. Imagine your favorite slice of banana bread, only in a jar of nutrient-dense deliciousness. You get a little crunch from the chopped almonds, which is necessary because the rest of this breakfast is creamy and soft. You see, the oats soak up all the liquid and flavors that you put in them. That’s why you get to set and forget, meaning you mix everything in the jar at night, set in the fridge, and grab it in the morning. Overnight oats make for the perfect grab and go breakfast!

Part of the attraction to overnight oats is the ability to customize your ingredients. You can essentially flavor them however you like, adding raisins, blueberries, walnuts, agave, peaches, or any other ingredients. This recipe is reminiscent of a banana nut muffin or banana bread, only this recipe contains almonds instead of walnuts. If you happen to have walnuts on hand, feel free to swap them for the almonds.

The general ratio for overnight oats is quite simple. You start with a 1:1 ratio of oats and liquid, and then you add the other ingredients. This recipe contains mashed banana, which helps achieve a creamier consistency. You can eat them straight out of the refrigerator (the preferred method), or you can heat the jar up in the microwave for about two minutes to enjoy hot. The choice is yours!

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As spring approaches, it’s time to welcome bright and refreshing flavors. The warmer weather makes you want flavors that represent the warmth. That usually means more tropical fruits and less hearty ingredients. For this reason, we concocted a smoothie that contains apples, mangos, carrots, and chia seeds. To avoid having a completely fruit-forward smoothie, we added the carrot, which provides extra vitamin A and carotenoids.

Even though this smoothie contains chia seeds, it doesn’t turn into chia pudding, primarily because it doesn’t have the proper chia seed to liquid ratio. Plus, even if the ratio was exact, the mixture would need time to set. You will drink this smoothie right away, so you don’t have to worry about taking a spoon to this smoothie. This smoothie is on the thicker side, though, but you can always add a little more homemade almond milk if you want a smoothie that isn’t as thick.

The key to this smoothie is to cube the mango ahead of time and freeze the cubes overnight. The frozen mango chunks will provide that creaminess that would otherwise come from a banana, which this smoothie does not have. The homemade almond milk also makes this smoothie a bit creamier, almost giving it a creamsicle- or milkshake-like texture. Let us know if it brightens your day and delights your taste buds by dropping a comment below.

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A nutritional survey found that about 95% Americans do not meet their recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. The RDI of fiber ranges from 21-38 grams, depending on your age and gender. Most people have a lot of room for improvement on this nutrient, which plays an essential role in regulating bowel movements, nurturing the gut, and filling you up. In this article, we detail easy ways to add more fiber to your diet. 

Try Chickpea Pasta

It’s hard not to love pasta, especially because you can usually throw a recipe together in 30 minutes or less. The unfortunate reality is that most people use jarred sauce (full of sodium) and boxed pasta enriched with poor quality ingredients. Instead of feeling tired and bloated, consider switching to chickpea pasta to increase your fiber intake. Two ounces of chickpea pasta (about one cup of noodles) offers eight grams of fiber, which is a major increase from two grams of fiber from regular pasta. Chickpea pasta also has twice the protein content as regular pasta and it’s gluten-free!

Add Lentils To Grain Bowls

You can easily customize grain bowls, but a lot of people like to use rice as the base. Rice, even brown rice, is not the best source of fiber. One cup of brown rice offers 1.6 grams of fiber, while a mere half-cup of lentils offers eight grams of fiber. If you enjoy rice, consider a lentil-rice mixture to enhance the fiber content of your grain bowl. Plus, a half-cup of lentils offers nine grams of protein, and a good portion of the fiber in lentils comes from prebiotics, which feed the probiotics in your gut. 

Blend Kiwis Into Your Smoothies

Kiwis have an incredible vitamin C content and they are bursting with antioxidants. They also contain fiber, with two kiwis offering four to five grams, depending on the size. Half of that fiber content, however, is concentrated in the skin. Most people do not enjoy snacking on fuzzy kiwi skin, though. In order to reap all the fiber benefits of kiwis, toss a couple whole kiwis into your smoothie. You won’t even taste the skin!

Eat Chia Pudding With Berries

Most dietitians agree that breakfast is the best meal of the day to load up on fiber-rich foods. In doing so, you will be full and energized until lunch, avoiding unnecessary snacking. Both chia seeds and berries contain a lot of fiber, despite their small size. A half-cup of raspberries and one tablespoon of chia seeds provide four grams of fiber, each. We have many chia pudding recipes available in our recipe section (click here) if you need some inspiration. 

Snack On Nuts And Figs

Each fig, depending on the size, generally provides one gram of fiber, and one serving of figs is roughly between three to five fruits. Pair those figs with a quarter-cup of almonds for four more grams of fiber and six grams of protein. That makes almonds and figs an ideal snack to give you a natural pick-me-up and fill you up between meals. 

Add Pears To Your Salads

Pears are sneaky fiber superstars, with one medium pear offering five to six grams of fiber. Can you enjoy pears as healthy snacks from time to time? Sure, but adding them to salads can give you a better fiber bang for your buck. Pair your pears with kale (one gram of fiber per cup) and other fiber-rich ingredients for a filling, lunchtime salad!

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