Disclaimer: This recipe is not Full Body Cleanse-approved. Sorry, folks, but sometimes we like to post recipes that work well as you transition into life after cleansing. These recipes are meant to help you, and you can also use them if you participate in our Maintenance Package or Going Vegan 20-day Challenge products. The name of the game is: simple ingredients. You do not have to overcomplicate things, and you definitely do not need to use harmful ingredients.

These vegan no bake cinnamon energy bites have a flavor that is reminiscent of a cinnamon roll, only these are much healthier. They make for a great on-the-go snack or breakfast treat. Just one or two will help fill you up and simultaneously satisfy your sweet tooth. You may already have the ingredients on hand! These energy bites contain the following:

• Cinnamon: This warming spice helps to give the bites their signature spice flavor.
• Rolled oats: The oats not only add a lot of fiber and protein, but they also give the bites an extra chewy texture. They also serve as a binder, which helps the bites stay together when you form them.
• Medjool dates: Time for the sweetness! These dates work to provide natural sweetness and, similar to the oats, act as a binder to help everything stick together.
• Almond butter: Almond butter provides a lovely richness and creaminess, along with more protein and healthy fats. Just make sure that you get the unsweetened and oil-free variety. In fact, try to get raw almond butter, as that is the best version.
• Vanilla extract: A little vanilla extract goes a long way, and it also complements the cinnamon. If you can, purchase pure alcohol-free vanilla extract, as that is a better product.

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Like most people, you probably use shampoo, conditioner, and styling products. If you go the extra mile, there’s a chance that you use a deep conditioner or apply a hair mask. Maybe, on occasion, you head to the salon for a special treatment or to clarify your hair. Have you ever thought about exfoliating your scalp, or even caring for it in the proper way? Most people do not consider scalp exfoliation, despite the fact that it contributes to a healthier scalp, and potentially, improved hair growth. 

The Benefits Of Scalp Exfoliation

By exfoliating the scalp, you can help reduce flaking and itching, remove build up, and benefit a dry or sore scalp. Minerals, products, and more in hard water can build up on your scalp the same way they build up on hair strands. If you want your hair to shine, you take the necessary steps to care for it, and that means exfoliating your scalp from time to time. Dermatologists note that the scalp needs to be healthy to ensure new hair growth. Buildup on the scalp can clog hair follicles and lead to thinning or hair loss. Additionally, the combination of environmental pollution, dirt, and oil accumulate on the scalp on a daily basis, so it is your job to remove all of that to keep the scalp as healthy as possible. 

How To Exfoliate The Scalp

You can easily exfoliate the scalp in a few simple ways. You can use a sugar scrub, add quinoa to your shampoo, or use a scalp brush. Whether you use your fingertips or a scalp brush, make sure to be gentle on your scalp to avoid irritation, especially if your scalp is sensitive. Ideally, use small, circular motions when exfoliating. 

Use A Scalp Brush

When you exfoliate with a scalp brush, all you have to do is use it with your regular shampoo. You can use it every time you wash or less often, depending on your needs. If you really want to ensure that you are cleansing your scalp, consider using a scalp brush every time you shampoo. Some dermatologists note that using a scalp brush may help eliminate seborrheic dermatitis, which is a common scalp condition characterized by yellow, greasy flakes and redness on the scalp. 

Physical Exfoliants

These act similarly to body scrubs, in that they have mildly abrasive particles that help to exfoliate the scalp. Ingredients like sugar, salt, or even quinoa act like mild sandpaper and work to remove debris from the scalp. Even though physical exfoliants have abrasive particles, you have to do the work to gently massage them into your scalp for a few minutes to exfoliate properly. 

Deep Cleansing Salt And Olive Oil Scrub

The great thing about a scrub like this is that the salt works to exfoliate, while the olive oil helps replenish the scalp with moisture. No need for synthetic additives when you have this simple scrub! This scalp scrub works to both cleanse and rejuvenate, which paves the way for improved hair health and growth. 

Brown Sugar And Oatmeal Scrub

This delightful combination helps to soothe an itchy scalp and eliminate dead skin cells. Not only is this scrub a gentle way to exfoliate, but it also helps maintain a clean and balanced scalp. The beauty of this scrub lies in the synergy that exists between the oats and brown sugar. Do these two ingredients make for a great breakfast? Yes, but when you use them on the scalp, the refined grains of brown sugar naturally scrub the scalp, gently lifting away dead skin cells that may cause itchiness or irritation. The oats work to both soothe and calm the scalp, which also alleviates discomfort or irritation. 

Chemical Exfoliants

Although we always encourage people to experiment with natural remedies, you may require additional strength, depending on your scalp issues. Chemical exfoliants work differently, in that they are represented by liquid-based treatments or serums that contain hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid. Basically, these acids dissolve dead skin cells and the residue from hair products on the scalp. These chemical products can also use enzymes or natural oils. The main thing to understand is that you do not need to scrub the scalp if you use chemical exfoliants, as they work on their own.

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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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Are you looking for a breakfast option that is as easy to make as it is delicious? You clicked on the right recipe! This banana blueberry overnight oats recipe combines the tartness of blueberries, sweetness of bananas, and creaminess of overnight oats. It’s so good that it will have you jumping out of bed in teh morning! The best part is that you can set it and forget it. Make it at night, refrigerate the jar, and it’ll be ready to consume in the morning.

All you have to do is mix together rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, mashed bananas, and a handful of fresh blueberries. Pop it in the fridge and allow it thicken overnight. When you wake up, your healthy, filling breakfast is ready to go. That means you have one less thing to worry about doing in the morning. Get yourself together and then take a spoon to that jar of overnight oats!

Blueberry banana overnight oats can help you start the day the healthy way. They not only keep you full until your next meal, but also provide lots of essential nutrients. Blueberries burst with antioxidants and bananas offer lots of potassium and complex carbohydrates. That makes this breakfast as good for your taste buds as it is for your body.

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You cannot turn back the clock and fully regenerate the beautifully smooth skin from your youth. There are, however, actions you can take to protect, nourish, and keep the skin looking young and healthy as you age. One of the easiest ways to control the appearance of your skin is through your diet, specifically anti-aging superfoods. 

The word “superfood” gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? A superfood provides more nutrients than the average healthy diet. Popular superfoods include kale, spirulina, sweet potatoes, turmeric, and blueberries, in addition to many more. The reason that superfoods matter is because they help to fight free radicals, which are molecules that have an unpaired electron. Without antioxidants from superfoods to combat free radicals, your risk of cell damage, inflammation, aging, and cancer increases. 

Free radicals are the bad guys and antioxidants are the good guys you need to save the day. When choosing foods that will nourish the skin and fight the aging process, select the ones that offer high antioxidant activity. Not only do these foods help to keep the skin younger, but they also have a positive effect on the rest of the body. Let’s take a closer look at these anti-aging superfoods and how they benefit your skin. 

Olive Oil

Great for your heart, olive oil is a staple food in the Mediterranean Diet. Not only is olive oil a great source of monounsaturated fat, but it also provides a high amount of procyanidins and polyphenols, which work to fight skin damage. Olive oil also contains vitamin E, which helps combat environmental or sun damage to the skin. The fatty acids and antioxidants in olive oil contain anti-inflammatory substances that may also fight against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and more. 

Oatmeal

No, we are not referring to the little packages of oatmeal that contain processed ingredients and added sugars. Oats are considered to be a superfood because they contain beta-glucans, which work to fight early signs of aging, such as wrinkles. Oats also contain vitamin E, phytic acid, phenolic compounds, avenanthramides, and other antioxidant substances. Although you may not be able to pronounce those words, they do incredible work for your skin, heart, and cells. Opt for steel cut oats or rolled oats to get the most nutritional bang for your buck.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the secret anti-aging superfoods hiding in plain sight. Their rich beta-carotene content is vital for optimal skin health. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which helps the skin heal faster and triggers the production of healthy cells, ultimately reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Tomatoes also contain other nutrients that support overall health, and they are lycopene, lutein, choline, alpha-lipoic acid, and folate. 

Leafy Greens

Some leafy greens have more super powers than others. Spinach, kale, collard greens, and card are excellent sources of vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to magnesium, fiber, iron, and protein. One cup of kale contains more calcium than a cup of milk, and also offers vitamins A & C, both of which aid skin elasticity. Other leafy greens of note include watercress, arugula, leaf lettuce, and Swiss chard. 

Green Tea

Green tea offers many health benefits because it exhibits potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant that fights wrinkles by reducing damaging free radicals on the skin’s outermost layer. You can drink green tea or take a dietary supplement. You can even use green tea topically, as it is a common ingredient in many anti-aging skin care products. 

Pomegranates

Not only are pomegranates great for the immune system, but they also benefit the skin in several ways. Pomegranates contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant that works to slow down the aging process and helps prevent skin cancer. Researchers attribute the strong antioxidant properties to the tannins (punicalagins), which are polyphenolic compounds. These water-soluble compounds are bioavailable and the body can easily absorb them. 

Nuts

Different nuts offer different nutritional profiles, but researchers agree that walnuts and almonds are great choices. Walnuts offer omega-3 fatty acids, which can help people with dry skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. They are also rich in other nutrients that optimize digestion, support weight control, and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Almonds contain vitamin E, phytosterols, and monounsaturated oleic acid, all of which work together to protect the skin from free radicals. Don’t go nuts on nuts, though, as a handful of either walnuts or almonds will be a sufficient and filling snack.

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Fiber is an essential component to a healthy, balanced diet. You’ve probably heard or read that you should eat more fiber, which is found primarily in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Foods containing fiber can provide myriad health benefits, such as helping regulate bowel movements and lowering your risk of heart disease. Finding fiber-rich foods is not difficult, yet many people fail to consume sufficient amounts of fiber every day.

What Is Fiber?

Dietary fiber, or roughage, includes plant foods that the body can’t easily digest and absorb. You see, the body does not digest fiber like it does protein, fats, or carbohydrates. Fiber passes relatively intact though the stomach, small intestine, and colon and out of the body. There are classes of fiber: soluble and insoluble. The former dissolves in water, while the latter does not dissolve in water.

• Soluble Fiber: This type of fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel-like substance that can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. It is commonly found in peas, apples, oats, beans, carrots, citrus fruits, psyllium, and barley
• Insoluble Fiber: This type of fiber facilitates the movement of material through the digestive tract. It helps to increase stool bulk, which is beneficial for those who suffer from constipation or irregular bowel movements. You can get insoluble fiber by eating more cauliflower, beans, nuts, wheat bran, whole-wheat flour, green beans, and potatoes. 

How Much Fiber Do You Need?

According to the National Academies, women should get a minimum of 21 to 25 grams (g) of fiber per day. If they are pregnant or breastfeeding, the recommendations are even higher. Men should aim to consume 30 to 38 g of fiber, but experts say that about 95% of Americans do not hit those numbers. Consuming that much is easy if you choose the right foods, placing an emphasis on plant-based foods. You do not have to solely eat plant-based foods, but adding them to your meals will help you meet your recommended daily fiber intake. For reference, the following sample foods all have fiber:

• 1 cup of quinoa: 4 g
• 1 cup of Brussels sprouts: 3 g
• 1/2 cup dry oats: 4 g
• 1/2 cup berries: 4-8 g

Signs That You Need More Fiber

While you may not be able to track every gram of fiber you consume, there are ways to tell if you don’t have enough in your diet. If your body lacks sufficient fiber, you may experience the following signs:

• Your bowel movements are irregular: Believe it or not, feeling backed up is not normal, despite what you may have read. Irregular can also mean that you eliminate too frequently. Whichever category you fall into, eating more fiber can help regulate your bowel movements. Fiber helps control stool consistency and how quickly digested food moves through the gut.
• Having a hard time losing or maintaining weight: Fiber is a nutrient to focus on if you want to maintain a healthy weight or encourage weight loss. Fiber helps you feel full from meals because it adds bulk, but it also helps promote a healthy appetite. Research studies confirm that people who eat more fiber tend to have a healthier body weight and an easier time losing weight.
• You are hungry right after you eat: Fiber is a non-digestible part of carbohydrates, so it works to fill your gut and aid feelings of satiety. That means that you’ll feel full after a meal and won’t reach for unnecessary snacks. 
• Your cholesterol levels are higher than they should be: If a recent blood test revealed that your cholesterol levels are higher than usual, you may lack sufficient fiber in your diet. Fiber binds to cholesterol in the gut and helps eliminate it from the body via waste. Eating more fiber, then, helps keep cholesterol levels in check. 

The Takeaway

Fiber plays many roles in the body, helping it function on several levels. It helps to encourage bowel regularity and helps control cholesterol levels, appetite, and gut health. If you are like most Americans, you do not currently get enough in your diet. If you have trouble eating the right foods to increase fiber intake, consider discussing a fiber supplement with your healthcare professional.

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If you want a breakfast that requires minimal preparation, then you need overnight oats in your life. You simply combine several ingredients in a jar, mix it up, and pop it into the refrigerator. Come morning time, your breakfast is ready to grab out of the fridge and enjoy. That makes overnight oats a great meal prep options, especially since one batch can last for three days in the fridge.

You don’t have to be a Michelin star chef to make overnight oats. This recipe calls for bananas, which you’ll mash in a mixing bowl before whisking in the other ingredients. Once the oats, cacao powder, vanilla, maple syrup, chia seeds, and cinnamon are thoroughly combined, portion the mixture into a few jars. Place the jars in the fridge overnight and then grab it one out of the fridge the next morning. Perfect for busy or hectic mornings, or when you need to have breakfast ready for the kids. For the best texture, enjoy the overnight oats within three days of making them.

If you want to doctor up your overnight oats after removing them from the fridge, you have that option. Consider stirring in some chopped walnuts or almonds, an addition pinch of cacao powder or cinnamon, or the fresh fruit of your choice.

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Oatmeal is a classic, no frills breakfast, but think of it as a blank canvas. Once you have your oatmeal, you can mix and match ingredients to get a variety of flavors and textures in your breakfast bowl. We understand that oatmeal may not be your go-to breakfast, but this recipe may earn a slot in your top 10. Oats are one of the easiest grains to cook because you simply throw them in a pot with liquid and call it a day. Depending on the oats you purchase, you may need to cook them for a couple minutes or 10 minutes. Either way, your fiber-rich, protein-packed bowl of oats is ready in no time.

There are several types of oats, with the most popular varieties being steel cut, rolled, and quick oats. Steel cut oats have a firmer texture and are the least processed oat variety. They can take up to 20 minutes to cook, but they contain a lot of fiber! Rolled oats are very popular and act as a pleasant middle ground between steel cut and quick oats. They are very easy to make, but do not cook as fast as quick oats, which form a creamy oatmeal in a minute or so.

For the best bowl of oatmeal, we live by four key components. You need to hit notes of creaminess, sweetness, a little saltiness, and something special or extra. What is the extra flavor? Well, that entirely depends on your palate, but cinnamon, cocoa, peanut butter, vanilla, berries, or coconut yogurt are excellent options. We hope this recipe kickstarts your desire to make more bowls of oatmeal on a regular basis!

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Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that typically presents dry, itchy patches on the skin. The inflammation, itchiness, and redness can lead to cracked or swollen skin, or even blisters. Dermatologists typically prescribe steroid creams to help control the condition, but you can go a more natural route. Homemade eczema creams harness the power of natural ingredients to moisturize the skin and calm inflammation. 

Believe it or not, homemade creams can be very effective at reducing eczema symptoms. The reason for this is because they contain nourishing, moisturizing ingredients that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Some of these ingredients include shea butter, coconut oil, oatmeal, and aloe vera, all of which help relieve itching and promote healing. In fact, research shows that shea butter contains beneficial compounds that exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. 

Please note that if eczema symptoms are severe or persistent, you may require over-the-counter or prescription-strength creams/ointments. Those products often contain active ingredients like immunomodulators or corticosteroids, which work to control symptoms and reduce inflammation. If you want to go the more natural route before resorting to those treatments, the following creams may provide relief. 

Baby Butter Balm

A baby’s skin is very sensitive, so prioritizing gentle and safe ingredients for eczema treatment is paramount. When using the following cream on a baby’s skin, make sure to do a small patch test before applying to the affected area. 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shea butter 
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon ground oatmeal 

Instructions:

• In a small heat-safe bowl, melt the shea butter and coconut oil in the microwave or in the top of a double boiler. You can also make your own version of a double boiler and melt those ingredients that way. 
• Once the shea butter and coconut oil are fully melted, remove from the heat source and allow it to cool for a few minutes. 
• Add the ground oatmeal to the melted mixture and stir to combine. Transfer to a clean, airtight container and allow it to solidify at room temperature. Use when ready. 

Soothing Oatmeal Cream

Known for its soothing properties, oatmeal has been used for centuries to remedy skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Oats contain compounds, such as beta-glucans, that work to reduce itching, calm inflammation, and relieve dry or irritated skin. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons raw organic honey
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

• For the oats, you can either use regular rolled oats or you can add them to a food processor and blend them into a powder. The choice is yours. 
• In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut oil, and honey, mixing until thoroughly combined. Add the lavender essential oil (if using) and mix again. 
• Apply a small amount of the cream to the affected areas and gently massage into the skin. Leave the cream on for a few minutes so that the ingredients can penetrate the skin. 
• Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Store the remaining cream in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. 

Aloe Vera & Olive Oil Eczema Balm

Olive oil is a natural moisturizer that works to hydrate the skin and enhance skin barrier function. The antioxidants and healthy fats in olive oil work to nourish and soothe dry, itchy skin. Aloe vera exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and itching, all the while providing a cooling sensation. A six-week study compared the effectiveness of Olivederma (a combination of olive oil and aloe vera) and betamethasone (a corticosteroid) for eczema treatment. The study found that both the Olivederma and betamethasone reduced eczema severity, but Olivederma showed greater improvement.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 10 drops rosehip oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Add the cocoa butter to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until melted. 
• Once the cocoa butter is melted, pour in the olive oil and remove from heat. Pour the aloe vera gel into the mixture and stir to combine. 
• Add the rosehip oil (if desired) and then transfer the mixture to a clean, airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before you use it. Store in a cool, dark place.

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The common thought is that it is incredibly rare to enjoy a snack that is healthy and flavorful. If you believe that sentiment, then you are not a professional snacker. Healthy doesn’t mean that food is flavorless or unenjoyable. In fact, many snack recipes that we post in our recipe section are quite addictive. In the case of these energy bites, they provide a sweet cinnamon vanilla flavor and lots of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They are great to enjoy between meals or even as a filling breakfast.

It is very easy to make energy bites, so long as you have a food processor. The oats help to bind the ingredients together, making it easier to roll the blended mixture into bite-sized balls. When it comes time to form the mixture into balls, make sure to wet your hands with some cold water. That will help the blended mixture from sticking to your hands. And when you roll the dough into balls, make sure to place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. That will prevent the balls from sticking to the pan.

Should you want to use these energy bites as a pre-workout snack, feel free to add a couple scoops of plant-based protein powder. If that’s the path you want to go down, make sure to omit about a quarter-cup of almond flour. Ideally, choose a non-soy protein powder because about 95% of soy is genetically modified. Choose pea protein or a mixture of plant proteins that exclude soy. Obviously, this is an optional step and the energy bites will taste just great without the protein powder.

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