Do you pour this over zucchini noodles or is it made out of zucchini? The correct answer is: both! This quick pesto sauce is raw vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and contains a generous serving of vegetables in each bite. Serve it as a dip, spread, or as a sauce for some zoodles or regular noodles.

We like to stray from the well-traveled path and pave our own way, especially in regards to flavors. That’s how this zucchini pesto sauce came to be. It’s a tasty and zesty twist on a classic pesto recipe that exhibits an impressive nutritional profile. This pesto sauce is more akin to an avocado pesto, in the sense that it is a little thicker and creamier than a regular pesto. Like any great pesto, this recipe contains nuts, only we use walnuts instead of pine nuts. If you prefer other nuts, then you can use almonds, cashews, or pine nuts instead. If you want to enjoy a nut-free version, use pumpkin seeds.

Because zucchini contain a lot of water, you have to do your best to squeeze the water out before blending it with the rest of the ingredients. Grate the zucchini with a cheese grater, place it in a cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much water as you can. You don’t want excess water, or else your pesto will become too watery. Just make sure that you use this pesto relatively quickly, because it only keeps fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

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A classic fruit jam is a typical spread for toast, pancakes, or simple sandwich. Most store bought fruit jams, though, contain high fructose corn syrup, dyes, artificial flavors, and added sugars. Not all jams are created equal, with some offering low sugar content and fewer ingredients, many of which are of higher quality. Because store bought jams contain a lot of sugar, though, consuming too much may contribute to weight gain, cavities, or type 2 diabetes.

This raw vegan strawberry jam uses dates in place of refined sugar or sugar syrups. That makes this jam rich in fiber and other essential micronutrients. It is truly a healthy breakfast spread for you and your children! You only need frozen strawberries, dates, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Just make sure that you let the frozen strawberries thaw out for a while before you add them to the food processor. And before you ask, yes, you can use frozen strawberries while cleansing. Just make sure that there are no added sugars or preservatives. The only ingredient on the ingredient list should be the strawberries.

Once you blend the strawberries and lemon juice into a smooth puree, add the dates and then continue blending. It is perfectly acceptable if the jam is somewhat chunky. You may not want big chunks of dates in your jam, though. That will be an overwhelming bite of sweetness! This raw jam goes great on a variety of foods, including raw vegan ice cream. Let us know how you like it in the comments below, so that we can keep bringing you these types of recipes.

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Ahhhh, the raw vegan moment you’ve been waiting for: jam that doesn’t require cooking and is free of added sugars. You just need a mixture of fresh berries, a jar for mashing, chia seeds, and grade A maple syrup. The chia seeds bloom in the mashed berries and maple syrup, thickening the creation to yield a spreadable jam. Much like chia pudding, this jam takes some time to fully set. Ideally, prepare it in the evening and refrigerate overnight so that it is ready in the morning.

This jam contains three types of berries: raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. No strawberries are involved in the creation of this jam because, quite frankly, strawberries get enough love. That’s not why, people! We love strawberries just as much as the next person, but sometimes you need to showcase other berries. Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all excellent sources of vitamin and other antioxidants. These berries are also low in sugar, making them great to enjoy if you follow the ketogenic diet.

Although you wouldn’t have a flavorful jam without the berries, the jam wouldn’t be jammy without the chia seeds. You need these seeds, which bloom in the presence of liquid to create a thick consistency that is similar to jarred jams you know and love. Plus, chia seeds are excellent sources of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, magnesium, and other impressive vitamins and minerals. Use this mixed berry jam as a condiment on raw ice cream or serve it with fresh fruit. After you finish cleansing, spread it on toast!

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If you frequent the grocery store, you have probably noticed and increase in the amount of vegan food products. People who are lactose intolerant, or those who prefer dairy-free food options, greatly appreciate the increase in vegan food substitutes. That said, many of these products contain a lot of processed ingredients and excess sodium. Unfortunately, that is not great news for your health, which is why we always encourage people to make their own homemade versions, for example, this vegan cream cheese.

Cashew cream cheese is the perfect spread for bread, crackers, bagels, and more. It also makes for a great dip and you can incorporate it into all sorts of no-bake appetizers or desserts, such as cheesecake or cream cheese truffles. Not only is this cream cheese dairy-free, but it is also gluten-free, grain-free, paleo, and easy to prepare. You only need a blender and three simple ingredients: cashews, coconut oil, and lemon juice. Sea salt, nutritional yeast, and onion powder are listed as optional ingredients on the ingredient list. You can easily flavor your cream cheese with one, two, or all of those ingredients!

This recipe requires you to soak the cashews in boiling water for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps to soften the cashews, allowing them to blend smoothly. Let’s face it: nobody wants a grainy or nutty cream cheese. Soaking the cashews helps make this spread the creamiest vegan cream cheese ever! Although you can use a high-speed blender, a food processor will yield a creamier consistency. Let us know how you like it in the comments below.

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Dieting during the holidays…is it possible? You bet your life! People have this notion that the holiday season is reserved for overeating and drinking excessive amounts at functions, parties, and work events. Plus, letting loose is often a great way to relieve the inevitable holidays stress or pressure from family and friends. That does not mean that you have to succumb to the temptation of endless holiday treats. 

Most people hold emotional attachments to holiday-specific dishes or treats. It is very common to associate these foods with meaningful memories during the holidays. The holidays are well underway, and there is no time like the present to take action. It will be difficult, but we believe that you have the strength to conquer the holidays while adhering to your diet! The following tips may help you dodge the pressure to overindulge. 

Plan Ahead

This rule truly applies to many things in life, but preparation is essential if you want to avoid failure. If you feel that your surroundings influence you easily, make your surroundings more comfortable. In fact, studies suggest that planning ahead and creating a plan can double your chance of success. If you plan to attend a holiday party, bring a healthy appetizer or dish, in addition to a healthy dessert option. When you know you have healthy food options, you will be less likely to overindulge on unhealthy items. If you are going to travel, make sure to plan ahead by bringing healthy snacks. 

Fill Up On Vegetables

Holiday spreads tend to showcase an assortment of carbs, proteins, and high-calorie desserts. Try your best to load up your holiday plate with as many vegetables and fruits as you can. Not only are they naturally rich in various nutrients, but they are also much lower in calories than other dishes. That doesn’t always apply, especially if you eat green bean casserole and candied yams. When we say “veggies,” we mean fruit salads, leafy greens, carrot sticks, and other sautéed root vegetables. 

Prioritize Your Favorites

There are seasonal treats that everyone looks forward to during the holidays. Maybe your vice is a slice of pumpkin pie or grandma’s homemade cinnamon rolls. There is nothing wrong with a small indulgence, but the trick is choosing the things you truly want to enjoy. If you say “yes” to everything, you are not doing yourself, or your diet efforts, any favors. Use this time of year as an opportunity to prioritize what you love and be strategic about it. That is especially true if you line up at the holiday buffet!

Track Your Calories And Macros

This sounds like an unpleasant chore, but you should keep track of your food intake because treats and alcohol are aplenty this time of year. It is very easy to go overboard with food, but paying attention to how much you consume is the best way to hold yourself accountable. When you input the information into your calorie counter, the results may surprise you. Small indulgences, such as a peppermint mocha latte, can affect your weekly average. Track your daily intake and use weekly averages to help determine whether you are sticking to your diet or not. Don’t punish yourself if you go a little overboard; rather, do your best to get back on the horse and meet your daily goals starting the following day. 

Remember Your “Why”

Weight loss motivation is more powerful than you realize. Remembering why you started your diet in the first place may be all it takes to keep holiday eating in check. If you have a support system, lean on them because they may help you remember why you started your weight loss journey. Remembering your “why” doesn’t mean that you have to eat perfectly. It will, however, remind you to either exercise or balance your indulgence with some healthier options. Change is very difficult, especially in regards to eating habits, and you have to work constantly to maintain your diet. Don’t give up on yourself just because you encounter some obstacles. You are strong and can make the necessary changes to maintain your diet this holiday season.

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Delicious and nutritions is the name of the game for this homemade cranberry chia jam! Unlike other jarred jams that have preservatives and added sugars, this jam uses real fruit and other whole food ingredients. Combining the mashed cranberries with the chia seeds creates a jam that not only looks jammy, but also tastes wonderfully sweet and tangy. It is the perfect flavor of jam for the holidays, and a much healthier alternative to jams and preserves.

Cranberries are naturally rich in antioxidants, surpassing the antioxidant activity of other berries. These antioxidants help protect your cells from free radical damage, which reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, cranberries exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that work to alleviate inflammation in the body. Cranberries aren’t the only superfood ingredient in this jam, though. Without chia seeds, this jam wouldn’t be as jammy, nor would it have the same amount of nutrients.

Chia seeds contribute to the overall nutritional profile of this cranberry jam. These small seeds are exceptionally rich in fiber, whcih works to aid digestion, regulate bowel movements, and maintain a healthy weight. Chia seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart function, brain health, and inflammation regulation. All of this is to say that this cranberry jam is as delicious as it is nutritious. It makes for a great addition to your holiday tables.

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If you love to snack or graze on snackable items, we welcome you to the family. Certain people prefer three designated meals a day, and that is perfectly acceptable. Others also like to have designated meals, but they enjoy some snack time between meals. Snacks don’t have to be unhealthy or devoid of nutrients; rather they can be like this raw vegan cashew Boursin cheese, which is made with five simple ingredients. Enjoy it with celery, carrot, or bell pepper sticks while you cleanse!

Boursin cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that you can usually find in most grocery stores. It is spreadable and comes in many flavors. The texture is akin to cream cheese and the first Boursin flavor, Garlic and Fine Herbs, was created in 1957. Francois Boursin, the man behind this cheese invention, was the first person to flavor a cheese product. Boursin cheese is a product, but this recipe is like the raw vegan copycat version. It only requires raw cashews, homemade almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, and fresh herbs.

Because you want this “cheese” to be as spreadable as possible, you have to soak the cashews in warm water for about 15 minutes before you blend the ingredients. The cashews will soften and be ready for blending because of this extra step. You can use a high-speed blender, but a food processor will yield a smoother consistency. After blending, spoon the mixture into a small bowl and fold in the freshly chopped herbs. At this point, you can serve the Boursin cheese with fresh vegetables and store leftovers in a container in the fridge for up to three days.

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A good spread, especially if it is a healthy one, is always good to have on hand. With pear season nearing its end, there has never been a better time to make pear butter. Similar to apple butter, pear butter has warming fall spices that are addictively delicious. You’ll want to spread this on everything! Well, maybe it won’t go great on your roasted vegetables, but it does elevate toast and raw fruit slices.

Pear season ends in October, which is why you’ve probably seen a plethora of pears in grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Most pears (about 95%) are grown in the United States and tend to come from California, Oregon, and Washington. While we cannot control how your palate feels about pears, we can tell you that the most common and tasty varieties are Bosc, Bartlett, Anjou, Concorde, Forelle, and Comice pears. If you have a lot of pears and need to use them before they go bad, this pear butter is the recipe you’ve been searching for. It helps preserve the pears, so you won’t waste them.

Because this recipe does not come together in a slow cooker, it does take about 45 to 50 minutes to come together. You want to cook it low and slow because the pears need to soften in order to easily blend them into a smooth and luxurious butter. This is a spread that you’ll be craving from the moment you try it! Let us know how you like it in the comments below.

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Looking for an easy fall-inspired spread that you can easily make in a slow cooker? Well, you just found your recipe! This homemade pumpkin butter warming, spiced, and made with seven simple ingredients, including pumpkin pie spice, 100% pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and more. Just like apple butter, pumpkin butter has a rich, creamy, and subtly tangy flavor is complemented by sugars.

Regarding the nutritional flavor profile, this is not the healthiest thing on the planet to consume. It is, however, homemade and free of artificial flavors and ultra-processed ingredients. Canned pumpkin puree is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin A, but make sure to buy that instead of pumpkin pie filling. One cup of cooked pumpkin, for example, contains about 49 calories, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, and 7 grams of sugar. It also contains vitamins C & E, potassium, and iron.

Even though this homemade pumpkin butter calls for a specific amount of sugar, you can opt for less if you want to watch your sugar intake. Because this recipe cooks in the slow cooker, the flavors will infuse beautifully and it will still spread like a luxurious, soft butter once it cools. You can also add other nutritious ingredients like chia seeds or raw nut butter, but that may affect the spreadability and texture of the pumpkin butter.

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Who doesn’t have a bag of frozen peas in their freezer? Whether you need to ice a sore neck or make a shepherd’s pie, frozen peas have their purpose. Green peas have an impressive nutritional profile and their calorie content is fairly low. About 70% of those calories come from complex carbohydrates, while the rest come from protein and healthy fats. Plus, peas contain nearly every vitamin and mineral you need. In fact, a half-cup serving of peas contains:

• Calories: 62
• Carbohydrates: 11 grams (g)
• Protein: 4 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Vitamin A: 34% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
• Vitamin K: 24% of the RDI
• Folate: 12% of the RDI
• Manganese: 11% of the RDI
• Thiamine: 15% of the RDI
• Vitamin C: 13% of the RDI
• Iron: 7% of the RDI
• Phosphorus: 6% of the RDI

The great thing about this pea puree is its versatility. Use it as a dip with raw vegetables or spread it on a crisp crostini. Making a meal? Use this pea puree as a hummus substitute for your pita pocket. If you want to get really fancy, consider spreading it on the bottom of your plate and topping it with sautéed portobello mushrooms and their cooking juices. You can even use this as food for babies just starting on solid foods! You really want to know the best part? Simply defrost the peas, blend the ingredients together, and then enjoy.

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