Get ready for one of the best raw vegan treats we’ve ever published on this website. Not only is it very easy to make, but it also has a highly addictive flavor that may replace sugar in your recipes! This raw vegan date caramel is naturally sweet and creamy, as it is made from pureed dates, homemade almond milk, sea salt, and vanilla extract. After blending the ingredients in a food processor until smooth, the result is a delightful alternative to traditional caramel. We don’t recommend that you eat the entire recipe in one sitting, but we will say that it is a somewhat healthy option for those who have a sweet tooth.

The process is simple: add pitted Medjool dates, homemade almond milk, sea salt, and vanilla extract to a food processor and blend until smooth and luscious. You should end up with a thick, almost paste-like texture that can drizzle over desserts. You can also use it as a dip or enjoyed straight from the jar. This indulgent treat is not only a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth but also packed with nutrients, speaking of which:

• A single serving of dates contains about seven grams of fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate bowel movements. These benefits can help you avoid constipation.
• Dates are naturally sweet and can replace refined sugars in many recipes, which makes them a healthier, more nutritious option if you have a sweet tooth.
• Because dates have a naturally high sugar content (including fructose, glucose, and sucrose), they provide a quick energy boost. That makes dates an ideal snack for anyone who needs a quick pick-me-up.
• Due to their potassium and magnesium content, dates are beneficial for heart health. Researchers note that dates work to regulate blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.

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Making your own lotion seems like a daunting task, but it’s a lot easier than you think. It also requires a lot less ingredients than what you see on the ingredient lists for store bought lotions. Some DIY enthusiasts prefer lotion bars, body butters, or other similar creations, but this one is just as effective and useful. It uses unrefined coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and shea butter to help nourish the skin.

Most store bought lotions contain emulsifying wax to blend the carrier oils with distilled water. This can be a little difficult to do at home and it requires preservatives to keep from going bad. The DIY lotion in this article skips that step entirely by eliminating the water. What you are left with is a combination of nourishing ingredients that easily penetrate the skin. You can extend the shelf life by using vitamin E oil, as it is an antioxidant that helps other oils not go rancid as quickly. 

The recipe is a water-free, incredibly moisturizing lotion that will last for years without preservatives. This one is oil-based, so it feels more like a body butter. That makes it great for anyone with dry skin. Read on to learn more about it. 

Choosing A Carrier Oil

Sweet almond oil is an excellent, middle-of-the-road carrier oil because it is suitable for every skin type. It isn’t as heavy as coconut oil and more moisturizing than grapeseed oil. You can replace it with another carrier oil of your choosing, should you be allergic or averse to using sweet almond oil. Jojoba oil, avocado oil, or olive oil are excellent options. 

Because this DIY lotion is oil-based (not water based), you don’t need to use as much. Because there is no water in this recipe, it tends to have a longer shelf life than other homemade lotion recipes. The ingredients are shelf-stable and there is no water to dilute them. 

Essential Oil Safety

How many drops of essential oil should you add to your homemade lotion? That entirely depends on the essential oil and your preference. If you add the optional shea butter, 45 drops of essential oil will be a 1% dilution. Generally speaking, a 2% dilution is considered safe for skin care products like lotion. If you prefer a stronger scent, you can double the amount to yield a 2% dilution. If you want a lighter scent and have more sensitive skin, cut the amount in half. You can even use less than that! You can omit essential oils if you plan to use this on little ones, especially babies. 

Certain essential oils are harsher, so you can use smaller amounts. Wintergreen, cinnamon, and lemongrass essential oils are a bit harsh, while grapefruit and lime essential oils are phototoxic. If you don’t want to worry about anything, these are skin-friendly essential oils to use:

• Sweet orange essential oil
• Geranium essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Frankincense essential oil 
• Tea tree oil
• Patchouli essential oil

DIY Lotion

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• 1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 2 tablespoons shea butter (optional)
• 45 drops essential oils of choice (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Add the sweet almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and optional shea butter to the top of a double boiler. Alternatively, place a heat-safe glass bowl on top of a saucepan with simmering water over medium-low heat.
• Stir the ingredients occasionally until completely melted. Remove from heat and add the essential oils, vanilla extract, and vitamin E oil, if using. Stir to combine. 
• Pour the mixture into a glass jar or tin for storage and allow it to cool at room temperature. Small mason jars are great for this. Store in a cool, dark place for one to two years. 
• A little goes a long way, so don’t go crazy when you apply this to the skin.

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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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Has anyone out there vowed to eat more beets? If you did, then good on you! Beets are highly nutritious root vegetables that are just a little bit earthy. They are naturally rich in fiber, folate, vitamin C, potassium, and iron, in addition to other plant compounds. Both beetroots and beetroot juice may help to improve blood flow, increase exercise performance, and lower blood pressure. According to research, many of these benefits are attributed to the high content of inorganic nitrates.

After reading that little blurb about beets, don’t you think you should include more of them in your diet? Yes, is the answer, in case you were wondering. Although they exhibit an earthy flavor, you can tame it by pairing beets with the right ingredients. In the case of this beet smoothie, for instance, the strawberries, apple, and fresh lemon juice distract your taste buds from the signature beet flavor. It isn’t overly sweet, but it is wonderfully creamy, which you can attribute to the homemade almond milk.

Regarding the almond milk. Store bought almond milk is not acceptable if you are cleansing. This recipe also calls for alcohol-free vanilla extract, which adds a nutty, vanilla flavor. Now, you can exclude this if you make your own vanilla almond milk. All you have to do is add some dates or agave with vanilla extract to the blending process when you make your almond milk. That will establish a lovely vanilla base flavor that is a pleasant undertone in this beet smoothie.

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Greek yogurt is just one of the many items on the list of non-vegan foods you have to avoid while cleansing. This can be a big deal during your cleanse, especially if you rely on Greek yogurt as a breakfast item. There are definitive health benefits to Greek yogurt, for example, it helps to boost digestive function and nourish healthy bacteria in the gut.

Although a raw vegan yogurt will not have the same probiotic bacteria that Greek yogurt has, it may be able to replace your signature yogurt breakfast during your cleanse. Just be mindful that raw vegan yogurt can contain more calories, due to the cashews and bananas. Blended cashews offer a lovely creaminess to puddings, dressings, and more, as do bananas, so the two of them together make for a smooth and creamy yogurt.

The lemon juice adds a lovely tartness to the yogurt, but if you don’t enjoy lemon, you can omit it. Perhaps you enjoy a more vanilla flavor. Swap the lemon juice for about one teaspoon of maple syrup and one teaspoon of alcohol-free vanilla extract. Consider a dash of cinnamon as well to really round out that warming vanilla flavor!

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A dessert doesn’t get much easier than this, folks! Put away the eggs and forget the whole milk, heavy cream, or condensed milk because this recipe is 100% vegan. It is every bit as creamy and rich as regular rice pudding, only this variation is dairy-free. It’s a comforting dessert that people used to enjoy as children, but that rice pudding you used to know probably wasn’t made with oat milk or cashew milk.

The reason that this rice pudding does not call for almond milk or soy milk is because oat milk is wonderfully creamy. If you have a gluten sensitivity, consider replacing oat milk with cashew milk, as that has a lovely, creamy consistency. If you have an aversion to store bought nut or grain milks, feel free to make your own. In fact, we have recipes for both oat milk and cashew milk in our recipe section.

Although the recipe only calls for three ingredients, you have the freedom to add more if you want to enhance or customize the flavor. Include grade A maple syrup, vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, raisins, or even cocoa powder. The core recipe only calls for short grain rice, oat milk, and a cinnamon stick, which you can replace with some cardamom pods, depending on your flavor preference. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a swirl of vanilla extract to add a floral note to this lovely vegan dessert. Let us know if it compares to the real thing!

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There’s nothing wrong with brewing a fresh cup of coffee to get your day started. What if you ground some coffee beans and didn’t pour hot water over them, though? What if you incorporated them into a sugar scrub that helps exfoliate and nurture your skin? The beauty industry recognizes coffee as a beneficial skin care ingredient, and we’ll cover why that is in this article. 

Body exfoliation is an essential part of skin care, and a coffee scrub is one of the best products to benefit your skin. Depending on the ingredients you pair coffee grounds with, a coffee scrub will have different benefits. For example, pairing it with jojoba or coconut oils can help infuse the skin with more moisture. Not only does coffee help exfoliate the skin, but it also provides the following benefits. 

Reduces Cellulite Appearance

Although coffee doesn’t make cellulite vanish magically, it may diminish the appearance of cellulite on the skin. The caffeine in coffee works to dilate blood vessels under the skin and stimulate blood flow. That works to improve the skin’s appearance, making it look tighter by shrinking those small dimples. 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Coffee exhibits a high amount of polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory compounds. According to research, the specific anti-inflammatory effects of coffee are attributed to chlorogenic acid, a compound in coffee. Including coffee in your body scrub, or other skin care products may help reduce redness, breakouts, or flare-ups on acne-prone skin. 

Works To Moisturize Skin

Some studies suggest that coffee bean oil contains essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid. These fatty acids are building blocks for ceramides, which enhance your skin’s barrier (the outermost layer). Not only does that help lock in moisture, but it also helps keep out irritants. Research suggests that coffee’s polyphenols work to reduce skin dryness and improve microcirculatory function. 

Anti-Aging Properties

Due to the presence of antioxidants and polyphenols, coffee works to fight free radicals to help enhance the overall appearance of skin. One study found that the caffeine in coffee helped reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and wrinkles in middle-aged women. Additional research suggests that coffee exhibits antioxidant activity, thus improving fine lines, wrinkles, and overall appearance of skin.

Protects Against Sun Damage

Can you replace your sunscreen with coffee grounds? Absolutely not, but studies show that the caffeine in coffee helps protect against ultraviolet (UV) damage. Some research notes that coffee may protect against sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer caused by sun damage. Researchers state that caffeine acts similarly to sunscreen and preliminary test-tube studies show it may help kill skin cancer cells. 

Bean There, Done That

Was that overly corny? Regardless of your stance on puns, we want to urge you not to throw away your coffee grounds after you finish brewing a hot cup of coffee. Save the coffee grounds and add them to your beauty regimen. As with so many other foods, coffee provides a host of skin care benefits. In fact, it helps reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes, which is why coffee extract is a common ingredient in under-eye creams.

Homemade Vanilla Coffee Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 20 drops vanilla essential oil
• 1 tablespoon coffee grounds

Instructions:

• Add the sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla essential oil to a medium mixing bowl and stir well. 
• Add in the coffee grounds (fresh or used is fine) and stir well to combine. 
• Pour the mixture into some four-ounce mason jars and store in a cool-dry place. This scrub will last about two to three weeks, so consider giving some of it to a close friend or family member if you don’t think you’ll use it all in time.

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It’s no secret people have changed quite a bit over the years. The demand for higher-quality products with little to no harmful ingredients is greater than ever. There has been a shift to more natural cleaning products, hygiene products, skin care products, and more in recent years. Given what people know about the harmful ingredients in certain products, more and more people continue to opt for non-toxic products. 

Did you know that you can easily make non-toxic renditions of products that you buy in stores or online? Not only is making your own products more cost-effective, but it is also more sustainable and you are in complete control. That means that there are no surprise ingredients that may cause adverse side effects. There are no fragrances or “natural flavors” that hide ingredients that can damage lung function or disrupt the endocrine system. 

We don’t mean to scare you out of the store because it can be quite labor-intensive to make every single product you use. That said, there are certain things that are just as effective as the products you purchase in stores, not to mention a whole lot safer, too. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite DIY recipes. We’ve got everything from cleaning products to hygiene products, and we think that your body and health will appreciate them. If you make some of the products, leave a comment to let us know how you liked them. 

Cleaning Products

DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

Having an all-natural, all-purpose cleaner that’s free of vinegar is quite rare in the DIY cleaning space. Feel free to use this spray almost anywhere in the house because it is essential for cleaning.

Click here to make the cleaner.

Bathroom Disinfectant Spray

Kill those germs in the bathroom without using harmful chemical cleaners. This DIY bathroom disinfectant is eco-friendly, efficient, and doesn’t make your lungs hurt if you inhale the aroma!

Click here to make the spray.

DIY Bathroom Spray To Get Rid Of Odors

Nobody wants to leave the bathroom like a smelly wasteland. Make this DIY bathroom spray with simple ingredients that help eliminate odors.

Click here to make the spray.

All-Natural Glass Cleaner Spray

Don’t you wish you could clean windows and mirrors without spraying toxins all over the home? That’s exactly what this DIY glass cleaner is for. You don’t need chemicals to make those windows streak-free.

Click here to make the glass cleaner spray.

Orange-Scented Grease Cleaner

Cut through the toughest grease and clean up the grimiest messes in your kitchen with this DIY all-natural, orange-scented grease cleaner.

Click here to make the grease cleaner.

Beauty/Hygiene Products

DIY Lavender Sage Deodorant

Reduce sweating and help establish healthier bacteria under your pits with this DIY deodorant that is very refreshing and fragrant. You’ll smell great without the need for a bunch of aluminum or chemicals.

Click here to make the deodorant.

DIY Olive Oil Moisturizer

Four ingredients yield an incredible olive oil-based moisturizer that is a wonderful, natural alternative to store

Click here to make the moisturizer.

Lemon Vanilla Body Butter

Silky smooth skin is just a few ingredients away! Whip up a batch of this lemon vanilla body butter and keep your skin soft all day long.

Click here to make the body butter.

Homemade Rosemary Mint Shampoo

Nourish the hair and scalp with ingredients that contain compounds that may promote hair growth, increase thickness, and reduce inflammation.

Click here to make the shampoo.

Shaving Butter For Smooth Skin

Shave with ease and moisturize the skin at the same time when you lather up with this all-natural homemade shaving butter. It’s very safe and there’s room for customization.

Click here to make the shaving butter.

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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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Chia pudding, if you aren’t already obsessed with it, is about to become your new favorite obsession. It makes for a great breakfast, snack, or even light lunch. The reason that chia pudding makes for a great breakfast option is because you can make it at night, place it in the fridge, and have it ready to go in the morning. Grab it out of the fridge in the morning and enjoy immediately. Top the pudding with some fresh fruit and you are good to go. You can even take it on-the-go and enjoy it on your way to work!

This is a very simple chia pudding recipe that only contains four simple ingredients. After you whisk the ingredients together, or shake them up in a jar, place the jar in the fridge and allow about six to eight hours for the chia pudding to set. Chia pudding has a very similar texture to tapioca, as the seeds absorb the liquid and become gelatinous. Now, if you want to enjoy the chia pudding immediately, you can add all of the ingredients to a blender and blitz until it resembles a thicker pudding.

The great thing about chia seeds is that they are rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. While they don’t contain all the essential omegas, like EPA or DHA, they provide a good dose of others at five grams. All of their fiber can help aid digestion and elimination. The fiber also gives you sustained energy and helps balance blood sugar levels. Like we said at the beginning, if you don’t already love chia pudding, you will now!

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