healthy

October is, without a doubt, the best month out of all 12 of them. The weather is pure perfection because I greatly appreciate a slight chill. Even just looking outside of my window right now is picturesque. I mean seriously—is it a life-size painting or my front yard? I could be biased because I’m such a Halloween fanatic, but it truly is the best 31 days of the year. If the cozy-up weather, fall foliage, and ghosts, ghouls, and goblins haven’t convinced you that nothing beats October, let the produce do the talkin’.

Japanese Yams are worlds above plain old potatoes in both taste and nutrition. Pop one in the oven and you’ve got an instant fall lunch that will warm you up in seconds flat.

Pomegranate plants are prized for their blooms and fruits; here’s how to get the best out of them…

People love their pets. Sixty percent of American homes house an animal. Like humans, pets seem to be omni-present in the lives of their caretakers, without an official invitation. Pets often do not know why they are here any more than we do, although we both are sometimes absentmindedly present and dumbfounded, albeit together. Two peas in a pod…

As fall approaches, you may be experiencing a sigh of relief. Why? Because you’ll be putting your bikinis and swimming trunks aside, and digging out all of those heavy winter coats you forgot you even had. That’s why. However, I’d like to challenge you to embrace a new line of thinking.

As a snacker, I graze all day. While veggies and hummus are usually my go to, every now and then I get a craving for something salty. It's tempting to grab a bag of potato chips overloaded in salt and full of carbohydrates. When I get that urge, I opt for kale chips instead. Gluten-free and vegan, kale chips are slightly salty and crisp in texture. They are a healthy treat that takes the guilt out of snacking and allows you to indulge. It's hard not to eat the whole bunch.

Nature will always be the best place to get everything; it’s an abundant source of all that is good for us. Why don’t we recall that this also includes items that beautify? Instead of chancing it with ingredients that sound like they emanated from a mad science experiment, you can make your own cosmetics at home, with natural ingredients you already know and love. Here are some great options to get you started on your way to a truly healthy glow:

Sugar Scrub

Going to the dentist can be a real drag, and is generally not something that we look forward to. However, it’s important to remember that our oral health sets the foundation for the rest of our body, so it’s imperative that we do everything possible to keep our gums, teeth, and mouth healthy.

Enjoy this departure from the typically heavy and sugary French Toast! With all natural sweeteners like vanilla extract and bananas, you can satisfy your need for weekend brunch and still feel good about it later. The silken tofu in this recipe helps to add thickness to the batter and a little bit of protein to keep you going. For a delicious treat, top it off with some fresh berries and whipped coconut cream!

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Heightened stress, demanding schedules, processed food, and greater sensitivities in today’s modern world have started to take their toll in even greater numbers. This shift can be witnessed by the increase of obesity and disease in our society. The National Health Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases reported 60-70 million individuals a year in the United States are affected by some type of digestive illness.