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We’re finally enjoying more time outdoors: grilling, swimming in the pool, walking in the trails, and taking trips to the beach… It feels so great to connect with nature and to spend time with our loved ones while being active and enjoying some vitamin D straight from the sun!

As I’ve suggested before, staying hydrated is key to enjoying the hottest season of the year without putting our health at risk, so today I want to share with you some simple popsicle ideas that you can try at home!

All you have to do is blend the ingredients with some water, coconut water or any nut mix, pour the mix in popsicle molds and freeze for a few hours. I love popsicles because they’re the perfect treat that can help us stay hydrated while providing vitamins and nutrients from different fruits!

Here are the combinations that I love making the most:

• Pineapple + mango
• Lemon + basil + stevia extract
• Watermelon + banana
• Cantaloupe + lime
• Cucumber + apple
• Strawberry + blueberries + raspberries
• Orange + almond milk + stevia
• Coconut milk + almond butter + stevia

I usually just eyeball the ingredients depending on the amounts of popsicles I want to make. If you want to add some extra sweetener, I’d recommend using natural stevia extract or coconut sugar. These are the least processed options!

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You probably have seen tons of dairy-free milk alternatives at your local grocery store. It’s been proven that conventional cow’s milk can contain hidden sugars and a lot of people have noticed how they are intolerant to dairy. This is why, all of the sudden, almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, and rice milk started popping up everywhere!

If you choose to buy any of these milks, check the ingredients list. Make sure that you pick the unsweetened versions and avoid any that contain carrageenan, an additive that could cause digestive problems and skin rashes.

The good news is that you can make any of these milks at home! It will only take you ten minutes, and you’ll know exactly what you’re putting in your body. This almond milk recipe serves about 4-6, and you can follow the same steps using any other nut you like, for example, cashews.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw unsalted almonds
• 6 cups filtered water
• 4 dates
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of sea salt

Directions

• Soak the almonds overnight in 2 cups filtered water, preferably in a glass container (don’t refrigerate)
• The next day, rinse the almonds and combine them in a blender with the rest of the water (4 cups), dates, vanilla, cinnamon, and sea salt.
• Run the mix through a nut milk bag (you can get this at your local health store or on Amazon), and squeeze the bottom of the bag to get the most milk you can.
• Place the liquid in a glass container with a lid, and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

P.S. If you don’t want to throw away the solid almond mix that remains in the nut milk bag, you can let it air dry overnight, put it on a baking sheet and bake at 200 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until completely dry to get almond flour for your baked goods!

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This past week, I spent 5 days taking care of Bobby because he got completely sick. Chicken soups were part of his daily meals, and he was drinking tons of water, but the truth is that sometimes we just need to let the virus run its course.

As he was getting better, I started coughing and now my body aches, so today I want to share with you some tips for when you start experiencing those flu-like symptoms. These will hopefully help you avoid getting a fever and will help the virus get out of your system faster.

1. If possible, spend all day in bed as soon as you feel there’s something wrong. Your body needs all the energy it has to fight against the virus.
2. Drink plenty of water… and I mean 10+ glasses a day. This will help eliminate the virus though your urine and will clean your body from the inside out while keeping you hydrated.
3. Include fruits that are high in vitamin C, like oranges, tangerines, lemon, pineapple, and strawberries. Also, include a vitamin C supplement.
4. Twice a day, drink this wellness cocktail: in a small pot, heat 1 glass of water. Add 1 chopped garlic clove, 1 tsp. raw honey, ½ tsp chopped ginger, and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper. Let the mix sit for about a minute and mix it well with a blender… enjoy!
5. If you eat meat, go for a chicken broth and/or chicken soup. If not, you can do a veggie one!
6. Wear socks, bundle up, and be patient!

If you end up getting really sick, this is a good time to stop and take things easy. And don’t forget to talk to your doctor!

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After all, enjoying what you love in moderation is the key to not falling off the healthy-eating wagon and going overboard. In the spirit of staying on track and satisfying your sweet tooth, we pulled together some guilt-free sweets. Your taste buds AND your waistline will thank you!

What are your favorite guilt-free healthy dessert recipes? Share them in the comments section. We are always looking for new ideas to help keep us on track!

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Whether your focus this year is on your physical health, work, relationships, spirituality, or anything else, what we eat has a big impact on our attitude and also on the decisions we make. When we eat good food, our body finds its ideal weight. When we’re at our ideal weight, we function better and everything around us improves, just like that.

If you want to shed those extra holiday pounds, find balance, and feel good, you’re in the right place. Here are some easy tips that will help you find health and your ideal weight:

1. Drink at least 8 glasses (64 oz.) of water a day. This will keep you hydrated and will help your body flush toxins. If you stay hydrated, your body won’t confuse hunger with anxiety or boredom.

2. Eat real foods. Avoid packaged stuff, and eat as close to the earth as possible. This way, you’ll be fueling your body with the best nutrients that our planet has to offer.

3. Start every meal with fresh fruit or a salad. This is a great way to add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your daily diet. This will also fill you up so you’ll only eat the necessary amounts of your main dish.

4. Listen to your body. Eat when you’re hungry, and don’t eat when you’re not. Chew each bite 30-50 times to make sure you’re eating only the necessary amounts of food your body really needs.

5. Move! It’s not news that staying active adds years to your life. Aim for at least 30 minutes of a workout you enjoy 3 times a week. Other tips to include on your daily routine is parking farther from where you need to be, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and using a step tracker to make sure you hit a daily goal.

Enjoy the ride, eat plants, and be ready to shine!

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Salads, green veggies, chicken, fish, and whole grains… we want in! If you’re ready to tackle eating right with gusto, be sure to save some of these fresh eats for your fresh start. After all, fresh food has so much good flavor! The yummy flavors offered in these recipes just may keep you on the healthy-eating train a little longer than usual. Enjoy, y’all, and happy 2017!

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It’s no secret we love Paula’s original recipes—who doesn’t? But we also love these lightened up versions of some of her most popular recipes. Like Paula taught us in her latest book, Paula Deen Cuts the Fat, little changes can make for some big results, and hopefully these recipes will do the trick for y’all. Some recipes are lightened up by Bobby and Jamie, and others are Paula’s own creations; but rest easy because lighter eatin’ has never tasted so good!

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