Halloween and I have a complicated relationship, at least since I became a mom. Trick-or-treating is a fun tradition, but there aren’t many healthy Halloween treats (or even close to it). Other holidays, like Easter, share the same problem. So what’s a health-conscious mom to do? As I see it, I have a few options: Option #1: Ignore Halloween Completely Yep … I did this! I’ll admit it: when my kids were all really young, I just pretended Halloween didn’t exist. We didn’t do the trick-or-treating thing or the Halloween costume thing. Instead of a Halloween party we usually just…
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Our family loves Halloween! It’s true, in the early days we were trick-or-treating holdouts (all that sugary store-bought Halloween candy… shudder!). Now that my kids are older I’ve figured out a healthy balance with these Halloween food ideas. We just buy candy with better ingredients (and make sure to have non-candy treats too). Reinventing our Halloween dinner plan is another way I made peace with this sugar-happy holiday. These festive but healthy Halloween recipes are perfect for a bite to eat before or after trick-or-treating, or just a way to make Halloween fun at home! You can even serve up some of these…
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Whether or not you’re trying to conceive, it’s important to know the basic biological processes. One of those biological processes is that of reproduction. Understanding the process of ovulation, conception, and pregnancy is key to knowing how a new life begins. While you would know that pregnancy starts when an egg is fertilised by sperm, the biological details behind this may be less commonly understood. So, what happens after this process of fertilisation? From the release of an egg to its successful fertilisation and implantation, these stages are interconnected by several biological mechanisms that depend heavily on timing. Knowing how…
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Gut health has long been overlooked in the realm of health and wellness, but fortunately, that’s changing. It is now being realised that Gut health affects nearly every aspect of overall well-being. The gut houses trillions of bacteria that aid in digestion, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. A healthy gut supports a strong immune system, helping your body fight diseases better and become fit and fine. Although all these benefits are important, let’s mention the one we think would be most important to you. Gut health plays an essential role in regulating metabolism, helping you maintain a healthy weight. Good…
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Unsweetened coconut milk is a superfood milk substitute I frequently use in my home. While almond milk and oat milk are good for certain recipes, coconut milk adds a rich creaminess. It also tends to have fewer ingredients in its commercial form. Due to its creamy texture, coconut milk makes an excellent substitute for cow’s milk products like half-and-half and whipped cream. What is Coconut Milk? Coconut milk is made by blending the fresh coconut flesh (or “meat”) of a mature coconut with water. (The brown hairy ones at the grocery store). Then the mixture is put through a filter…
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In today’s fast-paced world, where our lives are often filled with stress, anxiety, and a lack of physical activity, traditional practices like Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) have found renewed importance. Rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, this sequence of 12 asanas (yoga postures) combines the benefits of stretching, breathing, and meditation in one powerful routine. While modern-day fitness regimens often emphasise high-intensity exercises or rigorous weight training, Surya Namaskar offers a balanced approach to physical and mental well-being that’s accessible to everyone. The beauty of Surya Namaskar lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or someone just…
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In case you’re wondering if you’ve got the right blog, never fear… no, I don’t think there’s such a thing as healthy candy! By “healthy” I mean “better than the alternatives.” This means they’re made from real food ingredients, without artificial dyes, additives, artificial sweeteners, and all the other junk found in typical candy. Plus you can even make your own “candy” that really is healthier. I still prefer candy-free gifts or experiences whenever possible, even at Halloween. But thanks to companies making candy with better ingredients, our family can take part in neighborhood trick-or-treat festivities (without resorting to handing…
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Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. But did you know that some everyday habits could be silently increasing your risk? While factors like genetics and age play a significant role, many people overlook the influence of lifestyle choices that can increase the risk – from seemingly harmless habits such as the food you eat and how often you exercise. The good news is that you can take steps to reduce your risk. Let’s dive into the surprising habits that may be increasing your breast cancer risk. Low vitamin D levels The sun is not always…
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Now that it’s fall it’s officially PSL (pumpkin spice latte) season. And if you live where it’s still 80 degrees in October like I do, a pumpkin smoothie is a more refreshing way to get those fall flavors. Even if you don’t, I still recommend this protein-packed, creamy smoothie. It’s easy enough to make for breakfast and has a nice mix of healthy fats, protein, and a little carbs. Plus with the pumpkin in it, it even has some veggies. You could have it as a post-workout snack or whip some up for dessert. The kids won’t even know it…
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“I don’t want healthy hair and skin”, said no one ever. We all want healthy glowing skin and long luscious hair. And talking about the lengths we go to achieve them – emptying our bank balance on skincare and haircare products that we think will work because some influencer said so. But it doesn’t work like that. Let’s swallow the bitter pill that cosmetics products work no magic. But what matters and is truly game-changing is a healthy diet and exercise. A healthy diet is understandable. But exercising? How does it have anything to do with healthy skin and hair?…