Recipes – Page 3 – Happy Body Formula

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12 Wellness Shot Recipes to Kick Start Your Day

You’ve heard of alcoholic shots, but what exactly are wellness shots and how can they benefit your health?

While some might be quick to pass these off as yet another, short-lived wellness fad, we have to admit it: these little guys pack a seriously good punch.

Wellness shots (also referred to as power shots or immunity shots) are nutrient-dense powerhouses packed into a tiny shot glass. They’re strong and concentrated, aiming to help boost your overall health in just one gulp.

While smoothies make wonderful breakfasts-on-the-go or post-workout treats, they can still take a little while to get through – especially if you’re dealing with not-so-tasty ingredients, or just have trouble tolerating the taste of veggies.

What could be more convenient than knocking back a whole smoothie’s worth of nutrition in one swift gulp? We’re yet to find anything quite so appropriate for the time-poor!

If you’re ready to embrace wellness shots in your own life, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the top 12 wellness shot recipes to help you start your day the healthy way.

1. HEALTHY VEGGIE SHOTS AND FRUIT CHASERS FROM DESSERTS WITH BENEFITS

We all know that a balanced diet featuring fruit and vegetables is required, but some people find it hard to factor them into their every day.

This is where these healthy veggie shots and fruit chasers come in handy, as you can quickly and easily knock back your whole days’ worth of the stuff in just a few seconds. Genius!

2. DIY NATURAL BEET SHOTS ENERGY DRINK FROM YURI ELKAIM

Several recent studies have revealed that beet juice increases exercise performance, so these natural energy shots containing beet juice are perfect for sports and exercise enthusiasts.

It also contains a number of other healthy ingredients, including cucumber, apple, and ginger. You simply press them through a juicer and you’re ready to go.

3. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SHOTS FROM UNBOUND WELLNESS

These DIY apple cider vinegar shots are a nutrient powerhouse! They’re sugar-free and easy to make at home, making them the perfect pre-work or post-workout pick-me-up.

The best part is they can be made in three delicious flavor combinations, including orange and cranberry, orange, turmeric, and ginger, and pomegranate and lemon. Simply add water to your concoction to make it shot-ready.

4. IMMUNITY JUICE SHOTS WITH CARROT, GINGER, LEMON AND GARLIC FROM WITH FOOD AND LOVE

These immunity juice shots are particularly beneficial during flu season, as they help to boost your immunity and ward-off any pending cold or flu. After all, who has time for sick days?

The ingredients – carrot, ginger, lemon, garlic, and apple cider vinegar – are all full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. If you’re already sick, it’s not too late. Take this concoction and watch your recovery time speed-up!

5. CHERRY GINGER POST WORKOUT RECOVERY SHOTS FROM PROGRESSING IN DISGUISE

Zap muscle soreness and recover faster from your workouts with this refreshing post workout recovery shot!

This recipe is packed with healing and anti-inflammatory ingredients that not only taste great, but help reduce the amount of time you spend recovering after a particularly tough day at the gym.

They contain orange, lemon, cherries, turmeric powder, beet root powder, freshly grated ginger, and a dash of cinnamon.

6. CHLOROPHYLL WELLNESS SHOT FROM GOOP

Who knew that monk fruit, lemon juice, ginger juice, liquid chlorophyll, and cayenne pepper could taste so good?

This one packs some serious heat, but once your tastebuds recover, it’s worth it for the health benefits. The recipe mentions that if you can’t find monk fruit anywhere, you can easily just leave it out.

7. GREEN IMMUNE BOOSTING SHOT RECIPE FROM TASTING PAGE

When you’re feeling a little run down, this healthy green drink will give you a shot of energy and help keep your immune system strong.

This green immune boosting shot has just 3 ingredients, plus Harvest Blend, a supplement which gives you about another 25 superfoods with just one helping. You’ll lose count of just how many beneficial nutrients are in this incredibly healthy wellness shot!

8. THREE GINGER POWER SHOT RECIPES FROM INSPIRED TASTE

This post will give you not one, but three amazing ginger power shot recipes to boost your health. The delicious combinations include lemon and ginger, carrot and ginger, and green apple and ginger.

Which one takes your fancy the most? No matter what flavor combination you prefer, one thing is for sure: these power shots will give you an instant pick-me-up, helping you feel refreshed and full of energy for the day ahead.

9. WELLNESS JUICE SHOT FROM FLO & GRACE

If you (or someone you know) has woken up with the flu, then you’ll want to make this wellness juice shot ASAP.

It contains immune-boosting ingredients such as celery, green apple, ginger and lemon, topped with fiery cayenne pepper. It’s a wonderful natural remedy to add to your arsenal and is sure to speed-up recovery time like no other.

10. TURMERIC SHOT RECIPE FROM THE INSPIRED HOME

If you haven’t heard about the incredible health benefits of turmeric, you’re in for a surprise. This super food is an anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, powerful antioxidant, and immunity booster, making it the perfect ingredient for a wellness shot.

For this recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients such as coconut water, fresh turmeric, ginger root, lemon, honey, and a pinch of sea salt. Sounds delicious!

11. LEMON GINGER TURMERIC WELLNESS SHOTS FROM MINIMALIST BAKER

This 5-ingredient, 5-minute shot is just the thing you need to start your morning with (or as this post suggests, to ring-in a healthy New Year!).

It combines orange, lemon, fresh turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil to give your health a seriously good boost. Plus, it tastes divine, thanks to naturally sweet ingredients such as orange.

12. PINEAPPLE GINGER WELLNESS SHOTS FROM GOURMANDE IN THE KITCHEN

This spicy and sweet juice shot works to support good digestion and settle upset stomachs. It’s made with fresh ginger, pineapple, lemon and fennel and is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory, stomach soothing and immune-boosting goodness.

For extra belly healing properties, try mixing in an equal amount of coconut water kefir. It’s packed full of gut-friendly probiotics!

Which Wellness Shot Will You Explore?

There you have it – our top 12 wellness shot recipes that you can use in your daily life, whether it’s as the first thing in the morning, after a workout, or the last thing at night.

Because these shots are highly concentrated with beneficial ingredients such as fruit and vegetables, they’re more easily absorbed by your body, working to instantly boost your health. They’re also much less time-consuming than sitting down to a full-sized smoothie, let alone a bowl of vegetables. After all, we’re a time-poor bunch!

Start with the wellness shot recipe that takes your fancy the most, then slowly work your way through the list to expose yourself to new flavor combination and health benefits. While one wellness shot might aim to increase energy, others are effective at aiding with post-workout recovery or healing a cold or flu.

Which wellness shot (or shots) will you be trying this weekend? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!

Melanie

Melanie Clarke is the founder of Whim Online Magazine, an online magazine based in Australia that has a strong focus on whimsical + dreamy photography, as well as art and fashion content.

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13 Savory Dragon Fruit Recipes That Will Satisfy Your Taste Buds

Dragon fruit might sound like a mythical beast, but this fancy fruit is all real. Also known as pitahaya or strawberry pear, dragon fruit is known for its unique appearance, featuring vibrant red skin and white and black speckled pulp.

While it might make a stunning addition to a smoothie bowl (or any recipe for that matter) due to its Instagrammable appearance, this fruit also packs plenty of health benefits too.

It’s low in calories but full of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin E. It also contains much-needed plant compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids and betacyanins, along with a substantial amount of dietary fiber and high levels of antioxidants.

If you’re wondering how you can include more dragon fruit in your life, but unsure where to start, then you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the 13 best dragon fruit recipes, ranging from sweet and savory, to liquids and solids. There’s sure to be something for everyone!

1. DRAGON FRUIT NOODLES WITH KOREAN BBQ TOFU FROM PITAYA PLUS

If you’re tired of plain, boring noodles, then this is the recipe for you. Not only does it infuse a mealtime favorite with a vibrant pink color, but adding dragon fruit to a tasty Korean dish also imbues it with additional vitamins, minerals, and all-round nutritional goodness.

It involves plenty of staple ingredients and can be whipped-up in just over half an hour.

2. VEGAN DRAGON FRUIT CHEESECAKE BARS FROM CHOOSING CHIA

These vegan dragon fruit cheesecake bars are a perfect healthier option for dessert. They’re completely raw and made with wholesome nutritious ingredients such as Medjool dates, raspberries, cashews, walnuts, and of course, dragon fruit!

The best part? Each serving contains just 272 calories.

3. BERRY WATERMELON DRAGON FRUIT SALAD FROM ABERDEEN’S KITCHEN

This salad is jam-packed with fruit favorites such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, watermelon, and (of course) dragon fruit!

Because there are enough naturally sweet flavors in here, there’s no need for salad dressing. Instead, just sprinkle on some poppy seeds and garnish with mint. Delicious!

4. HEALTHY DRAGON FRUIT CHEESECAKES FROM HARRIS FARM

Fancy a dairy free and refined sugar free cheesecake that’s still creamy and delicious?

Look no further than this healthy dragon fruit variety, which features everything from melted coconut oil and cashews, to maple syrup, raspberries, coconut cream, and dragon fruit flesh. It takes just 30 minutes to make (not including chilling time) and looks divine.

5. DRAGON FRUIT MARGARITA FROM LITTLE BITS OF

Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or simply want to celebrate your weekend in style, this dragon fruit margarita is a must.

You’ll just need a dragon fruit (pink flesh is best), lime juice, honey syrup, tequila, and ice. Sure, alcohol is far from ‘healthy’, but adding a little fruit to your boozy beverage can help.

6. LEMONADE DRAGON SPRITZER FROM PITAYA PLUS

Here’s another beautiful dragon fruit beverage for you to sip on this summer. What could be more refreshing than a fizzy and fruity lemonade spritzer containing dragon fruit cubes (or powder), sparkling water, lemonade, ice cubes, and mint and lemon slices to garnish.

Make a whole batch to serve at your next BBQ or pool party!

7. DRAGON FRUIT SALAD BOWL FROM TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE PARTY

This fruit salad is the ultimate dragon fruit recipe, as it even uses the fruit as a bowl! It’s perfect for a special family breakfast or brunch on the weekends, but also makes the perfect entertaining idea if you are hosting a fun get-together with friends.

You can use any fruit combination you like, however this recipe suggests mango, kiwi, raspberries, and dragon fruit. Then, just drizzle with pineapple juice and honey. Delicious!

8. DRAGON FRUIT GUACAMOLE FROM STREET SMART KITCHEN

Surprise and delight your taste buds by combining dragon fruit with creamy avocado for a refreshing guacamole. Simply serve it in a dragon fruit shell to ramp-up the fun factor!

According to this recipe, the combination of this juicy tropical fruit with traditional guacamole ingredients— buttery avocado, cilantro, lemon juice, and red onion—is unbeatable.

9. DRAGON FRUIT ‘NICE’ CREAM FROM SOLFUL HEALTH

Fancy some dairy-free, healthy ice cream? This dragon fruit version isn’t just vibrant and colorful, but is also packed with plenty of vitamins and minerals.

There’s also a wide range of other healthy ingredients in this “nice cream”, including bananas, unsweetened almond milk, and the juice from two limes.

10. DRAGON FRUIT STRAWBERRY CHIA PUDDING SMOOTHIE FROM DELIGHTFUL MOM FOOD

This stunning and delicious dragon fruit and strawberry chia pudding smoothie is the perfect way to start your day, enjoy as a snack, or eat after a workout to refuel your body.

This smoothie recipe itself has a total of 13 grams of fiber and 14 grams of protein, helping to keep you fuller for longer. It also contains ingredients such as vanilla flavored cashew milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, strawberries, banana, and more.

11. DRAGON FRUIT SMOOTHIE BOWLS FROM SUNKISSED KITCHEN

A dragon fruit smoothie bowl is a great vegan or paleo breakfast option, plus it can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or dessert. To get that beautiful, vibrant color, make sure you use red dragon fruit – not the one with white pulp.

You can also use either fresh or frozen dragon fruit. The toppings are where all the fun lies, so be as creative as you want!

12. DRAGON FRUIT BUTTERCREAM FROSTING FROM HOUSE OF NASH EATS

This dragon fruit buttercream frosting pairs perfectly with moist chocolate cupcakes to make an interesting, yet totally tasty dessert. You can expect it to taste slightly floral and lightly citrusy, with beautiful specks of black seeds throughout it.

It’s a wonderful way to add some nutrients to a naughty dessert.

13. DRAGON FRUIT LYCHEE MIMOSA FROM I SUGAR COAT IT

Ring in the New Year (or any special occasion for that matter) with this refreshingly fragrant and pretty-in-pink dragon fruit lychee mimosa.

It contains both white and pink dragon fruit, as well as juice from fresh or canned lychees, a large bottle of champagne, two limes, and kaffir lime leaves. It’s the best way to feel a little better about popping some champagne!

Which Way Will You Have Your Dragon Fruit?

There you have it – 13 of the best dragon fruit recipes that you can whip-up this weekend, whether it’s as a snack, healthy dessert, breakfast, dinner, or beverage. While some of these recipes can be described as naughtier than nice (everything in moderation!), some are completely healthy, helping you to feel good from the inside out.

Dragon fruit isn’t just one of the most visually stunning and interesting fruits, but it’s also packed full of nutritious benefits, including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and more. The fun colors and paired back flavor of dragon fruit also makes it a great fruit to encourage children to eat.

They’ll love turning traditionally healthy recipes (such as smoothies, smoothie bowls, etc.) bright pink or specked with tiny black seeds.

Which dragon fruit recipe will you be trying? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!

Melanie

Melanie Clarke is the founder of Whim Online Magazine, an online magazine based in Australia that has a strong focus on whimsical + dreamy photography, as well as art and fashion content.

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22 Simple Simmer Pot Recipes for a Sweet-Smelling Home

We’ve all been here before: you’ve got guests arriving within the hour, but your home is smelling not-so-pleasant, whether it be from a pet, someone’s smelly shoes, or that freshly laid manure in the backyard.

You’ve run out of sweet-smelling, natural candles and don’t want to drown your environment with air freshener spray that’s laden with harmful toxins. Rather than spiral into a panic, you can quickly and easily refresh your home and give it a beautiful aroma using nothing more than a handful of common ingredients, your stove top, and a pot.

Simmer pots, also known as simmering potpourri, are anything but new, but recently they’ve picked up in popularity due to their clean, harmless, and chemical-free nature.

You simply take a handful of ingredients (such as herbs, fruit, flower petals, etc.) and let them bubble away in a pot until you no longer require their perfume. Intrigued? You’ll be pleased to know we’ve rounded up 22 of the best simmer pot recipes below.

Here’s how you can quickly and easily transform your home into a sweet-smelling paradise!

1. ROSE EUCALYPTUS SIMMERING POTPOURRI FROM GET GREEN BE WELL

This rose eucalyptus simmering potpourri is the perfect idea for a homemade, natural air freshener! Plus, it’s so easy to make when you have a bouquet of roses that are starting to fade.

Both roses and eucalyptus contain natural essential oils for aromatherapy and when combined in a simmering pot, they’re also visually stunning. Did you know you could even use this simmering pot to clear blocked sinuses from a cold or flu?

The eucalyptus is ideal for assisting with this!

2. HOLIDAY SCENTED STOVE TOP SIMMER POTPOURRI FROM DOMESTIC DREAMBOAT

Make your house smell like it’s ready for the holidays with kitchen scraps and pantry staples in this holiday scented stove top simmer. The best thing about this recipe (other than its incredible, festive aroma, of course) is the fact that it’s flexible, so if you happen to be missing one of the ingredients, it’s not a big deal!

Just throw everything into a small saucepan, cover it with water and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat so it’s just steaming, and your house will be fragrant for hours!

3. ‘CHRISTMAS IS IN THE AIR’ SIMMERING POTPOURRI FROM STONE GABLE

If you’d love the aroma of cloves, cinnamon, orange and other wonderful spices wafting through the air, then this Christmas inspired simmering potpourri is for you!

As this recipe explains, no room spray or candle can recreate the aroma of real spices and other Christmas goodies gently simmering on the stove.

This one uses a combination of ingredients such as dried lemon peel, whole cloves, star anise, dried cranberries, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon sticks, dried orange peel, and mulling spices.

4. SPICED CRANBERRY SIMMER POT FROM CARRIE COLBERT

There’s something about the combination of spices and cranberries in this simmer pot that will make you think of Christmas and wintertime. While this one might look extremely pretty, it also uses common ingredients such as oranges, fresh cranberries, cloves, and star anise, meaning that it’s very easy to recreate.

You could even place these ingredients into jars and decorate them with ribbon, ready to give to your loved ones as an aromatic gift!

5. APPLE CINNAMON SIMMER POT FROM CARRIE COLBERT

This simmering potpourri encompasses our all-time favorite fall scents and is a go-to on a gloomy fall day. You start by cutting apples and oranges into slices, keeping the skin on.

Then, you add water, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to the pot before heating it on low. Once it begins to simmer, simply leave it on the stove for as long as you desire its aroma. It’s sure to lift your spirits!

6. FALL MASON JAR POTPOURRI FROM SMART CENTS MOM

This post gives you not one, but six simmering potpourri recipes you can easily place in mason jars, ready to give to your loved ones this Christmas, or even to sell at your local fair.

They use kitchen and pantry staples such as apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, lemons, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, rosemary, and cranberries, helping to make your home smell divine. Plus, we think they look stunning when arranged into decorated mason jars like this!

7. STRAWBERRY BASIL SIMMER POT FROM THE CROWNED GOAT

This simmer pot recipe might be simple, but it’s bursting with fresh and sweet scents to instantly give your home a summer inspired lift. All you’ll need are strawberries, basil and lime juice to bring it to life.

Simply bring the contents of your pot to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Allow the contents to simmer for a few hours and add water as needed. Too easy!

8. SUMMER SIMMER POT FROM THAT’S WHAT SARAH SAID

This unique and visually stunning simmer pot uses ingredients such as grapefruit, clementines, lemon, mint leaves, and rose petals to fill your home with an aroma that will remind you of the warmer months.

The post also recommends other beautiful combinations, including rosemary and vanilla, coconut and lime, and lavender and lemon.

9. HOLIDAY SIMMER POT FROM BELL’ALIMENTO

This easy holiday cranberry spice simmer pot is a clever, all-natural, and inexpensive way to make your house smell amazing during the holidays. Cranberries, cloves, herbs and lemon slices are a quintessential holiday combination.

You can also save your orange peels, lemon and lime peels, and apple and pear skins, as they make excellent additions!

10. FALL SIMMERING SPICES FROM THE HEALTHY MAVEN

All you need are some orange peels, vanilla beans and cinnamon sticks to make your home smell like your favorite scents of fall. Optional extras include cloves, star anise, freshly grated nutmeg, or cardamom pods.

Be warned though: this simmering pot recipe smells so good, you’ll want to cook it all-year-long! Why not dry the ingredients and place them in jars for whenever the fancy strikes? Then, you’ll never be without your favorite scents.

11. DIY SIMMER POT RECIPE FROM THE PRETTY BEE

These simmer pots are so great for your own home during the holiday season and also make wonderful gifts.

You just place the ingredients in a large mason jar, put some baker’s twine as well as a tag on it and you have a great, thoughtful gift that your loved ones are sure to love!

This DIY simmer pot recipe uses natural ingredients such as cloves, lemons, mulling spices, rosemary, and vanilla.

12. CITRUS SIMMERING POT FROM THE HAPPIER HOMEMAKER

This simmering pot recipe is perfect for spring and summer, as it features the beautiful citrus notes of orange, combined with ginger. The end result is a light, fresh scent that makes your home smell like you’ve spent the day spring cleaning!

You’ll need about 1/4 cup of sliced ginger root and 4 Halo oranges, also sliced. To reuse the simmer pot, simply pour the contents of the pot in a mason jar or other airtight container and store in the refrigerator until the next day.

13. EASY STOVETOP POTPOURRI FROM THE KITCHN

Creating a cozy atmosphere gives guests a warm welcome, no matter the size of the space. One of the best ways you can do this is through appealing to their sense of smell, particularly with this easy stovetop potpourri.

This recipe recommends different ingredient pairings to create an aroma that you love. From apples, cinnamon, and cloves, to lavender, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon – there’s a scent among this list for just about every preference!

14. HOMEMADE TROPICAL SUMMER STOVETOP POTPOURRI FROM WINSTEAD WANDERING

Bring fresh summer scents inside with this homemade tropical summer potpourri made of lemons, strawberries, and coconut extract. We haven’t come across a stovetop potpourri recipe using coconut before, so are excited to see a version that encompasses a summer spent on a topical island!

All the ingredients in this summer potpourri come together to make a sweet, fresh concoction that’ll perfume your whole house in the lightest and most refreshing way.

15. SPRING STOVETOP POTPOURRI FROM HOMEBAKED BLISS

Bring springtime scents into your home with this fragrant spring inspired stovetop potpourri. It’s made with citrus fruits, herbs and floral essential oils, including ingredients such as rosemary, lavender, rose petals, lemon, and essential oils (which, if you have pets, you may want to emit).

This recipe recommends adding no more than 5 drops per scent, because you don’t want to give yourself a headache!

16. UPLIFTING ROSEMARY CITRUS POT SIMMER FROM HELLO GLOW

Here’s a helpful hint for when you need to clean your home, but just can’t motivate yourself to do so.

Put on this uplifting simmer pot recipe of citrus slices, rosemary and any other herbs you want to add, as well as essential oils, and you’ll be in the mood for spring cleaning in no time.

Sometimes, we just need to appeal to our sense of smell to help us get off the couch and start being productive!

17. SPRING INSPIRED STOVETOP POTPOURRI FROM GATHERING DREAMS

Here’s a natural and homemade scent that will bring the beautiful smell of spring into your home, no matter what season it is. Along with a fresh and inspiring aroma, this DIY offers additional benefits too.

If the air in your home is quite dry, simmering pots will also help you to add moisture to the air. This post actually offers three fresh variations to help you embrace spring: lemon and rosemary, lime, mint, ginger, and thyme, and lemon, cinnamon, mint, and thyme.

18. CHRISTMAS INSPIRED SIMMERING POT FROM BURKATRON

Nothing beats the smell of Christmas, but how can you fill your home with those sweet, nostalgic aromas all-year-round?

This Christmas inspired simmering pot is the answer, as it uses ingredients such as cinnamon sticks, oranges, cloves, star anise and vanilla pods for a warming fragrant scent.

If you happen to have some available, why not throw in some cutting from a pine tree too? Very festive!

19. FALL SIMMERING POT FROM MY MOMTASTIC LIFE

Ditch the candles and make your home smell like fall naturally with this fall simmering pot recipe! Sadly, many of your favorite candles most likely contain artificial ingredients, including toxins which have proven to be harmful to our health.

Instead, fire up the stove and place a pot of red apples, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cranberries, bay leaves, vanilla extract, almond extract, ground nutmeg, and ginger on it. Heavenly!

20. LAVENDER AND ORANGE SIMMERING POTPOURRI FROM SOAP QUEEN

If your kitchen and surrounding area needs some freshening, this orange and lavender simmering potpourri will fill the air with a crisp and relaxing scent. It only uses a handful of ingredients, yet packs a scent that’s relaxing and refreshing.

Remember, never leave the house while your potpourri is simmering and don’t let the water completely evaporate either – otherwise, you’ll be left with a burnt smell that’s anything but nice.

21. LEMON, LAVENDER AND HERB SIMMER POT FROM GET GREEN BE WELL

Fancy making a natural and homemade stovetop potpourri recipe with the calming aromatherapy of citrus, lavender and herbs?

This post explains that fragrance has been scientifically proven to alter human brain function, including how well you think, your mood, and social behavior.

Make this lemon, lavender, and herb simmer pot and you’ll feel uplifted and refreshed in no time!

22. SPRING SMELLING SIMMERING POTPOURRI FROM FRESH TIMES

Who wouldn’t want to make their home smell like a fresh garden bursting with herby, citrusy goodness? This DIY simmering potpourri recipe will tell you how, featuring not one, but 6 ingredient combinations!

Which one will you choose: lime, mint, and cucumber; grapefruit, mint, and ginger; lemon, lavender, and almond extract; orange, ginger, and almond extract; lemon, basil, and vanilla extract; or eucalyptus, mint, and dried chamomile?

Which Simmering Potpourri Recipe Will You Try?

There you have it – 22 of the best simmering potpourri recipes to help your home smell sweet – no matter what the season. You would have noticed that all of these recipes contain natural, aromatherapeutic ingredients to not only mask bad odors, but benefit your wellbeing too.

Simmering pots are so easy to achieve yourself. You simply place the required ingredients into a pot with water and bring it to a slow simmer. The recipes in this post are here to inspire and guide you, but why not get creative and try your own combination of aromatic ingredients? The sky is the limit with these!

Which simmer pot recipes will you be trying this weekend? We’d love to hear from you in the Comments section below!

Melanie

Melanie Clarke is the founder of Whim Online Magazine, an online magazine based in Australia that has a strong focus on whimsical + dreamy photography, as well as art and fashion content.

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15 All Fruit Birthday Cake Ideas You Can Make From Home

What is a party without cake? If you’re on a strict diet or have dietary restrictions that prevent you from tucking into a slice of cake, however, then it can be disheartening.

Rather than miss out, why don’t you embrace what’s known as an ‘all fruit birthday cake’, which (as the name suggests) is made entirely from slices of fruit, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, and so much more?

Trust us, these cakes provide a totally new spin on the term ‘fruit cake’!

If you’ve never seen an all fruit cake before, then it can be difficult to know exactly where to begin. Fear not, as we’ve rounded up the best 15 all fruit party cakes we’ve ever seen, many of which can be made in 30 minutes or less!

Not only are they low on calories and high in vitamins, but they’re also the perfect refreshing treat on a hot summer’s day. Ready to rock your party the healthy way? Let’s get started!

1. SUMMER FRUIT CAKE FROM BRIT + CO

This stunning all fruit cake is the best way to eat (and show off) summer’s tastiest fruits. There’s no butter or eggs involved in this dessert.

Instead, towering layers of watermelon and cantaloupe are stacked with a sweetened yogurt and whipped cream surprise filling! Simply garnish with some plump strawberries and you’ve got yourself a party cake that everyone will want a slice of.

2. WATERMELON AND COCONUT CREAM CAKES FROM BUON PAPPA

These beautiful little ‘cupcakes’ don’t contain dairy, sugar, eggs, gluten, or flour! Instead, they’re made from watermelon and iced with a mixture of coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, raspberries, and mint.

Kids will love chowing down on these at their next birthday party, completely oblivious of these cakes’ added health benefits!

3. SUMMER WATERMELON CAKE FROM THE KITCHY KITCHEN

This watermelon cake may contain more than just fruit, but we think the cake-like frosting is a clever touch!

Similar to the last recipe, the frosting is made using coconut milk, honey, and vanilla bean, as well as mint sprigs and strawberries, raspberries, and watermelon balls for garnishing.

It’s a great way to surprise a loved one for their birthday or even to simply enjoy summer’s best fruit on a warm afternoon.

4. WATERMELON CAKE WITH SWEET COCONUT CREAM, FIGS & BERRIES FROM QUEEN

This watermelon cake looks like an absolute work of art! Not only is it refreshing, but it also makes a healthy alternative to a traditional celebration cake.

Along with the goodness of watermelon, serving as the bulk of the ‘cake’, you’ve also got delectable strawberries, raspberries, and figs on top. The best bit? You don’t have to feel guilty when you go back for seconds…or thirds.

5. FRESH MELON CAKE RECIPE FROM COOKING ON THE WEEKENDS

Here’s another vegan, fat-free, dairy-free and gluten-free ‘cake’ recipe. This version uses thin melon slices and stacks them on top of one another, before drizzling with a tasty balsamic glaze.

Just top with cherries (or any other fruit of your choice) to serve. It might seem fiddly, but the extra effort is totally worth it!

6. WATERMELON AND PEACH FRESH FRUIT CAKE FROM NOT WITHOUT SALT

All you need to make this picture-perfect cake is a small watermelon, 2-3 peaches (thinly sliced), and 1 cup fresh blueberries. The size of your cake depends on the size of your watermelon; it’s that simple!

This cake is perfect for a kid’s birthday party, as it’s exciting enough to be eaten without abandon, yet serves as a super healthy alternative to traditional cake.

You can drizzle it with a Greek yoghurt sauce or agave syrup, but this one looks just as good served as-is.

7. WATERMELON CAKE FROM JOY OF KOSHER

Who would have thought there would come a day when a child would request a birthday cake made of melon?

This masterpiece requires a whole watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and whipped cream (but you can make it vegan-friendly using a coconut variety of cream).

If you’re creating this cake for a more grown-up party, why not infuse the watermelon with gin? The options are endless!

8. HEALTHY WATERMELON CAKE FROM WOMEN’S WEEKLY FOOD

Forget your traditional tiered cakes, we think this fruity alternative looks and tastes much better!

While this is wonderful for a kid’s birthday party, we can’t help but imagine it being used as an alternative wedding cake too.

It’ll leave enough room for guests to enjoy another serving of dessert. To make, just cut your watermelon in various sized layers, then decorate with fruit shapes and fresh strawberries.

9. FRESH MELON CAKE FROM TARA TEASPOON

This stunning yet simple watermelon cake serves as the perfect centerpiece at your next summer party.

We love the addition of thin strawberry slices around the base of the cake, as well as those thick dollops of cream on top. The cake is further garnished with fresh raspberries and chopped pistachios for a little color and crunch.

10. FRESH CANTALOUPE CAKE FROM TARA TEASPOON

Prefer to use cantaloupe as your cake’s base? Then this recipe is for you! Simply cut the cantaloupe into two round layers and sit the smaller one on top of the larger one.

Then, get a fresh mango and cut the cheek into very thin slices. Bend these slices in half, layering them along the bottom edge of the cantaloupe. Then, fill the center of the cantaloupe with extra diced fruit and cream. Divine!

11. HONEYDEW CAKE FROM TARA TEASPOON

Tara Teaspoon has developed not one, but three melon cake recipes! This one uses delicious honeydew as its main element and base, giving the cake a gorgeous green hue.

Decorated with kiwi fruit and grapes, this cake doesn’t just look amazing, but taste great too. Oh, and it’s incredibly good for you also, containing a ton of vitamins and essential minerals. How good is that?!

12. ALL FRUIT PARTY CAKE FROM LIFE LOVE AND SUGAR

This all fruit watermelon cake is so easy to make! Plus, for those trying to lose or watch their weight for a New Year’s Resolution, this cake is the perfect way to celebrate an occasion and not break the calorie bank.

It uses an assortment of watermelon, pineapple, kiwis, blueberries, and grapes, but feel free not to stop there. See what’s in-season and get creative! Also, stock up on toothpicks for this one – they’re the secret to everything holding together so well.

13. WATERMELON CELEBRATION CAKE FROM MISS MARZIPAN

When it comes to works of edible art, we think this one takes the cake (pun intended!). With cut out stars of dragon fruit, cantaloupe, and watermelon, as well as layered kiwi slices on top and orange slices around the base, it’s safe to say we’re in love…with a cake.

There are easily 8 different types of fruit here, not to mention a sprig of mint, making this all fruit party cake an absolute pleasure to eat – for your tastebuds, waistline, and health.

14. WATERMELON CAKE MADE OUT OF REAL FRUIT FROM JULIE ANN EVENTS

Sliced up strawberries, cantaloupe cut outs, and blueberries serve as the perfect accessories to this watermelon base.

This cute and colorful cake would be wonderful for a birthday (kid’s or adult’s), baby shower, or simply to celebrate the best of summer’s fresh fruit. The heart-shaped pineapple slices are adorable, as is the zig-zag of blueberries around the top edge.

15. FRESH WATERMELON LAYER CAKE FROM WIFE, MAMA, FOODIE

This simple dessert idea is easy to make and contains the tastiest fresh and colorful fruit! Feel free to customize this recipe by using the fruit of your choice or whatever is in-season where you live.

It would be perfect for summer get togethers, birthdays, and other special occasions, serving as the ultimate centerpiece at your next event. Just be warned though: this all fruit cake is sure to steal the show!

Which Birthday Fruit Cake Will You Make?

There you have it – 15 all fruit party cakes that look like stunning, edible works of art. Not only are the majority of them vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo friendly, but they’re also jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential elements that your body needs.

These fruity cakes are great ways to get the kids excited about eating fruit, plus they can be soaked with a splash of alcohol for adult parties, if the occasion calls for it!

In fact, with these recipes you can have your cake and eat it too – without the guilt! Why not go back for seconds? You know you want to!

Which all fruit cake do you want to create? Let us know in the Comments section below!

Melanie

Melanie Clarke is the founder of Whim Online Magazine, an online magazine based in Australia that has a strong focus on whimsical + dreamy photography, as well as art and fashion content.

All posts, Recipes

18 Best Homemade Ice Cream Recipes (and healthy!)

For many, ice cream is their favorite dessert, especially on those long, hot summer days. But what happens if you’re embracing a dairy-free lifestyle?

Or you simply don’t want to consume the unhealthy fat, sugar, and carbohydrates in such a treat? This is where healthy ice cream comes into play (or ‘nice cream’, as it’s often referred to), allowing us all to enjoy the delicious and creamy dessert, but without damaging our waistline or health.

Healthy ice cream is built on a few trusty foundations: the humble banana, which is sliced and frozen while ripe, as well as other ingredients such as avocado and coconut cream.

These are then blended with a wide range of other nice (not naughty) ingredients to create a soft serve that will rival the best gelateria in town.

If we’ve got the attention of your tastebuds, then keep reading, because we’ve rounded up not one but 18 healthy ice cream recipes to get you started.

1. BLACK SESAME COCONUT MILK ICE CREAM FROM I HEART UMAMI

This no churn black sesame coconut milk ice cream is made with maple syrup and is both creamy and delicious.

Black sesame ice cream is a really popular dessert in Japan, Taiwan, and China, and after trying this version, you’ll certainly know why! The best bit? This recipe is suitable for vegans and the Paleo diet.

2. PEANUT BUTTER BANANA NICE CREAM FROM FIT FOODIE FINDS

With only 4 ingredients, this peanut butter banana nice cream is dairy-free, vegan and ready in under 10 minutes. Simply top with chocolate chips and serve immediately or freeze for later!

It contains beneficial ingredients such as frozen sliced bananas, natural peanut butter, unsweetened almond milk, and mini chocolate chips.

3. VANILLA DATE ICE CREAM FROM PROPORTIONAL PLATE

This ice cream recipe contains no added sugars – only the natural sugars found in delicious, yet healthy ingredients such as Medjool dates and vanilla bean.

Other tasty ingredients include egg yolks, whole milk, cream, and pistachios for topping. Simply switch the whole milk and cream for plant-based varieties to make this even healthier!

4. TWO INGREDIENT PISTACHIO ICE CREAM FROM MY WHOLE FOOD LIFE

This healthy recipe is vegan, gluten free, paleo, and contains no added sugar. Can it get better than that? To make this delectable pistachio ice cream, you just need frozen bananas and pistachio butter.

Simply blend it all together in a food processor, then place the mixture into the freezer for 30 minutes before serving.

5. PEANUT BUTTER NICECREAM FROM WHEN SWEET BECOMES HEALTHY

This peanut butter nicecream uses a very simple recipe to create the mixture, then inspires you to decorate your nicecream with other delicious, yet healthy options, such as cacao nibs, almonds, rawnola, walnuts, raw chocolate pieces, or extra (all-natural) peanut butter.

We love the end result: a nice cream that looks decadent and rich, but without unnecessary carbs or sugar.

6. SPIRULINA POPSICLES FROM WHEN SWEET BECOMES HEALTHY

Oh my, these spirulina popsicles look like edible works of art! We all know the numerous health benefits of spirulina, so to put the superfood in an ice cream is an absolutely genius idea.

This recipe uses ingredients such as almond milk, pitted dates, ground vanilla, cashew butter, and a pinch of salt. Then, just decorate your popsicles with coconut flakes, edible petals, goji berries, or whatever takes your fancy!

7. CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER ICE CREAM FROM LEELALICIOUS

This decadent chocolate peanut butter ice cream combines peanut butter with dark chocolate, along with a luscious coconut milk ice cream base.

It’s dairy free, vegan and with a different nut butter it can also be made paleo friendly. This one uses an ice cream churner, but the end result is totally worth the extra time, effort, and equipment!

8. FOUR INGREDIENT SNICKERS NICE CREAM FROM COOK IT REAL GOOD

This deliciously healthy four-ingredient Snickers nice cream is made with just frozen bananas, peanut butter, almond milk and cocoa powder.

It’s also vegan, dairy free and refined sugar free, meaning that no one has to miss out on the fun! Top with crushed peanuts, banana slices, and chocolate chips and you’ve got yourself a winner.

9. RASPBERRY COCONUT CREAMSICLES FROM CHOOSING CHIA

These raspberry coconut creamsicles are a dreamy treat that are vegan, gluten-free and refined-sugar-free! You can also make these pops with an ombre effect for an impressive and fun treat.

They take just 10 minutes to prep and use a handful of simple ingredients, including coconut milk, unsweetened coconut yoghurt, vanilla extract, maple syrup, raspberries, and freeze-dried dragonfruit powder (although this last one is optional).

10. AVOCADO ICE CREAM FROM FEEL GOOD FOODIE

This avocado ice cream is a very easy and healthy homemade ice cream that’s vegan, paleo-friendly and of course, deliciously tasty. You’ll find it to be creamy, smooth and ultra-rich, but the best part?

You don’t need an ice cream maker! All you need is a blender and ingredients including avocados, coconut milk, banana, maple syrup, lemon juice, and mint leaves.

11. COFFEE ICE CREAM FROM COOK EAT PALEO

Here’s an easy dairy-free ice cream recipe with that classic coffee flavor. It contains just 5 ingredients and is vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.

This nice cream uses a base of coconut milk and cashews for a creamy texture, as well as other ingredients such as cold brew coffee concentrate, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and instant espresso powder to taste (optional). Sounds divine!

12. THREE FRUIT ICE CREAMS FROM TASTEMADE

In this tutorial, you’ll find not one, but three different recipes for a fruity, healthy ice cream. There’s banana and chocolate (our favorite), strawberry, or pineapple and coconut. Yum!

Each recipe only uses two ingredients as well, making them the simplest nice cream recipes among this list. Choose your favorite flavor to create, or why not make all three for when guests come over? They’re certainly easy enough!

13. DARK CHOCOLATE AVOCADO ICE CREAM FROM WHOLE NEW MOM

If you’re a chocolate lover, you’re going to LOVE this chocolate avocado ice cream recipe. It’s super creamy, incredibly rich, and we think you’ll agree once you try it – much tastier than store bought vegan ice cream.

It uses three whole avocados, as well as other ingredients such as cocoa (which you can substitute for cacao), organic MCT oil, and more.

14. TWO-INGREDIENT BANANA ALMOND BUTTER ICE CREAM FROM A SASSY SPOON

If you’re craving some homemade, healthy ice cream, but don’t want to make a trip to the shops for ingredients, then you’re in luck.

This banana and almond butter ice cream uses just two ingredients and we’re sure you can already guess what they are!

It’s a great way to use ripe bananas, plus the mixture doesn’t need churning. Simply blend, then freeze. You can even add in optional extras such as cacao nibs or any nuts.

15. VEGAN MANGO ICE CREAM FROM LOVING IT VEGAN

This easy, 5-ingredient recipe is perfectly sweet, contains a gorgeous color, and has all the mango flavor you could dream of.

It uses ingredients such as coconut cream, coconut milk, white sugar (which you can substitute for Stevia, or something similar), maple syrup, and of course, fresh, pureed mango. It’s a wonderful vegan ice cream that you and your family are sure to love!

16. PEANUT BUTTER BANANA ICE CREAM FROM THE ENDLESS MEAL

This peanut butter banana ice cream is one of the best healthy, dairy-free ice creams around. It’s made with only 3 ingredients, all of which you probably have in your kitchen right now!

You simply combine frozen bananas with all-natural peanut butter, and dark chocolate chips or shavings (although this is optional). Then, just blend together, freeze, and serve. So easy!

17. HEALTHY COCONUT STRAWBERRY BANANA ICE CREAM FROM TASTEFUL ADVENTURE

This recipe is so easy to make using frozen strawberries, bananas, and some coconut milk powder to keep it dairy free.

Once your food processor has mixed everything up, it will have the consistency of soft serve ice cream, but if you want it to be a little firmer, just pop the mixture in the freezer for around an hour. Then, top with coconut flakes, berries, cacao nibs, or whatever takes your fancy!

18. FOUR-INGREDIENT HEALTHY CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM WITH SAUCE FROM THE LOOPY WHISK

With a rich and luxurious healthy chocolate sauce, this vegan and paleo ice cream recipe is every chocolate lover’s dream. The chocolate “nice cream” contains delicious (and beneficial) ingredients such as coconut cream, maple syrup (or honey), cocoa powder, and frozen bananas.

The velvety sauce can also be deemed healthy, containing the goodness of melted coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, and cocoa powder. Divine!

There you have it – 18 healthy ice cream recipes that are totally guilt-free! Just looking at these delectable and mouth-watering desserts, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re packed full of sugar, fat, and other nasties that usually accompany sweet treats.

Instead, you can take comfort in the fact that many use healthier, more beneficial bases of banana, coconut, or other fruits.

It doesn’t matter if you’re vegan, dairy-free, Paleo, or more – now you can make your own ice ream and eat it too!

From the decadently chocolate, to wonderfully fruity, or deliciously weird (black sesame ice cream, we’re looking at you), there’s a “nice cream” for absolutely everyone on this list.

Which healthy ice cream recipe will you be making? We’d love to hear from you in the Comments section below!

Melanie

Melanie Clarke is the founder of Whim Online Magazine, an online magazine based in Australia that has a strong focus on whimsical + dreamy photography, as well as art and fashion content.

All posts, Recipes

17 Simple and Fresh Edamame Recipes

If you’ve been to a Japanese restaurant before and scratched your head at the mention of “edamame”, then you’re not alone.

Although this humble little bean has been named a superfood, it isn’t exactly the most well-known vegetable. So, what exactly is edamame, you ask? Edamame are young soybeans that are usually eaten while they’re still in the pod.

Unlike mature soybeans, edamame beans are soft and edible, however the pod itself isn’t actually edible!

Despite their strange name, edamame beans provide a whole host of health benefits, including boosting your immune system, improving bone health, improving cardiovascular health, helping with weight management, and assisting a healthy digestive system.

They’re a great source of protein and fiber, as well as a number of essential amino acids. Plus, they’re an impressive source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, manganese, Vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E.

With such incredible health benefits, it comes as no surprise that many of us want to find ways to consume even more edamame in our diet. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up 17 easy and delicious edamame recipes below!

1. EDAMAME FALAFEL SANDWICHES FROM THE FOODIE PHYSICIAN

Made with edamame instead of chickpeas, these nutrient-packed falafel sandwiches are a delicious twist on a classic dish.

You simply shell the edamame beans in a food processor, along with fresh herbs and dried spices, then add just a little bit of flour and baking powder to hold the felafels together. To finish off, fry or bake your felafels to perfection!

2. BEEF AND BROCCOLI EDAMAME STIR FRY FROM ZEN & SPICE

This beef and broccoli stir fry can be made in less than 15 minutes! Using edamame beans as one of the main ingredients, this recipe gives you a healthier version of your average beef stir fry.

After all, the addition of frozen, shelled edamame adds fiber, protein and heart-healthy fats. Plus, you can use brown rice, rather than white rice, to really boost the nutritional value of this meal.

Trust us, you’ll be adding it your list of favorite meals as soon as you eat it!

3. CASHEW CRUNCH SALAD WITH SESAME DRESSING FROM PINCH OF YUM

If you’ve never been much of a salad eater, then this recipe is the one for you. Not only does it contain the goodness of edamame, but it’s also easily customizable to suit your individual needs, whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or like your salads to pack in the protein!

It’s a healthy yet filling option for lunch or dinner and is guaranteed to make you feel great.

4. EDAMAME DUMPLINGS IN WHITE TRUFFLE MISO FROM SPOON UNIVERSITY

If you’re looking for a unique take on your favorite dumplings, why not add edamame? Not only is it a great way to infuse your dish with more flavor, but we all know just how beneficial these humble beans are for your everyday health.

Along with the star ingredient, these dumplings also contain garlic, scallion, ginger, miso, truffle oil, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, and parsley. Sounds delicious!

5. COCONUT EDAMAME NOODLE SOUP FROM NADIA’S HEALTHY KITCHEN

This vegan and gluten-free soup will certainly warm you from the inside out!

It’s packed with protein and vegetables and combines the delicious flavors of lime, chilli, ginger, cloves, tamari, maple syrup, coriander, coconut milk, and turmeric.

This recipe is rather unique too, as you get your edamame hit not from beans, but from the edamame noodles. Genius!

6. SUSHI BOWL WITH VEGAN SPICY MAYO FROM RUNNING ON REAL FOOD

This sushi bowl with vegan spicy mayo is everything you love about sushi, served up in a bowl. The bowls featured yams, cucumber, carrot, avocado, green onion, sesame seeds, rice, nori, tofu, and of course, edamame beans!

Plus, the creamy cashew vegan spicy mayo you use to dress it with is potentially the best salad dressing you’ve ever eaten!

7. EDAMAME SALAD WITH BROWN RICE AND SESAME DRESSING FROM FOODNESS GRACIOUS

Looking for another fresh and healthy edamame salad? Along with our favorite ingredient, edamame beans, you’ll also find pinto beans and brown rice in this salad, as well as microgreens.

Microgreens are just smaller versions of the plants they would be if fully grown, but because they’re smaller and picked at a much earlier age, the flavor and nutrients are denser.

8. VEGAN BROCCOLI SOUP RECIPE WITH EDAMAME AND MISO FROM ELIZABETH CHLOE

If you fancy your edamame fix in soup form, then this vegan broccoli soup recipe featuring edamame and miso is for you.

Not only does it combine the goodness of nutritional ingredients and warm you from the inside out, but it can also be made within just 30 minutes, making it the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal.

9. EDAMAME HUMMUS FROM CHOOSING CHIA

This edamame hummus is a nice take on regular, chickpea-based hummus. It has a mild but unique flavor, plus its pretty mint green color will make you want to eat the whole bowl!

Just keep in mind that if you use frozen edamame, you will want to boil them for a little just to get them thawed. If you use fresh edamame, however, then you are good to go!

Pair this dip with crackers and fruit, or why not add it to a delicious buddha bowl?

10. SMASHED EDAMAME AVOCADO SALAD FROM CATCHING SEEDS

Many of you will already love smashed avocado, but have you ever combined it with the deliciousness that is edamame? This salad is creamy, crunchy, protein-packed, light, and so flavorful.

Plus, it’s great when enjoyed on toast, with some tortilla chips, on a salad or even in a wrap! The best bit? It takes just 5 minutes to prepare, followed by 5 minutes to cook, making it a healthy lunch idea for those on-the-go.

11. SPICY EDAMAME DIP FROM FOOD NETWORK

Looking for another edamame dip, but one that packs a bit of spice? This spicy edamame dip combines our favorite superfood with ingredients such as garlic, cayenne pepper, cumin, olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and salt and pepper.

While the recipe recommends pairing the dip with pita chips, you can enjoy with just about anything that takes your fancy – bread, vegetables, crackers, or more.

12. STRAWBERRY, QUINOA & EDAMAME SALAD FROM EATING WELL

This strawberry, quinoa, and edamame salad will certainly turn heads at your next dinner party!

This cold grain salad beautifully pairs the nutty flavor of red quinoa with fresh strawberries, edamame beans, almonds, and toasted coconut.

Then, you simply add a balsamic dressing to really make those flavors pop. It’s quick and simple to create!

13. EDAMAME FALAFEL WITH LEMON AIOLI FROM EATING WELL

These edamame falafels with lemon aioli are a twist on the classic chickpea falafel. They simply contain edamame with green sweet pepper, whole wheat flower, Italian parsley, egg white, garlic, lemon peel, salt, and pepper.

While the preparation can take around 25 minutes, these falafels only need 4-5 minutes to cook, making it a relatively quick and easy dish to create.

14. SWEET AND SPICY EDAMAME FROM SIMPLY TASHEENA

These sweet and spicy edamame beans are the perfect snack or meal side. The recipe uses scrumptious ingredients including oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes.

You simply cook the edamame according to the package’s instruction, then toss in a fry pan with all of the other ingredients. So simple!

15. CRISPY PARMESAN GARLIC EDAMAME FROM HOMEMADE HOOPLAH

Baked in the oven, this edamame recipe is a tasty snack with only 123 calories!

When you combine the flavors of edamame with olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, you get these amazing, bite-sized clusters of delicious edamame beans.

It’s diet food without the mundane, giving you a recipe that you’ll love cooking for your friends and family.

16. EASY EDAMAME PESTO PASTA FROM YUP, IT’S VEGAN

This quick and easy edamame pesto pasta is just a slight twist on the popular dish, spinach pesto. Instead of nuts, this edamame pesto uses buttery green edamame for a satisfying, lower-fat and plant-powered dish!

For all of you spinach fans, however, don’t fret. This recipe still uses the leafy ingredient for both flavor and nutrients!

17. EDAMAME-BLACK BEAN SALAD WITH RED WINE VINAIGRETTE FROM THE FOODIE AND THE FIX

This edamame-black bean salad is full of crisp veggies, a sweet-tart dressing and a nutritional boost from the black beans and edamame.

It’s also gluten-free and vegan, making it a great side option for many dietary needs. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare and no cooking is involved, making it a wonderful addition to dinner parties, BBQs, or anywhere else that a delicious salad is required!

Time to Choose Your Edamame Fix

There you have it – our round-up of 17 edamame recipes that aren’t just delectable, but highly nutritious too. These immature soybeans are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, so you’ll certainly want to embrace them in your daily life as much as possible.

Whether it’s with a delicious and hearty soup, pasta dish, stir fry, or more, edamame brings a delectable flavor to any dish you add it to.

The recipes we’ve rounded up are perfect for a variety of cooking skill sets, plus you’re sure to find a recipe that suits your needs – whether you’ve got 10 minutes or an hour of preparation time up your sleeves.

Simply work through the list at your own pace or choose just one or two dishes that take your fancy to begin with. The choice is yours!

Melanie

Melanie Clarke is the founder of Whim Online Magazine, an online magazine based in Australia that has a strong focus on whimsical + dreamy photography, as well as art and fashion content.

All posts, Recipes

22 Tasty Goji Berry Recipes (Smoothies, Cookies, & more)

Goji berries might seem like one of the latest fads to put on your smoothie bowl, but they’re (thankfully) here to stay. You see, this “superfood” has earned every bit of its title, with studies showing that the bite-sized berry has numerous health benefits when consumed.

Along with helping to prevent premature aging, they also dramatically boost the immune system, protect against cancer, improve blood sugar levels, help with weight loss, lower cholesterol, and so much more.

Goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years now and are excellent sources of fiber, protein and a range of vitamins and minerals including iron, copper, selenium and vitamins A and C.

In addition, they are packed full of powerful antioxidants, including carotenoids, lycopene, lutein and polysaccharides.

If you want to add more goji berry goodness to your diet, then you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up 22 tasty goji berry recipes that are both simple and fun to make. Let’s get started!

1. GOJI BERRY-ALMOND-DATE POWER BALLS FROM SUJAS KITCHEN

Fancy a no-cook recipe featuring these powerful berries? This recipe has no added sugar, is all natural, gluten free, vegan, and paleo too!

Along with goji berries, it uses pitted dates, raw almonds, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon powder, and raisins to create these delectable, yet healthy, nutrient-packed power balls. Count us in!

2. GOJI BERRY CHIA SEED PUDDING FROM VITASAVE

Are you always too rushed to enjoy breakfast? Prepare this simple, 5-minute, nutrient packed goji berry chia seed pudding recipe the night before and you’ll have the best start to your day!

This goji berry chia seed pudding contains high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fibre rich complex carbohydrates, helping you to maintain your energy levels all day. Plus, it’ll take just minutes to make!

3. HEALTHY NUTELLA GOJI BERRY PARFAIT FROM GREEN SMOOTHIE GOURMET

Here’s another vegan and dairy-free recipe that contains our favorite superfood, goji berries. This healthy Nutella goji berry parfait is as delicious as it sounds, plus it’s the perfect guilt-free dessert for those with a sweet tooth.

Even the “Nutella” contains healthy ingredients such as hazelnut meal, plant milk, cacao powder, coconut oil, and more. Delicious!

4. SALMON & GOJI BERRY CURRY FROM SHEERLUXE

Here’s a great way to include goji berries in your mid-week dinner. This delicious salmon and goji berry curry features a wide range of other healthy and heart-warming ingredients too, including fresh ginger, turmeric, bulgar wheat, curry leaves, and more.

Oh, and it’s developed by Scott Harrison, founder of The Six Pack Revolution, so you know you’re onto a good thing.

5. SUPERFOOD BROWNIES FROM RUNNING TO THE KITCHEN

These gluten free superfood brownies are packed with goji berries and cacao nibs and baked to chewy fudge-brownie perfection!

Not only do they make the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert, but they’re filled with beneficial nutrients and minerals, so you certainly don’t have to feel bad about them. That’s our kind of dessert!

6. GOJI BERRY LIME SMOOTHIE FROM RAW REVIVE

If you’re after a goji berry filled snack that you can enjoy on-the-go, then this smoothie recipe is for you!

Flavors such as lime, pineapple, and strawberries compliment the natural sweetness of the goji berries, plus they allow this delicious smoothie to be packed-full of even more vitamins and minerals.

Simply top with some more goji berries and a sprig of mint and you’ve got yourself one refreshing drink for summer.

7. RAW LEMON AND GOJI BERRY CHEESECAKE FROM THE HEALTHY FAMILY AND HOME

This recipe follows the steps of a basic raw cheesecake but contains a superfood twist! This healthier version made with clean, real food ingredients is raw, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, paleo-friendly and contains no refined sugar.

With other goodies, such as coconut oil, cashews, pecans, maple syrup, lemon juice, and pink Himalayan salt, you can truly feel good about this cheesecake.

8. NO-BAKE PROTEIN GOJI BERRY GRANOLA BARS FROM CITRON LIMETTE

These bars only take a few minutes to make, and they’re far healthier than store-bought protein bars.

They’re packed with healthy ingredients and make a wonderful gluten-free snack, plus they satisfy that mid-morning craving and give you energy before or after a workout. Sounds like a wonder bar to us!

9. GOJI BERRY SMOOTHIE FROM ANNA AND SARAH

This goji berry smoothie is an excellent and refreshing smoothie with a great combination of bananas, frozen berries, and goji berries.

It takes just 5 minutes to prepare but is so delicious that you’ll want to gulp it down within just seconds! The whole thing is brought together with a squeeze of honey for additional (yet natural) sweetness.

10. CHOCOLATE GOJI BERRY MACA TRUFFLES FROM JESSI’S KITCHEN

They might look and sound like a decadent dessert, but these truffles contain healthy ingredients such as goji berries, maca powder and cacao.

The flavor of the cacao balances the maca perfectly and then also compliments the tart goji berry. These truffles can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days. You also can recoat them in the maca/cacao powder if needed.

11. CACAO GOJI BERRY SMOOTHIE FROM LIVING WELL WITH NIC

This cacao goji berry smoothie is packed full of antioxidants from raw cacao powder, plus the goji berries give it the perfect sweet and chewy topping!

To make this scrumptious smoothie, you’ll need goji berries (of course), almond milk, zucchini, protein powder, avocado, chia seeds, lucuma powder, ashwagandha, truvia, fresh strawberries, and cacao nibs. Sounds incredibly healthy!

12. GOJI BERRIES, MUSHROOM AND SWEET POTATO SOUP FROM JAGRUTI’S COOKING ODYSSEY

This goji berries, mushroom and sweet potato vegan soup is nothing but a powerhouse of goodness!

Each and every ingredient used in this soup has their own medicinal benefit values, and it provides a family with a wholesome and hearty meal.

Goji berries are packed with nutritious value such as fibre, vitamin and minerals that help you to boost your immune system, making this soup the perfect meal to enjoy during cold and flu season.

13. OSMANTHUS AND GOJI BERRY AGAR FROM DAILY COOKING QUEST

Have you ever made Agar before? This pretty-as-a-picture dessert isn’t just good to look at – it also contains some incredibly beneficial ingredients, including goji berries, dried osmanthus flowers, and agar-agar powder.

We think it’d make the perfect dish to surprise your loved ones with next time you have a dinner party.

14. SUPER CACAO & GOJI BERRY BLISS BALLS FROM REAL FOOD PLEDGE

These cacao and goji berry bliss balls can be whipped up in less than ten minutes and are the perfect snack to have in the fridge for when visitors arrive, or even to enjoy with a hot cup of tea.

They contain all sorts of goodness too, such as almonds, cashews, dates, desiccated coconut, cacao powder, coconut oil, and of course, goji berries. Don’t mind if we do!

15. SPICY GOJI BERRY SOUP FROM WALLFLOWER KITCHEN

If you’ve been looking for an invigorating, energizing and delicious soup, then you just found it!

This soup will warm you from the inside out and contains a number of wholesome, healthy ingredients to make you feel pretty good about yourself too. Think goji berries, tomatoes, vegetable stock, onion, chili, cumin, coriander, and more.

16. GOJI BERRY TEA FROM WHAT TO COOK TODAY

To make this incredible goji berry tea, dried goji berries are steeped in hot water to release a mild fragrant aroma, which can then be enjoyed as a nourishing beverage.

These are the only two ingredients you need to enjoy this hot beverage too, so it’s quick, easy, and extremely beneficial for your health. You can even eat the hydrated goji berries once you’re done!

17. GARLIC & GOJI CHICKEN FROM SIMPLY JUNE

Here’s another winter warmer which comes with a long list of health benefits, thanks to the use of goji berries. Next time you feel like some Chinese inspired chicken, make this nutrient-packed dish instead!

It contains garlic, cinnamon, star anise, light soy sauce, goji berries, and other delicious ingredients.

18. PUMPKIN OVERNIGHT OATS FROM NATALIE’S HEALTH

These creamy and delicious pumpkin overnight oats are the perfect way to start your mornings. This recipe is loaded with healthy ingredients, including hearty oats, sweet pumpkin, and healing spices.

It’s a nutritious, added sugar-free meal ready in no time. In fact, you might even liken it to eating pumpkin pie for breakfast!

19. GOJI BERRY SPARKLING LEMONADE FROM BREWING HAPPINESS

If you can’t imagine what this tastes like, it’s basically a slightly sweet, slightly tart, slightly fizzy, slightly berry flavored lemonade. Sounds good to us!

It’s a great drink to enjoy during those hotter months, as lemonade is refreshing, whilst goji berries give it a seriously healthy and nutritious boost. We have a feeling the kids will love this sparkling beverage too!

20. SUPERFOOD CACAO FUDGE BITES FROM BAKERITA

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: why should vegans or the gluten-intolerant miss out on treats such as fudge?

These fudge bites cater to vegans, the paleo diet, and those who can’t eat gluten, plus they’re packed-full of superfoods, such as cashews, goji berries, chia seeds, cacao, and more.

They’re also filled with antioxidants and healthy fats, so you really can feel good about eating them.

21. GOJI BERRY & ROSE CHOCOLATE FUDGE BARK FROM CHARLEY’S HEALTH

These look like a work of art and we’re sure they taste delectable too! Many of us love chocolate fudge bark, but when it’s topped with superfoods such as goji berries, you really can go to town on it.

The petals are also a nice touch, making this dessert the perfect treat to give to a loved one on Valentine’s Day (or to enjoy yourself – we won’t judge!).

22. WARM QUINOA SWEET POTATO KALE SALAD WITH GOJI BERRIES FROM TASTEFUL VENTURE

This warm quinoa sweet potato kale salad with goji berries comes together in about 30 minutes and is so hearty and healthy!

Quinoa on its own can taste quite bland, but once you add in ingredients such as sweet potato, nutmeg, baby kale, goji berries, honey, and more, you’ve got yourself a tasty dish that everyone is sure to love.

The best part? It contains 0% cholesterol, 37% of your daily intake of vitamin A and 18% of your daily intake of vitamin C. How good is that?!

Which Goji Berry Recipes Will You Try?

There you have it – 22 tasty recipes containing goji berries to give you and your family a superfood boost. Remember, goji berries aren’t just delicious; they’re also excellent sources of antioxidants, fiber, protein and a range of vitamins and minerals including iron, copper, selenium and vitamins A and C.

And when it comes to health benefits, the list is seemingly endless – from helping to prevent premature aging and dramatically boosting the immune system, to protecting against cancer, improving blood sugar levels, helping with weight loss, lowering cholesterol, and so much more.

Next time you’re contemplating making breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or a snack, consider if you can add goji berries to the meal to make it more nutritious and tastier. Your health will certainly thank you for it!

Which goji berry recipes will you be making? We’d love to hear from you in the Comments section below.

Melanie

Melanie Clarke is the founder of Whim Online Magazine, an online magazine based in Australia that has a strong focus on whimsical + dreamy photography, as well as art and fashion content.

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17 Homemade Deodorant Recipes Using All Natural Ingredients

If you’ve ever glanced at the ingredients list of a store-bought deodorant, you would have noticed a list of ingredients with names so long, you can’t even pronounce them.

Triethanolamine, diethanolamine, and propylene glycol? We give up.

What’s worse is that the majority of these ingredients are chemicals, toxins, and suspected carcinogens; all of which we allow our underarms to soak-up every day.

It may seem frightening, but help is at hand. You see, you can still mask bad odors and reduce sweat by applying natural, homemade deodorant to your armpits instead.

Below, we’ve shared not one, but 17 homemade deodorant recipes to help you get ahead.

1. DIY NATURAL ARMPIT DETOX SPRAY FROM THE INDIAN SPOT

This DIY tutorial explains that the benefits of homemade deodorant goes beyond just not containing any nasty chemicals.

You can also enjoy advantages such as less odor, less sweating (especially over time), no rashes or skin irritation, and naturally whitened underarms. This version uses just 3 amazing ingredients too, including apple cider vinegar, lavender essential oil, and rose water.

2. ORANGE AND EUCALYPTUS DEODORANT FROM THE OGNC

Orange and eucalyptus both smell divine together, plus the essential oils have additional benefits for both your health and skin.

This homemade deodorant also uses some other common ingredients found around the home, plus you can even print your own labels to stick onto whichever vessel you house it in – whether it’s a roll-on or push-up stick, or even a small glass jar.

3. DIY HIMALAYAN SALT DEODORANT FROM BEAUTY MUNSTA

Himalayan salt is super rich in minerals that nourish the skin and help it detox, plus it’s antibacterial, soaks up excess sebum and sweat, and neutralizes bad body odor.

This makes it a great ingredient for homemade deodorant, especially when combined with other ingredients such as witch hazel, vegetable glycerine, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and so much more.

4. HOMEMADE WITCH HAZEL DEODORANT FROM IOLIE

This simple and straight-forward DIY deodorant uses a wide range of beneficial and natural ingredients, including witch hazel, baking soda, lavender, clary sage, and more.

Simply combine it all together in a spray bottle and ta-da! Your underarms will certainly be thanking you for it.

5. VEGAN NATURAL DEODORANT RECIPE FROM BIOME

This DIY deodorant celebrates no-waste, toxin-free, and ethical ingredients. It contains soothing and ultra-moisturizing cocoa and shea butters, coconut oil to eliminate bacteria, yeast and fungi, vegan candelilla wax to protect, and arrowroot and kaolin white clay to absorb moisture.

It’ll leave your underarms soft, protected and odor free!

6. NATURAL DEODORANT FOR MEN FROM WELLNESS MAMA

Most of these DIY deodorants are aimed at females with their sweet scents, so here’s one with a more masculine tone for all you males out there (or the males in your life).

It contains everything from coconut oil and beeswax, to essential oils such as orange, cypress, and frankincense. There’s even a ton of variations you can use to suit your own taste (or should we say smell?).

7. DIY NATURAL ROLL-ON DEODORANT FROM LITTLE DIY

For this quick and easy DIY deodorant tutorial, you’ll just need a number of simple ingredients, including water, witch hazel, arrowroot, lavender oil, and sweet orange oil.

Not only do they smell great, but these ingredients also work together to neutralize odors, lighten your underarms, and nourish your skin.

8. ALL-NATURAL DEODORANT BARS FROM FREE PEOPLE

Here’s something a little different which you’re sure to love! It’s an all-natural, DIY deodorant…but in the form of a bar!

These bars are full of healthy ingredients, such as bacteria-fighting tea tree oil, moisturizing shea butter, toxin-zapping bentonite clay, and odor-fighting baking soda. Plus, they look good enough to gift to your loved ones too!

9. DIY LEMONGRASS DEODORANT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN FROM JOYBILEE FARM

This recipe for homemade deodorant is perfect for sensitive skin, as it doesn’t use slightly more harsh ingredients such as baking soda.

Instead, its main ingredient is lemongrass, which is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal. It’s also soothing to sore muscles and is gentle for sensitive skin.

10. MANGO-LIME & SPEARMINT NATURAL DEODORANT FROM HEALING HARVEST HOMESTEAD

This delightful DIY deodorant is light, refreshing, and slightly cooling, but not overpowering. It uses a variety of beneficial, natural ingredients such as mango butter, shea butter, baking soda, lime essential oil, spearmint essential oil, and lemongrass essential oil.

Once combined and hardened, all you need to do is take a pea-sized amount and rub it gently into each arm pit.

11. HOMEMADE (BAKING SODA FREE) DEODORANT FROM A BLOSSOMING LIFE

If you need another baking soda free recipe for your sensitive underarms, then this is it. It uses some great ingredients, including arrowroot powder, coconut oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, lemon, orange, peppermint, and frankincense.

If you need stronger protection, you can use 1/4 cup arrowroot powder and 1/4 cup bentonite clay, or even diatomaceous earth.

12. EASY HOMEMADE DEODORANT FROM MOMMYPOTAMUS

Skin soothing shea butter is a great option in DIY deodorants because it’s not greasy and absorbs quickly, which is super important if you’re getting dressed in a hurry.

Thankfully, this recipe uses a good amount of the stuff, as well as other natural ingredients such as arrowroot powder, and essential oils including tea tree, frankincense, lavender and patchouli.

13. HOMEMADE DEODORANT RECIPE WITH LAVENDER AND SAGE FROM GROW FORAGE COOK FERMENT

DIY deodorant, such as this homemade recipe, is the perfect beginner recipe for DIY beauty products, mainly because it’s simple to make, and also because it’s good for your health.

What sets this recipe apart from many others, however, is that it adds beeswax and shea butter to make the whole thing a thicker consistency. This means it will hold up in an actual deodorant container or in a half circle mold, making for much easier application.

14. NATURAL HOMEMADE DEODORANT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN FROM THE THINGS WE’LL MAKE

This DIY deodorant is soothing, yet effective, as it works without baking soda nor coconut oil and uses zinc to help combat odors for those with sensitive skin.

In this version, you’ll find shea butter, sweet almond oil, beeswax, zinc oxide, matcha, vitamin E, and a whole range of other natural and beneficial ingredients.

15. SWEET ORANGE AND FRANKINCENSE HOMEMADE NATURAL DEODORANT FROM THE NERDY FARM WIFE

This non-toxic, homemade deodorant recipe features sweet orange and frankincense essential oils, along with herbal infused coconut oil for extra skin-soothing properties.

It makes a cream-style natural deodorant that you store in a jar and spread on with your fingers. The best bit? You only need a small amount for it to be effective, so this mixture will last for ages!

16. DIY ALL-NATURAL LAVENDER DEODORANT FROM FREEBIE FINDING MOM

This particular homemade natural deodorant may not only help you cover up the stresses of the day, but actually overcome them, thanks to the lavender essential oil.

You see, lavender oil is known to promote relaxation, helping you to remain calmer and sweat less! It also uses other amazing ingredients such as coconut oil, arrowroot powder, shea butter, tea tree, and more.

17. SO SIMPLE SPRAY DEODORANT FROM JENNI RAINCLOUD

It might say it in the title, but this DIY deodorant really is so simple! You simply combine 1/4 cup witch hazel, 20 drops frankincense essential oil, 20 drops lavender essential oil, and 20 drops lemon essential oil.

Shake them all together in a small spray bottle, and voila! You’ve now got your very own natural deodorant that you can take with you in your handbag.

Which Natural Deodorant Will You Make?

There you have it – 17 DIY deodorant recipes that are all-natural and incredibly good for both your skin and health!

Remember, it may take a little more effort to make your own deodorant than to go out and buy one from the shops, but it’s totally worth it in the long run.

Not only are you saving yourself from being exposed to thousands of toxins (many of which are known carcinogens or have been banned in countries around the world), but you’re also saving a pretty penny too.

Which homemade deodorant recipes will you be trying for yourself? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!

Melanie

Melanie Clarke is the founder of Whim Online Magazine, an online magazine based in Australia that has a strong focus on whimsical + dreamy photography, as well as art and fashion content.

Homemade Energy Bar Recipes - Happy Body Formula

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30 Healthy + Homemade Energy Bar Recipes

We all lack energy from time-to-time, but if you find your levels slumping each afternoon without fail, then you may need the boost that an energy bar can give you.

By energy bar, we don’t mean those sugar-laden, sweet versions that you find on many supermarket shelves. We’re talking about healthy, homemade, and nourishing energy bars that you can whip-up in your own kitchen within just minutes.

When done right, there are plenty of health benefits of a good, homemade energy bar. Aside from boosting your energy, of course, these bars are often packed-full of other helpful ingredients, including those high in sources of protein, antioxidants, iron, magnesium, and so much more.

In fact, the sky is the limit when it comes to turning these energy bars into health food, as you can fill them with any supplement (such as cacao, matcha, acai, hemp, etc.) that you desire!

Ready to see 30 healthy and homemade energy bar recipes that you just have to try? Let’s get started!

CHIA SEED ENERGY BARS FROM FIT LIFE TV

Whether you are a busy professional that is looking for an afternoon healthy pick-me-up or a mom that wants a healthy alternative for your kids to snack on, these chia seed energy bars are versatile enough that everyone will love them.

As for the chia seeds, they’re an excellent source of fiber, omega-3, protein, as well as essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

DETOX ENERGY BARS FROM HEALTHY EATING AND LIVING

How about a homemade energy bar that also helps you detox? These have the equivalent antioxidant content of 6 servings of fruit and veggies, plus they taste delicious!

This recipe gives them a balanced flavor by also incorporating maple syrup and cinnamon. You’ll find other goodies in here too, such as chia seeds, rolled oats, almond butter, and coconut oil.

PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE PROTEIN BARS FROM DESSERTS WITH BENEFITS

Don’t let the delicious, dessert-like name fool you; these protein bars might look like a sweet treat, but they’re actually good for you!

With ingredients such as roasted peanut butter, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, vanilla brown rice protein powder, and peanut flour, these bars are sugar free, low carb, keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, AND vegan too.

SUPERFOOD PROTEIN BARS FROM SKINNY MS

These DIY energy bars are a perfect combination of superfoods, including quinoa, flax seeds, pomegranate seeds, and more.

Plus, unlike many protein bars out there on the market, these are made with all-natural ingredients that are so easy to put together at home. They’re perfect for a breakfast on-the-go, or even as a post-workout pick-me-up or afternoon treat.

KEY LIME PIE ENERGY BARS FROM THE REAL FOOD DIETITIANS

These tasty energy bars are so delicious, you won’t believe they’re made with just 5 ingredients. Featuring dates, almonds, raw cashews, shredded coconut, and lime zest and juice, this recipe takes hardly any time at all to whip-up.

Don’t forget to make an extra batch for unexpected visitors, kid’s lunchboxes, or those last-minute breakfasts!

FRUIT AND NUT ENERGY BARS FROM REAL SIMPLE

These chewy energy bars are packed with protein and fiber, making them perfect for a breakfast on-the-go or to tide you over between meals.

This recipe doesn’t contain any nasty fillers or unnecessary sugars, plus you can customize it until your heart is content. Want to try a different combination of nuts or decorate with dried fruit on top? Go for it!

HONEY NUT BARS FROM OUR PALEO LIFE

When making these delicious DIY bars, the real trick lies in getting the honey just-right. You see, you want to make sure the honey doesn’t burn while at the same time making sure it gets heated enough to harden when it cools.

This results in a crunchy bar that holds its shape and doesn’t fall apart. Don’t worry though, it isn’t hard to master, and the results are totally worth it anyway!

COCONUT MATCHA ENERGY BARS FROM GRATEFUL GRAZER

Did you know that matcha contains even more beneficial antioxidants and nutrients than regular green tea alone?

This is because the entire leaf is used to make the powder, resulting in a nutrient-packed superfood that’s perfect for an energy bar recipe. This version uses a combination of nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, and matcha green tea powder. Delicious!

HEMP PROTEIN BARS FROM GREEN KITCHEN STORIES

Hemp seems to be the latest health food trend, and for good reasons too. Hemp seeds are a complete source of protein, providing all nine essential amino acids, plus they’re high in fiber and other essential vitamins and minerals.

This recipe combines the ingredient with pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, chia seeds, and bee pollen.

NO BAKE S’MORES GRANOLA BARS FROM SEASONED SPRINKLES

To make these tasty bars, all you need is a handful of ingredients, a microwave, and 5 minutes of your time. Everyone loves the taste of s’mores and now you can enjoy them as an energy bar whenever those cravings strike.

To make this an even healthier version, simply substitute the chocolate chips for cacao nibs, the butter for a nut butter (like almond butter), and the regular marshmallows for their sugar free version.

3 INGREDIENT HEALTHY ENERGY BARS FROM JO COOKS

Can you believe these homemade energy bars use just 3 ingredients?! Featuring a healthy (and delicious) blend of peanuts, dates and dried apricots, this recipe is very easy to make.

Simply pulse all of the ingredients together, pour into a baking tray, refrigerate, cut-up, and enjoy. Plus, if you don’t have peanuts, you can easily substitute them for any other nut and the results will be just as tasty.

MATCHA GREEN TEA FUDGE PROTEIN BARS FROM DESSERTS WITH BENEFITS

If you’re after an energy-loaded bar that has the consistency of fudge (but is still insanely good for you), then is it.

They’re packed with protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, fiber, and all-natural goodness, plus they have that delicious match green tea flavor that’s super addictive. Simply drizzle with melted cacao nibs to add some sweetness (that’s more nice than naughty).

CHOCOLATE BERRY SUPERFOOD BARS FROM PHEEBS FOODS

If you’re someone who always reaches for the overly sweet, highly processed, muesli, chocolate or protein bar in the afternoon, then you might want to give these super healthy and nutritious bars a go!

They don’t only look divine, but feature delicious ingredients such as almonds, cashews, coconut, maca, cacao, dates, peanut butter, acai powder, chia seeds, and so much more.

CHEWY RASPBERRY APPLE GRANOLA BARS FROM AMY’S HEALTHY BAKING

These homemade bars contain only 100 calories and are made without butter, refined flour or refined sugar. Instead, they’re packed full of fruit and are a great healthy option for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert!

Just some of the ingredients you’ll need to make your own include unsweetened applesauce, honey, cinnamon, old-fashioned oats, and frozen unsweetened raspberries.

BLUEBERRY VANILLA GREEK YOGURT GRANOLA BARS FROM HALF-BAKED HARVEST

These DIY bars can be rested overnight to ensure they’ve combined together and their coating has completely dried. Not only are they healthy, kid-friendly, and easy to make, but they also look like mini works of culinary art!

You could also substitute the blueberries for any berry of your choosing, or why not add additional berries for extra color?

PISTACHIO RASPBERRY ENERGY BARS FROM THE LOOPY WHISK

They might look like candy, but these pistachio and raspberry bars are anything but! They contain healthy and nutritious ingredients such as pistachios and raspberries (of course), as well as honey, almonds, and coconut oil.

They’d also make a wonderful, energy-filled snack to share with your friends.

HOMEMADE HORMONE-BALANCING CHOCOLATE ENERGY BARS FROM HELLO GLOW

If you suffer from severe PMS, sudden mood changes, oily hair or spontaneous acne, then you may have a case of hormone imbalance.

While it’s not serious, it can certainly disrupt your life from time-to-time, but thankfully, there’s plenty you can do to fix it. These homemade energy bars are a good start, as they contain hormone-balancing ingredients such as maca, cacao, dates, and mixed nuts.

STRAWBERRY & LEMON ENERGY BARS FROM POWER HUNGRY

These chewy and easy-to-make energy bars are bursting with two favorite flavors of summer: strawberry and lemon! They are no-bake, as well as naturally nut-free, gluten-free and vegan, making them the perfect on-the-go snack for everyone.

Their key ingredient is millet puffs, which are high in fiber, as well as a host of minerals (such as calcium and magnesium) and other nutrients.

OATMEAL SUPERFOOD BREAKFAST BARS FROM A HEALTHY LIFE FOR ME

It can be difficult to find enough time in the morning to whip-up a breakfast that isn’t just nutritious, but delicious too. This is where these homemade oatmeal superfood breakfast bars come in handy, as you can make them on the weekend, or the night before, and have a stash ready to go for the morning.

They’re loaded with healthy ingredients like oats, pumpkin seeds, and blueberries, plus they’re gluten-free!

BANANA BREAD DATE NUT ENERGY BARS FROM FIT MITTEN KITCHEN

This copycat recipe tastes identical to the store-bought version, but contains just three key ingredients: dates, dried bananas, and almonds.

These bars are also paleo, plus they contain no added sugar, making them a great snack for both children and adults alike. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, these are the perfect treat to make when those cravings hit.

PUFFED QUINOA, DATE & PEANUT BUTTER BARS FROM CHOOSING CHIA

These puffed quinoa, date, and peanut butter bars are a healthy snack packed with ingredients to give you long-lasting energy.

Ingredients such as dates, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds are designed to keep you fueled, and not spike your blood sugar (like sugar-laden snacks tend to do).

KETO GRANOLA BAR FROM MY KETO KITCHEN

This easy-to-make keto granola bar is great for breakfast or a snack, as the ingredients are full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

It also gets better – these homemade bars are low-carb, grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free with no added cereal! There’s nothing better than a tasty snack that is thoroughly good for you, so be sure to give this recipe a try.

EASY NO-BAKE SESAME DATE BARS FROM GRATEFUL GRAZER

These homemade sesame date bars are easy to make, plus they’re packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas, nuts and seeds.

You’ll find simple ingredients such as dates, pistachios, cashews, sesame seeds, and more – but don’t be fooled; they pack in all the protein, fats, carbs, and other good stuff you need to feel energized longer.

CHOCOLATE CASHEW PROTEIN BARS FROM BUILD YOUR BITE

If you’re looking for an easy protein bar recipe that tastes like dessert, we’ve got good news for you. This is the one!

Despite using some of the most delicious ingredients around, these homemade bars are naturally gluten free, dairy free, and vegan. They include rolled oats, cashews, cacao, peanut butter, honey, and more. Amazing!

APRICOT ALMOND ENERGY BARS FROM CALL ME PMC

Here’s an energy bar that takes just 5 minutes to make using 6 ingredients! Simply combine dates, dried apricots, almonds, honey, chia seeds, and rolled oats in a food processor, before placing the mixture into a lined tray.

You can eat it straight away or set it aside to help the mixture set. Not only is it a colorful and delicious recipe, but it’s also highly nutritious!

NO BAKE ENERGY BARS WITH OAT PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE FROM EATWELL101

Need an energy boost? These homemade bars are packed full of energy-boosting ingredients such as oatmeal, coconut, honey and peanut butter.

This makes them the perfect breakfast on-the-go or afternoon snack to beat that 3 o’clock slump. Plus, they look like (a much healthier) chocolate chip slice, so are extremely hard to resist!

HOMEMADE HAZELNUT ENERGY BARS FROM TIDY MOM

These homemade hazelnut energy bars are jam-packed with hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, and chocolate, making them an easy, no-bake treat that’s ready in no time at all.

They might look extremely decadent, but there are two main ingredients that come with a lot of great health benefits; dates and coconut oil. Plus, substituting regular cocoa powder and chocolate chips for their cacao counterparts will give you an additional health boost without compromising on flavor.

NO-BAKE OATMEAL BARS FROM RUNNING ON REAL FOOD

These delicious, no-bake bars are super easy to make with just 6 wholesome ingredients. If that hasn’t won you over, then we bet this will: they’re also vegan, naturally sweetened, naturally gluten-free and contain 8 grams of protein per bar.

With ingredients such as dates, oats, almonds, peanut butter, hemp seeds and maple syrup, you’re certainly in for an addictive treat that you can enjoy at any time of the day!

SUPERFOOD ENERGY BARS FROM TO SIMPLY INSPIRE

These yummy superfood energy bars are packed full of nutrients and sweetened with honey and just a little touch of chocolate.

Other ingredients include almonds, dates, raisins, and coconut oil, so you can easily substitute the chocolate for cacao nibs to boost the nutritional factor even more!

RAW CRANBERRY AND NUT ENERGY BARS FROM FROM THE LARDER

Here’s another highly nutritional and easy-to-make energy bar to add to your list of recipes! This version is vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free, plus it’s full of protein and bursting with a fruity flavor.

It uses great-tasting ingredients such as dates (the staple of any good energy bar!), dried cranberries, macadamia nuts, blanched almonds, and freeze-dried raspberry powder.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – 30 healthy and homemade energy bars to help you get through the day! Whether you eat them for a breakfast on-the-go, afternoon snack, or nutritious dessert to keep-in with your diet goals, you’re sure to benefit from both their flavor and sources of vitamins and minerals.

Another great thing about these DIY energy bars is that they’re so simple to make, with many requiring just 5 minutes preparation time. Simply make a batch on the weekend or night before, then place them in the refrigerator to enjoy for the week ahead.

It doesn’t matter if you’re craving an energy bar that’s fruity, nutty, sweet, or decadently rich. These recipes certainly have something for everyone and will satisfy even the toughest of tastebuds!

Melanie

Melanie Clarke is the founder of Whim Online Magazine, an online magazine based in Australia that has a strong focus on whimsical + dreamy photography, as well as art and fashion content.

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15 Simple Ashwagandha Recipes to Help Relieve Stress

Ashwagandha isn’t just the latest health fad. With a wide range of impressive health benefits, this supplement is here to stay. Also known as Indian ginseng, this medicinal herb has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years, particularly due to its adaptogen properties.

As an adaptogen, Ashwagandha has the ability to help our bodies effectively manage stress. Furthermore, the herb is also celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

If that’s not good enough, check out some of the other health benefits Ashwagandha offers:

Controls blood sugar levels
Fights cancer and reduces the side-effects of chemotherapy
Strengthens the heart muscles and controls cholesterol
Relieves stress
Reduces anxiety and depression
Increases fertility in men
Improves muscular strength
Stimulates the thyroid gland
Boosts immunity
Can increase red and white blood cell counts
Prevents seizures and convulsions
Fights cataract diseases

There are many ways to introduce Ashwagandha into your daily diet, including supplements in the form of pills, tea, or powder. To mix things up though, why not include the medicinal herb in some delicious recipes that you can enjoy throughout the day?

The good news is that we’ve rounded-up not one, but 15 stress-busting recipes using Ashwagandha. The best part?

They taste as good as they look too!

1. PINK MIDNIGHT MILK FROM HELLO GLOW

This adaptogenic Midnight Milk is made with a combination of ashwagandha, schisandra berries, and rose petals to help relax your mind and ease you into a restful sleep.

Thankfully, you only have to gather up all those ingredients once to make a big batch of Midnight Milk powder which is then stirred into warm milk. One batch makes a whopping 60 servings of milk!

2. STEAMED FISH WITH ASHWAGANDHA FROM HEALTHYISH

The chef uses whole dried ashwagandha root in this clay pot dinner, but if that’s too hard to find, she recommends using the herb in powder form instead.

This delicious fish has many health benefits as it is, but with the addition of Ashwagandha, you can enjoy a boost in many areas of your health, especially stress, anxiety, and mood.

3. ANTI-STRESS AYURVEDA PORRIDGE WITH PUKKA HERBS FROM PLANTIFUL SKIES

Could there be a better way to start the day than with this anti-stress porridge containing Ashwagandha?

This naturally sweet Mochi rice is perfect for breakfast, plus the combination of plum, cinnamon, star anise, cardamom and a pinch of salt makes this Ayurvedic porridge irresistibly delicious!

You could also add your favorite fruit on top, like blueberries, strawberries, and more.

4. HOMEMADE ENERGY BARS WITH ADAPTOGENS FROM MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

Energy bars are easy to come by these days, but have you ever looked at the sugar content in them? While they might taste delicious and claim to have healthy nutrients in them, they often don’t contain enough health benefits to truly make a difference.

This is where this tasty recipe for homemade energy bars with Ashwaghandha comes in handy. With added ingredients like maca powder, ajwain seeds, cardamom powder, cashews, and more, your body and mind will soon be reaping the rewards.

5. ADAPTOGENIC CHOCOLATE MOUSSE FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN FROM MIND BODY GREEN

We all get chocolate cravings from time-to-time, so why not turn that desire into an opportunity to fill your body with stress-busting nutrients such as Ashwagandha?

This adaptogenic chocolate mousse also contains antioxidant-rich cacao, anti-inflammatory chaga, and pearl powder (a Chinese supplement packed with minerals and amino acids for glowing skin). A mouth-watering dessert that’s also insanely good for you? Sign us up!

6. CACAO ASHWAGANDHA ALMONDS FROM CALI ZONA

These wonderful Cacao Ashwagandha Almonds are not only good for you, but they are also seriously addictive! Along with Ashwagandha, they also contain maple syrup, coconut sugar, and cacao.

Plus, these almonds take just minutes to whip-up, meaning you’ll have a delicious and healthy snack ready in no time at all.

7. STRESS-REDUCING APRICOT ALMOND CHIA PORRIDGE FROM EDIBLY EDUCATED

This recipe combines Aswaghanda, Maca and Lucuma with dried apricots, coconut milk and almonds for a filling, nutritious adaptogenic dish.

It’s a wonderful way to start your morning, or even to have as a mid-afternoon snack when those sweet cravings hit. Despite its delicious taste, this dish is incredibly good for your mind, body, and spirit.

8. RAW ADAPTOGEN FUDGE WITH ASHWAGANDHA FROM WHOLEHEARTED EATS

Who doesn’t love a soft and silky fudge recipe? The only thing that can make a scrumptious dessert like this better is if it has added health benefits from medicinal herbs such as Ashwagandha – which is exactly what this recipe offers!

It also features ingredients such as Medjool dates, nut butter, cacao, maca powder, and more.

9. ALMOND-CASHEW & CHIA BALANCE BALLS FROM DOLLY AND OATMEAL

Although these balls are completely grain-free and made from primarily nuts and seeds, they taste like cookie dough!

Inside, you’ll find additional goodness such as almonds, cashews, chia seeds, maca powder, Ashwagandha, reishi, pitted dates, and so much more. Plus, they’re tasty enough for your kids to enjoy (even though they contain no artificial sugars!)

10. MAGICAL ADAPTOGENIC MATCHA LATTE RECIPE FROM BREAKFAST CRIMINALS

If you’re a fan of matcha lattes, then you’ll love this version that contains additional health properties through the inclusion of adaptogens, such as Ashwagandha.

It also features other ingredients such as Astragalus Tea, maca, matcha, coconut manna, grass-fed collagen peptides, and more. Sounds intriguing!

11. ASHWAGANDHA SLEEP TONIC FROM ASCENSION KITCHEN

This Ashwagandha Sleep Tonic is a modern twist on a classic Ayurvedic remedy. You’ll find some aromatic spices have been added to the traditional mix, including cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, half a vanilla bean, a pinch of sea salt and a whole Medjool date to sweeten.

Instead of the usual dairy milk, this recipe also uses almond milk, making it appropriate for vegans too. After drinking this warm sleep tonic, you’ll have a restful sleep and wake feeling refreshed.

12. ASHWAGANDHA APHRODISIAC MUFFINS FROM ORGANIC OLIVIA

Have you ever heard of a health-boosting, stress-busting muffin that also lifts your libido? This recipe is exactly that, as it also utilizes Ashwagandha for its aphrodisiac qualities.

Additional ingredients include coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, blueberries, and chocolate chips.

13. NUT BUTTER BALLS FROM GINGER TONIC BOTANICALS

Don’t waste your time with sugary snacks. If you’re truly on a health kick, you’ll spend some extra time making your own healthy treats, such as these nut butter balls.

With nutritional ingredients such as Ashwagandha, dried fruit, cacao nibs, chia seed, cinnamon, and more, they’ll give you an instant boost in energy that doesn’t just satisfy your tastebuds, but also lasts all day.

14. MOON MILK FROM HEALTHYISH

If you’re after a more traditional Moon Milk recipe utilizing Ashwagandha, then this is for you.

Containing beneficial ingredients such as nutmeg (a natural sleep aid), cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, honey, and of course, Ashwagandha, it’ll soon have you hopping off to the land of nod – just without the heavy hangover that less-natural sleep aids give you.

15. ASHWAGANDHA BANANA SMOOTHIE FROM LEARNING HERBS

This yummy treat is a great way to share the nourishing and supportive qualities of Ashwagandha. After all, who doesn’t love a creamy, satisfying banana smoothie?

Not only does it take just minutes to make, but it also includes ingredients such as almond milk, Greek yoghurt, coconut oil, cinnamon, and honey, giving you a boost in energy, as well as a boost in your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – 15 stress-busting recipes using Ashwagandha that aren’t just incredibly good for you, but surprisingly tasty too.

Remember, this ancient medicinal herb doesn’t just have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; it also assists with a whole range of health benefits, including controlling blood sugar levels, strengthening the heart, keeping cholesterol in check, boosting immunity, and more.

Perhaps what Ashwagandha is most famous for, however, is its stress-reducing properties, as well as the positive effects it has on both anxiety and depression.

Thanks to supplements such as Ashwagandha, along with the recipes featured above, putting your health first has never been easier.

Melanie

Melanie Clarke is the founder of Whim Online Magazine, an online magazine based in Australia that has a strong focus on whimsical + dreamy photography, as well as art and fashion content.

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