Detox Challenge Day Three Meal Plan

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Thursday, May 14, 2015

Today is the last day of of the detox challenge. Cook up these delicious recipes and set yourself up for better eating all year long.

You've made it to the finish line!

We hope you’ll save these recipes for some healthy eating inspiration next time you need to come up with a meal or snack idea. Feel free to repeat this detox menu anytime you’re feeling a little rundown, like after travel, or perhaps around the holidays when we all tend to overindulge.

BREAKFAST

1 glass Garden of Life Perfect Food RAW Organic

1 glass filtered water

Avocado Toast

• 1 slice whole grain bread
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes to taste

Toast the bread. Smash the avocado with the lemon juice. Spread it on the toast. Sprinkle pepper on top and enjoy.

SNACK ONE

1 cup Yogi Berry DeTox Tea

1 glass filtered water

Super Chocolate Smoothie

• 1 cup almond or soy milk
• 1 serving Now Foods Pea Protein, Dutch Chocolate
• 1 serving Barlean’s Chocolate Greens
• 1 tbsp Wild Friends Chocolate Sunflower Almond Butter

Combine all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth. Serve immediately.

LUNCH

1 glass filtered water

Thai Salad

• 1/4 head of green cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, thinly chopped
• 1 ripe pear, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos
• 1 tbsp Hain Sesame Oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, lemon juice, Bragg Liquid Aminos and sesame oil. Add all fruits and vegetables and toss to combine.

SNACK TWO

1 Quest Nutrition Bar

1 cup Yogi Berry DeTox Tea

1 glass filtered water

DINNER

1 glass filtered water

Veggie-Packed Tomato Soup (serves four)

• 4 large, ripe tomatoes, seeded quartered
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 large leek (bulb only), chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups water or vegetable stock
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp Now Foods Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp tomato paste
• Salt and crushed red pepper flakes to taste

Warm the oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add carrot, leek and celery and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and garlic and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to break down tomatoes. Add spices, tomato paste and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and blend with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Serve immediately with whole grain bread.

DESSERT

1 serving Eden Foods Dried Montmorency Cherries

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Detox Challenge Day Two Meal Plan

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Wednesday, May 13, 2015

For the second day of the detox challenge, we have three brand new meals and two snacks to keep you full and energized while assisting the natural detoxification process.

It’s day two and we’ve got some brand new recipes for you packed with superfoods rich in vitamins and minerals. Go fresh, organic and non-GMO (non-genetically modified) whenever possible when shopping for produce, otherwise opt for frozen. 

Space your meals and snacks a few hours apart and you won’t feel hungry. Enjoy!

BREAKFAST

1 glass Garden of Life Perfect Food RAW Organic

1 glass filtered water

Overnight Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal

• 1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1/2 cup almond or soy milk
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tbsp Madhava Organic Light Agave Nectar
• 1 whole apple, chopped

Combine oats, cinnamon, agave nectar and milk in a dish. Cover and store in the fridge for 8 to 12 hours. Top with apples before serving.

SNACK ONE

1 cup Yogi Berry DeTox Tea

1 glass filtered water

Super Banana Smoothie

• 1 cup almond or soy milk
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 serving Bell Plantation PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter
• 1 tbsp Now Foods Organic Flax Seed Meal

Combine all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth. Serve immediately.

LUNCH

1 glass filtered water

Carribas Salad

• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 cup lettuce (any variety)
• 2 dates, chopped
• 1 orange, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup almonds, slivered
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Now Foods Avocado Oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine lemon juice and oil. Add remaining ingredients and toss to combine.

SNACK TWO

1/4 cup hazelnuts

1 cup Yogi Berry DeTox Tea

1 glass filtered water

DINNER

1 glass filtered water

Brown Rice Salmon Bowl

• 1 cup brown rice, cooked
• 1/2 ripe avocado, chopped
• 1/2 cup salmon, chopped (either raw, if sushi grade, or baked)
• 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped
• 1 tsp Bob's Red Mill White Sesame Seeds
• 1 tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos
• 1 tbsp Hain Sesame Oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Hot sauce to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy immediately.

DESSERT

1/2 cup pomegranate arils

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Detox Challenge Day One Meal Plan

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor on Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Kick off this quick detox with our nutritious and satisfying meal plan. No starving allowed.

We’re so excited you decided to join us for our three-day detox. This detox is intended to help you give your digestive system a break, bolster your immune system and set you up for better eating all year long.

Combine this healthy meal plan with moderate exercise and you’ve got the perfect formula to kickstart a balanced lifestyle.

BREAKFAST

1 glass Garden of Life Perfect Food RAW Organic

1 serving of green grapes

1 glass filtered water

Chia Pudding

• 1 cup almond or soy milk
• 1/4 cup Barlean's Organic Chia Seed
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1 tbsp Bob's Red Mill Unsweetened Flaked Coconut

Combine chia seeds with almond milk or soy milk in a small container. Store in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to thicken. Top with strawberries and coconut and eat.

SNACK ONE

1 apple with Wild Friends Chocolate Sunflower Almond Butter

1 cup Yogi Berry DeTox Tea

1 glass filtered water

LUNCH

1 glass filtered water

Quinoa Greek Salad

• 1/2 cup Eden Foods Organic Quinoa, cooked
• 1 avocado, cubed
• 1 English cucumber, halved and sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp Bragg Liquid Aminos
• 2 tsp Now Foods Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Combine garlic, lemon juice, Liquid Aminos and olive oil in a bowl. Whisk to combine. Add remaining ingredients and toss to combine. Serve immediately. 

SNACK TWO

1 cup Yogi Berry DeTox Tea

1 glass filtered water

Super Acai Smoothie

• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 serving Garden Greens Berry Splash Acai Powder

Combine all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth. Serve immediately.

DINNER

1 glass filtered water

Pumpkin Carpaccio Lettuce Wraps

• 1/2 cup acorn squash, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup red cabbage, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 3 to 4 iceberg lettuce leaves
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Now Foods Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Arrange the lettuce leaves on a plate. Mash the avocado and combine with the lemon juice, olive oil and salt. Fill the lettuce leaves starting with the pumpkin and sliced red cabbage, and then top with the avocado mixture. Serve immediately. 

DESSERT

1 oz dark chocolate

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

5 Foods That Can Promote Healthy Eyes

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Friday, May 08, 2015

Maintaining your vision and the health of your eyes should be a priority for everyone, no matter your age. Keep reading to find out several foods that can provide nutrients for healthy eyes.

As you age, your eyesight becomes an even more critical component to the state of your overall health. You shouldn't wait until you start showing signs of problems to begin caring for your eye health, but rather continuously take care of it. Aside from medications and supplements, certain foods can provide benefits for your eye health. In addition to carrots, there are many other foods that can provide you with great nutritional support and vitamins to help encourage better eye health. Let's take a look at some significant ones.

1. Food: Bilberry
Nutrients: Anthocyanins

In a family similar to blueberries and cranberries, bilberries are packed with antioxidants and chemical components that can provide many benefits for various aspects of your health, including vision. Anthocyanins are a type of antioxidant that exhibit protective properties against free radicals. In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that the anthocyanins may also be able to provide positive effects for fighting eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, though there is still insufficient evidence.

2. Food: Turkey
Nutrients: Zinc

Essential for maintaining many aspects of your health—including your immune system, reproductive function and overall growth and development—turkey is a good source of this mineral. In one three-ounce serving of dark turkey meat, there are about 3 mg of zinc. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University also states that zinc may be able to benefit age-related macular degeneration, as the amount of this mineral in the retina lowers as you get older. However, Prevention magazine stresses the importance of staying only within the normal, recommended range of zinc consumption, as too much zinc can do the opposite and damage eyes.

3. Food: Eggs
Nutrients: Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Omega-3s

Eggs are another food source that can provide positive effects for your health, especially when it comes to supplying plenty of valuable nutrients for your eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids which provide pigment to egg yolks, and they are also found in many other fruits and vegetables. Julie Mares, a professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Madison told the Chicago Tribune that these carotenoids may be able to benefit the vision of younger people by helping to absorb blue light which can damage the back of the eye. Additionally, lutein and zeaxanthin may help improve your ability to see contrast, in low light and in glare conditions. Omega-3s are also found in eggs and they are beneficial for promoting anti-inflammatory effects, which may positively impact your eye health.  

4. Food: Bell Peppers
Nutrients: Vitamin C

According to the American Optometric Association, vitamin C may be able to reduce the risk of developing cataracts and possibly help maintain sharp and clear vision. Bell peppers are a great source of this vitamin. In addition to possibly preventing cataracts and decline of visual acuity, vitamin C can help promote healthy blood vessels in the eyes and might even slow macular degeneration. 

5. Food: Baked Sweet Potato
Nutrients: Beta Carotene

Besides carrots, which are perhaps the most well-known source of this nutrient, baked sweet potatoes are also a great way to get a good helping of beta carotene. As another form of pigment, beta carotene might be able to help fight vision loss in those with age-related macular degeneration when used in conjunction with other vitamins like vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. 

Though these foods contain plenty of nutrients that may be able to enhance your eye health, you should not consume them in excess (as with all foods) or rely on them as the sole method of eye support. If you have an eye condition, you should always visit a doctor. If you have high cholesterol, you should avoid consuming too many eggs. 

Check out our large selection of wellness products and healthy vision supplements at eVitamins, and have a great day!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

8 Reasons to Use Almond Oil

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Wednesday, May 06, 2015

The oil of this little nut can provide amazing benefits for everything from your skin to cholesterol. Keep reading to find out more.

You're probably aware that almonds are packed with nutrients and can help boost your health, but did you know that the oil of almonds is another form you can take advantage of when it comes to reaping the benefits of these nuts? Here are some reasons why you should think about using almond oil.

1. It can moisturize and improve the overall appearance of skin. 
Packed with vitamin E, magnesium, protein and copper, almond oil can do wonders for your skin, especially when it comes to moisturizing, nourishing and smoothing. Its natural hydrating properties can help soothe skin and combat dryness. Applying almond oil to your face can also encourage softer, more radiant skin as it absorbs deeply below the surface. An added benefit of this oil is that it is light enough to prevent clogged pores while still imparting amazing softness. Chapped lips may also find relief in the amazing moisture of this oil.

2. It can help fight signs of aging.
The high antioxidant content of almond oil provides defense against cellular free radical damage, which is something that can manifest through an aged appearance of your skin. Additionally, the monounsaturated fats in this oil work to repair cell membranes and combat signs of aging as well. 

3. It may improve psoriasis, eczema and sunburns.
The natural soothing properties of almond oil can help provide relief from dry, itchy, irritated skin and help gently buff away dead skin cells when used as an emollient. After a sunburn, almond oil might be able to help calm skin and prevent peeling. 

4. It can nourish hair.
Almond oil's vitamin E content can help smooth strands, temporarily seal split ends, reduce static and fly-awards, and impart a silky soft texture while acting as a shine enhancer. Magnesium is a mineral which is essential for maintaining hair growth and overall hair health, and luckily almond oil is a great source of it. To use, you can apply oil to hair when it's still wet after a shower for a deeper nourishment, or lightly smooth onto dry locks for a touch of softness and shine. The gentle softening effects of almond oil also work to soothe dry scalp and may help get rid of dandruff. 

5. It can enhance massages.
The lightweight slickness of this oil makes it great for using on skin to massage deeply into muscles, and its sweet scent can further encourage a calm, soothing experience. The anti-inflammatory abilities may also be able to further enhance a muscle massage.

6. It adds some sweetness to cooking.
Almond oil makes for a great salad dressing and may also be used in baking. This oil comes in different formulas, for cooking and for topical use, so make sure you choose the correct one for your specified purpose.

7. It might help lower cholesterol.
Since almonds themselves are packed with phytosterols and monounsaturated fats, both of which can help promote healthy cholesterol levels, the oil of almonds may be able to produce similar benefits.

8. It can provide anti-inflammatory support.When applying almond oil to the under-eye area, the anti-inflammatory properties may be able to help reduce puffiness and minimize the appearance of dark circles. 

Before you think about trying almond oil, make sure you are not allergic to almonds or nuts. Talk to your doctor to be certain it's safe for you to use. Some people may exhibit irritations when applying topical almond oil, so always try a test spot before applying to a broad area of skin.

Get your almond oil today at eVitamins, and check out the rest of our wide selection of wellness essentials to help you live a healthier life. 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Give Your Complexion a Boost With Rosewater

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor on Thursday, May 07, 2015

Have you heard of rosewater? If not, you are missing out on one of the hottest skincare trends that actually works. Keep reading to learn more.

If you have a bottle of toner or face mist in your skincare regimen, get ready to toss it in the trash. Rosewater is the latest natural skincare craze and for good reason -- this stuff is actually great for your complexion.

What Is Rosewater?
All great skincare products have one thing in common: they're simple. These products aren't packed with artificial colors or scents, preservatives or parabens that can irritate the skin and further aggravate conditions like acne, rosacea or psoriasis. Rosewater is exactly that, just the oil of rose flowers combined with filtered, purified water. If there's anything else added to it, make sure you can recognize it -- sometimes other herbal extracts or vitamins may be included. For a formula that behaves more like an astringent toner, look for one with glycerin added.

Benefits of Using Rosewater
Rosewater can be used daily to keep the skin moisturized and balanced for better hydration while controlling oil production. Regular use of rosewater can also improve the clarity of your complexion, refining the tone and texture while also combatting dark circles, acne and inflammation. Rosewater also contains antioxidants which can have anti-aging benefits, encouraging cell turnover and reducing/preventing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Lastly, using a toner like rosewater can enhance the benefits of the other products in your skincare arsenal, like serums and creams.

Ways to Use Rosewater
The best time to apply rosewater is right after cleansing. Gently pat the skin dry with a towel and then mist your face. It can also be helpful to apply rosewater after using cosmetics to "seal" your look -- don't worry, it won't make them run off, quite the opposite actually. Allow it to absorb and then apply the rest of your products. Throw the bottle in your bag and use it to give your skin a refresher throughout the day. If you hit the gym or have a long commute on public transportation, it can help wake you up after. Lastly, you can also use rosewater to give your hair a sweet scent or in place of a perfume with a stronger scent.

Pick up rosewater at eVitamins and give it a try yourself! Go natural for clear, glowing skin.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

How Technology Can Affect Your Health

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Living in a digital age, technology is a huge part of our lives. While it can be very beneficial, overusing it can be detrimental to your overall wellness. Read on to find out more.

In an age where doctors use tablets to document patient records and illustrate medical diagnoses, and virtually everyone carries a smartphone with them wherever they go, it's obvious that technology plays a vital role in society. Technological advancements have contributed plenty of positives, including making communication easier, granting access to information with the touch of a button and providing a more efficient, productive way to get work done and accomplish tasks. However, in spite of all of these great things our phones and computers can do, they can also have the opposite effect, even having a negative impact on our health.

Physical Health

While taking your phone with you everywhere might seem convenient when it comes to maintaining social connections, it can make things worse for your physical health. With touch screens that you are constantly grabbing at, cell phones can harbor a great deal of nasty bacteria. After you use your favorite app and then place the phone to your face to make a call, you can transfer harmful bacteria to your skin and potentially cause acne flare-ups or even exacerbate skin conditions like eczema. The University of Oregon conducted a study which examined the index and thumbs of participants and the touch screens of their phones. The results showed that 82 percent of the bacteria found on the participants' phones was also found on their fingers, which illustrates the significance of cleansing your hands and sanitizing your phone before usage. While the majority of bacteria found on the phones in this study was harmless, it is possible for dangerous bacteria to live on these devices and contribute to sickness. Using a sanitizer wipe to clean off your phone and taking care to wash your hands before handling your device can help combat this problem. 

In addition to the bacteria that can live on your phone, the bright light of your cell phone, tablet or computer can cause eye strain and keep your brain highly stimulated and in a state of overdrive—something that gives you that “wired” feeling and can prevent you from relaxing and falling asleep. The actual radiation from these electronic devices can also cause sleep problems. A 2008 study found that mobile radiation—which you're exposed to when in close proximity to your phone—can lengthen the time it takes you to fall asleep and reduce the amount of time you spend in deep sleep. Additionally, the same study found that mobile radiation contributed to giving some participants headaches. In general, being overdependent on your mobile device or computer may lead to lower levels of physical activity, which in itself is a factor that can put a dent in your overall wellness. Giving your phone or computer a break at least an hour before bed and cutting back on overall usage can help your body and mind unwind more easily and promote more restful sleep.

Mental Health

In addition to physical symptoms, spending too much time on your phone or other digital device may be a factor in the development of stress, self-esteem issues and even depression. Social comparison may act as the catalyst in inciting these negative psychological conditions. A study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that a high usage of a specific social networking site led to intensified feelings of personal dissatisfaction. Stacking your life and achievements against someone else's can drag you down and cause your self-esteem to plummet if you believe you're not “caught up” to where your friends are in life. This can also cause unnecessary stress and even spiral into depressive symptoms. It's important to make sure you take a timeout when using social media, and you don't get too hung up on what others post about their lives. Most people only highlight the positives and hide the not-so-great times from the public, so it can create the illusion that their lives are perfect all the time—something that is critical to understand for the sake of your wellbeing. Being glued to your phone can also put a strain on your in-person relationships. If you become so obsessed with your phone that you start to ignore your friends and family so you can spend more time on your favorite social media sites, it is probably a problem. Having social relationships is critical to total wellness and a general sense of satisfaction with life, so it's important to make sure you take the time to nurture them and not let technology interfere.

While there are plenty of positives to technology, it's critical to make sure you maintain a healthy balance, for the sake of your health. At eVitamins, we have plenty of wellness essentials and products to help you live a healthier life. 

Thanks for reading, and come back next time for more health news!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE