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healthy recipes

Paleo Pasta Alternative: Zucchini Noodles

A grain-free life does not have to be free of comfort food!

A grain-free life does not have to be free of comfort food! When you're craving a big bowl of garlicky pasta, cook up these zucchini noodles aglio et olio (garlic and oil) instead. The real comfort here, other than that fragrant garlic, comes from "breadcrumbs" created from toasted almond meal; I was truly surprised by how much I enjoyed their flavor and texture.

Keep reading for this protein-packed, Paleo-friendly recipe for pasta.

healthy living

BluePrint's P.A.M. Gets a Makeover For an Antioxidant-Rich Happy Hour

If you've had BluePrint Juice's refreshing concoction of pineapple, green apple, and mint (P.A.M.) and thought to yourself how good it would be in a cocktail, you definitely have the makings of a bartender in you!

If you've had BluePrint Juice's refreshing concoction of pineapple, green apple, and mint (P.A.M.) and thought to yourself how good it would be in a cocktail, you definitely have the makings of a bartender in you! BluePrint's P.A.M. has everything you want in a great Summer cocktail — a balanced flavor profile of sweet and tart with just a little something extra from the fresh mint. All it takes is one sip to be transported to a tropical beachside destination. Adding to its taste appeal are of course P.A.M.'s many nutritional benefits: made from raw, live juice, pineapple and mint are both known for their detoxing and debloating benefits.

First we set out to hack BluePrint's P.A.M. recipe for ourselves, which was a success in its own right. But after mixing it up with a little rum, we may have even improved on the original.

Fans of the mojito, learn how to make your new favorite Summer cocktail after the break!

healthy living

Yoga Class Getting You Home Late? 4 Ideas For Quick, Healthy Dinners

For 9-to-5ers, taking a yoga class after work can result in eating a late dinner.

For 9-to-5ers, taking a yoga class after work can result in eating a late dinner. If you're eating closer to bedtime, then cut back on heavy meat and dairy to help ease digestion, and prep meals in advance to make the process of cooking a quick one. With some advice from a few Ayurveda and nutrition experts, here are five ideas for quick and healthy suppers to make after yoga.

Homemade Soup

A homemade soup is often as easy as throwing ingredients together into a pot. Cook broth in advance to always have the makings of a soup ready to go, but if you're crunched for time, then use a low-sodium, store-bought version. This recipe for ginger-carrot soup is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese, which aids in digestion, plus it offers hydration after a sweaty yoga session!

Veggie-Packed Wraps

Replacing a meat-heavy sandwich with a lighter veggie wrap can be easier on the digestive system to help prevent you from feeling weighed down after yoga. These vegan spiral wraps from Happy Healthy Life offer vibrant color, creamy hummus, and serious veggie power.

Keep reading for two more late-night dinner ideas.

sleep

Say Goodbye to Ambien! Sweet Greens Sleepy-Time Juice

If you're having trouble falling asleep at night, skip the sleeping pills for this nutrient-rich juice instead.

If you're having trouble falling asleep at night, skip the sleeping pills for this nutrient-rich juice instead. Neka Pasquale, founder of Urban Remedy, developed this recipe using ingredients known for having calming properties on the body. The result is a bright and balanced green juice that would taste good whatever the time of day! Here's how each ingredient adds to the overall effect of Neka's natural sleep aid:

  • Celery juice: Neka says celery juice contains essential oils that have a "calming effect on the nervous system," which can help the body unwind. "It also contains a high level of magnesium, which promotes muscle relaxation and a sense of well-being."
  • Watercress and romaine: Both of these ingredients are high in calcium, which, like magnesium, can help the body relax after a long day.
  • Lemon and orange: The citrus in this recipe contain inositol, which Neka says can help enhance REM sleep. In small studies, inositol has also been shown to calm anxiety, which may be especially helpful if stress keeps you up at night.

But juice alone is not a cure-all to restless nights; taking care of the body is key, Neka says. "Get yourself in bed around 10 p.m., as this is the body's natural resting time. Even if you're not ready to fall asleep, lay down and read a book or listen to music. It's the act of putting the body in a resting position that's most important!”

See Neka's recipe for sweet green sleep juice after the break!

healthy snacks

21 Light Bites For a Bridal Shower

When it comes to bridal shower foods, keeping things light, fresh, and elegant is always on point.

When it comes to bridal shower foods, keeping things light, fresh, and elegant is always on point. Find inspiration in these 21 recipes that will help you build a healthy menu that everyone will rave about. In addition to lightened-up classics, there are inventive gluten-free and vegan ideas to make sure that everyone will have something to enjoy at your celebratory soiree.

healthy living

4 Creative Recipes That Bring Quinoa to Breakfast

Anyone who thinks that quinoa is just for lunch and dinner needs to use this ancient grain in their breakfast routine.

Anyone who thinks that quinoa is just for lunch and dinner needs to use this ancient grain in their breakfast routine. Versatile, protein-packed quinoa is a delicious resource when creating a satisfying and healthy start to your day. Let these four quinoa-filled recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

Quinoa, Egg, and Spinach Scramble

Bulk up your breakfast with some ancient grain power in this quinoa and egg scramble. It looks gourmand, but as long as you've precooked your quinoa, this recipe takes just a few minutes from prep to plate.

Quinoa Pancakes

For a satisfying weekend brunch, take the time to whip up these delicious quinoa flapjacks. The twist on the tradition offers more folate, protein, and fiber than standard pancakes.

Keep reading for two more easy recipes starring quinoa.

healthy recipes

Bikini Detox: Mustard and Collard Greens Soup

Need an energizing, detoxifying meal to go along with your bikini shape-up plan?

Need an energizing, detoxifying meal to go along with your bikini shape-up plan? This blended green detox soup should be on the menu. The main stars, mustard greens and collard greens, are chock-full of nutrients that aid in flushing out toxins in the body, called glucosinolates, which are found in high amounts in mustard greens and collard greens. Both greens are also high in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and manganese, making this soup an important part of a nutritious diet. At just over 100 calories, it's high in carbs from the vegetables and has a decent amount of fiber and protein; pair it with these filling lunch ideas to stay satisfied.

Get the recipe here.

healthy snacks

Save Your Moola — Make Your Own Dried Mango

A dried mango addiction is no laughing matter to your wallet.

A dried mango addiction is no laughing matter to your wallet. A small container can run you almost $10! That's just insane when a fresh mango costs about $2. Aside from costing too much at the health-food store, some dried mango is made with added sugar or preservatives. Save triply on money, calories, and chemicals by making your own homemade chewy treat.

Keep reading for the simple recipe.

healthy living

9 Ways to Snack on Fiber-Rich Avocado

If you need more fiber in your diet, then it's time to turn to the smooth and satisfying avocado.

If you need more fiber in your diet, then it's time to turn to the smooth and satisfying avocado. Just half an avocado contains seven grams of fiber. Although high in fat, avocados contain the good-for-you monounsaturated fats (MUFA) your body needs to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and maintain the HDL (good) ones. Here are nine delectable ways to snack on the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of an avocado.

Source: Anna Monette Roberts and Flickr users goblinbox (queen of ad hoc bento), California Avocados, and SweetOnVeg
healthy recipes

Your Healthy Brunch: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Almond Pancakes

Controlling cravings when you've cut carbs or gluten can be especially hard when it comes to breakfast or brunch.

Controlling cravings when you've cut carbs or gluten can be especially hard when it comes to breakfast or brunch. Between baskets of muffins and stacks of pancakes, there's often enough on the table to make your dietary restrictions dampen the morning fun. Luckily, you don't have to pass on a pancake breakfast if you whip up a batch of these wheat-free pancakes. Using almond flour and flaxseed means these dense, filling hotcakes are high in fiber (three grams per serving) as well as protein (six grams per serving).

Get the recipe here.