Alicia Silverstone's Blog, page 25

How To Clean And Detoxify Your Washer And Dryer to Make Them Last Longer

Our washers and dryers work hard for us day in and day out. Just ask any great- or great-great grandmother and they will tell you: the washing machine is one of the world’s greatest inventions! Yet, most of us have never been taught how to clean these appliances properly. That’s right, all washers and dryers (top-loading and front-loading) need regular cleaning to keep them running smoothly and prevent maintenance issues. The good news is cleaning these workhorses only takes a few minutes every few months, and does not require harsh chemicals!

Why Bother Cleaning Your Washer And Dryer?

The idea of taking extra time to clean an appliance that is designed to clean and sterilize doesn’t exactly speak to commonsense. However, without regular cleaning washing machines experience build up of detergent, minerals and/or mold and mildew, all of which hamper performance. Likewise, your dryer should be cleaned out regularly to prevent build up of lint, dust, microplastics and other particles which if left alone will circulate throughout the house degrading your indoor air quality.

Also, if you’re switching from chemical-based and/or fragranced laundry products to Branch Basics or another non-toxic brand (congratulations!), you’ll need to take a few extra steps to deep clean and detoxify your machines from these harmful chemicals.

The result is better performing appliances which equals cleaner clothes with less detergent, shorter dry-times, better energy efficiency overall, no chemical residues from previously used products and improved air quality throughout your whole home!

How To Clean, Descale & Detoxify Your Washing Machine (Top Loader + Front Loaders)Clean and Descale Your Washing Machine With Vinegar

Many washers have a self-clean feature, which usually includes using bleach on a special setting. We highly highly recommend against using bleach (sodium hypochlorite) because it is classified as a pesticide under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. It’s also a lung and skin irritant, asthmagen, a carcinogen, and is involved in more household poisonings than any other chemical! 1 2

What should you use instead? Plain old distilled white vinegar will do the trick for basic cleaning. To verify this, we even called the manufacturers of several appliance brands of front- and top-loading washers. They all whole-heartedly agreed that white vinegar is an acceptable and beneficial alternative to bleach! Plus, if you have hard water it will help descale and reduce mineral deposits which can wear down your washer over time. Read more about The Impact of Soft And Hard Water On Laundry here. So, you’re safe to make the switch (and if you’re in doubt, you can call, email or DM the manufacturer to ask).

Type: Top Loading Washing MachineFill with hot water, add one gallon of vinegar, and run for 10 minutes.Turn off the washer and let the solution stand overnight.In the morning, run your washer through a complete cycle.Type: Front Loading (HE) Washing MachineRun one gallon of distilled white vinegar through a full hot water wash cycle with no detergent OR use the self-clean cycle.This will not only clean your washer but will also reduce scale and mineral build-up.

Repeat periodically or monthly if you have very hard water.

Detoxify Your Top And Front Loading Washing Machine

These instructions are for deep cleaning a washer that hasn’t been cleaned in a while (if ever!), and for detoxifying your washing machine from chemical-based detergents and fragrance. Learn more about the what, whys, and hows of this method in Detoxifying Your Laundry Room. Typically, you’ll only need to do this once or any time you use chemical-based detergents… which we hope you don’t have to!

Type: Top Loading Washing MachineFill washer with hot waterAdd one of the following:2 to 4 cups of hydrogen peroxide2 to 4 cups vinegar2 lb box of baking sodaAdd ¼ cup Branch Basics ConcentrateLet sit overnightRun through full cycleRepeat as many times as necessary to remove build-up and fragrance (if applicable) using a variety of the above optionsType: Front Loading (HE) Washing MachineUse hot waterAdd one of the following directly to the drum2 to 4 cups hydrogen peroxide2 to 4 cups vinegar2 lb box of baking soda¼ cup Branch Basics ConcentrateRun through full cycleRepeat as many times as necessary using a variety of the above optionsAdditional treatmentsSpray Branch Basics (Bathroom Dilution) in the washer when not running.Wipe down with a microfiberCleaning Established Mold From Your Front Loader’s Gasket

Front loader washer seals and gaskets are prone to mold and mildew, especially if you live in a hot, humid climate or keep your appliances in the basement. That is why you should always leave your front loader door open in between washings to prevent mold growth and clean them once per month. Here’s how to clean your front loader washer seal and gasket:

Pull back the gasketSpray with Branch Basics Bathroom Cleaner liberallyLet sit a couple of minutesThen dip a microfiber or scrubbing brush in hot water and scrub the sprayed area under the gasketUse a damp or dry microfiber cloth for the final wipeNext, spray the drum and seal with distilled white vinegar, wait 5 minutes, scrub, and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Follow the same procedure with 3% hydrogen peroxide. If necessary, repeat the entire process until no mold issue remains.

Stubborn mold or a lot of it? Click here for more tips on preventing and cleaning mold in any type of washer.

Cleaning Detergent Drawer in Front Loader Washing Machine

Front loader detergent drawers can be a haven for detergent buildup, mold, debris, and germs

Remove the entire detergent drawerWipe out the empty cavity with a microfiber sprayed with Branch Basics All PurposeSpray the drawer with Branch Basics All PurposeUse an old toothbrush or scrub brush to clean thoroughlyWash and rinse with warm waterDry cavity and drawerReturn drawer to washing machine How To Clean And Detoxify Your Dryer

Just like your washer, choose the right method for your dryer based on whether it needs a basic monthly clean or you’re detoxifying chemicals from detergent residue, dryer sheets, etc.

Clean Your Dryer Using Branch BasicsSpray Branch Basics (Bathroom Dilution) on the dryer interiorSpray a damp towel with Branch Basics (Bathroom Dilution) and run through a drying cycleAlso, can spray and wipe Branch Basics (Bathroom Dilution) on the dryer interior when dryer is not in useDetoxify Your Dryer

Alternate between the following methods:

Use Medina’s BOC, an all-natural product which helps to break down chemicals, neutralizes mycotoxins from mold and decomposes hydrocarbons.Spray undiluted BOC on the dryer interiorClose dryer for 1 hourOpen up and ventilateSpray a damp towel with BOC and run through a drying cycle

Repeat this process until all odors are gone. Keep at it, don’t give up, it could take several weeks for the smell to be eliminated completely.

Use Branch BasicsSpray Branch Basics (Bathroom Dilution) on the dryer interiorSpray a damp towel with Branch Basics (Bathroom Dilution) and run through a drying cycleAlso, can spray and wipe Branch Basics (Bathroom Dilution) on the dryer interior when dryer is not in use

To get started with the Branch Basics products mentioned in this article and to learn more about all natural, human safe cleaning products, start here.

Want More Tips On How To Clean And Detoxify Your Whole Laundry Room?

Believe it or not, chemical residues and fragrance from chemical-based laundry soap can dwell on your laundry room surfaces for years. Where they quietly pollute not only your laundry room but your entire home’s air. Fortunately, you can remediate this yourself by switching from toxic laundry products and doing a deep clean of your laundry room. These articles walk you through the process step-by-step:

Detoxifying Your Laundry Room—gives a full tutorial on getting rid of established fragrance/chemical residue in your laundry room for good (this is a great procedure to use when you buy a new home and/or switch from using chemical-based detergents).

Dangerous Detergent: Is My Laundry Detergent Toxic?—takes a deep dive into the little-told history of chemical-based laundry detergents, how they impact our health, and how to read detergent labels to find a truly non-toxic, human-safe brand.

And of course, check out our free Online Course, #TossTheToxins (creation still in process)! Scroll to the bottom of our Toss The Toxins page for Marilee’s step-by-step, room-by-room system of creating a healthier home by removing all harmful chemicals. It’s well worth the effort and much easier than you’d think!

For even more tips and support on everything-laundry, cleaning, and healthy lifestyle, follow us on Instagram @BranchBasics. 

Featured image by Carlos Lindner on Unsplash 

The Incredible Benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables

What exactly are the benefits of cruciferous vegetables? And what’s the best way to eat them to get the benefits?

Nutrition scientists have shown over and over that people who consume more natural plant foods (vegetables, fruits, legumes, etc.) are less likely to be diagnosed with cancer. But are all vegetables equally protective? If we wanted to design an anti-cancer diet, we would want to know which foods have the most powerful anti-cancer effects – then we could eat plenty of these foods each day, flooding our bodies with the protective substances contained within them.

So, which foods have the most powerful anti-cancer effects? Cruciferous vegetables.

This family of vegetables is named for their flowers, having four equally spaced petals in the shape of a cross, from the Latin word “crucifer” meaning “cross-bearer.” These are the cruciferous vegetables:

ArugulaBok choyBroccoliBroccoli rabeBroccoliniBrussels sproutsCabbageCauliflowerCollardsHorseradishKaleKohlrabiMacheMustard greensRadishRed cabbageRutabagaTurnipsTurnip greensWatercress

All vegetables contain protective micronutrients and phytochemicals, but cruciferous vegetables are unique – they contain compounds called glucosinolates which are responsible for their pungent or bitter flavors. When cell walls are broken by blending or chopping, a chemical reaction occurs that converts glucosinolates to isothiocyanates (ITCs) – compounds with proven anti-cancer activities. The many ITCs work synergistically to remove carcinogens, kill cancer cells, and prevent tumors from growing. Some ITCs can even help the body excrete estrogen and other hormones, reducing the risk for hormonal cancers.

Cruciferous vegetables are twice as powerful as other plant foods. In population studies, a 20% increase in plant food intake generally corresponds to a 20% decrease in cancer rates, but a 20% increase in cruciferous vegetable intake corresponds to a 40% decrease in cancer rates.

Cruciferous vegetables are not only the most powerful anti-cancer foods in existence, they are also the most nutrient-dense of all the vegetables. Although the National Cancer Institute recommends 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day for cancer prevention, they have not yet established specific recommendations for cruciferous vegetables. I recommend six fresh fruits and eight total servings of vegetables per day, including two servings of cruciferous vegetables – one raw and one cooked. Remember: chopping, chewing, blending, or juicing cruciferous vegetables allows for production of ITCs. Consuming a large variety of these ITC-rich cruciferous vegetables within an overall nutrient-dense diet can provide us with a profound level of protection against cancer.

For your next cruciferous vegetable dish, try one of these great recipes!

Dr. Fuhrman is a best-selling author, nutritional researcher and board certified family physician specializing in nutritional medicine. Learn more by visiting his informative website at DrFuhrman.com and his blog at Diseaseproof.com, and following Dr. Fuhrman on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo by Jodi Pender on Unsplash

Gluten-Free, Vegan Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Roasted Cherry Tomato and Arugula

This gluten-free and vegan gnocchi is made from sweet potato and served with cherry tomatoes and arugula. The recipe hails from The Minimalist Vegan and looks yum and surprisingly simple! Check it out.

Total Time: 1 hour, 15 min | Serving Size 2-3

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Ingredients

2 medium-sized sweet potatoes2-3 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour400 grams cherry tomatoes2 handfuls of arugula (rocket)Salt for seasoningPepper for seasoning¼ – ⅓ cup olive oil1 clove of finely chopped garlic (optional)

Instructions

Fork the sweet potatoes to let out steam when baking. Place on a baking tray lined with unbleached baking paper. Turn the oven on 180 degrees and bake for around 40-50 minutes or until soft enough for mash.Peel the potato and place in blender with 2 cups of the flour and season. Blend until smooth. If the consistency of the dough is not sticking together well yet and has a doughy texture, add more flour and blend again.Place the cherry tomatoes seasoned with a little olive oil, salt and pepper in the oven using the same tray from the sweet potato and bake for about 5-10 minutes until they soften and ooze tomato juice.Sprinkle some flour on the bend and roll break a large handful of the dough and roll into a long 2-3cm thick log.With a knife, cut the gnocchi into 3cm pieces and set aside to cook. Continue rolling out and cutting the rest of the dough.Bring a big pot of water to a boil. Place around 20 pieces is and wait until they float to the top. They should cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute before they are done. Taste one and get a feel for how long each batch will take. (Note: As you are cooking the gnocchi, add a little olive oil to the batch that you have cooked and toss through. This will stop them from sticking to each other.)Once the tomatoes have been roasted, squish them a little to make sure that all the seeds and tomato juice come out when tossing them through the cooked gnocchi. Add the garlic and toss through again.Add the rocket on top and drizzle a little olive oil and season to taste.

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Photo Credit: The Minimalist Vegan

Moroccan Couscous with Saffron

I found this Moroccan couscous with saffron recipe in a magazine and changed it up to make a healthier, vegan version. It’s SO good. When I make this, I have it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and for leftovers. Definitely make a big batch of it. It’s great for big family meals and stays good in the fridge for a few days. And, it’s a great dish to have right before your period.

I made it for my dad and he loved it! A while ago, I surprised my parents by cooking them a huge meal. I made the Couscous, Sweet Potato-Lentil Stew, Baby Bok Choy Drizzled with Ume Vinaigrette, and a Peach Crumble for dessert. It was a massive feast! They were super impressed.

Moroccan Couscous With Saffron
Serves 6
Ingredients

2 cups peeled butternut squash, cut into 1/4 to 1/2 cubes2 cups yellow onion, large dice1 1/2 cups carrots, cut into 1/4 to 1/2 cubes1 1/2 cups zucchini, cut into 3/4 cubes2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oilFine sea salt1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper1 1/2 cups vegetable broth2 tablespoons Earth Balance butter1/4 teaspoon ground cumin1/2 teaspoon saffron threads1 1/2 cups whole-wheat couscous2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.Place the squash, onion, carrots, and zucchini on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once with a spatula about midway through.While the vegetables roast, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan.Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the butter, remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper, cumin, saffron and salt to taste.Cover the pan and steep for 15 minutes.Scrape the roasted vegetables and their juices into a large bowl, and add the couscous.Bring the vegetable broth back to a boil, and pour over the couscous mixture all at once.Cover tightly with a plate and allow to stand for 15 minutes.Add the scallions, toss the couscous and vegetables with a fork, and serve.

 

The Kind Life’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Love doesn’t cost a thing!

Quality time with loved ones is the most precious gift. A love letter is the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift and always has been! Really, what could be better than a deep meaningful letter by the one you love?

If you find yourself in the mood for some Valentine’s love – because we still are active participants in loving life and other people – perhaps this guide will inspire you to enjoy your festive holiday but with conscious, thoughtful, earth-friendly, healthier gifts.

We still believe in loving and goodness and romance, right? Let’s celebrate love!

Want to go the totally no-waste route? Kids can make cards using recycled materials, and you can make a book of coupons (a massage, cleaning house – clothing-optional – ha!) for your amour, make cookies from the kind diet, or put together a candlelight dinner – even a silent dinner with only laughter allowed could be fun and sexy.
Thinking flowers? Only organic will do, my love (more on that below!)  Please choose kind chocolate as well – so much of it is made from child labor and using ingredients that hurt people and animals. (Read: Is Your Chocolate Fair?) Review my favorite chocolate blog for the best chocolate ever.

If you don’t find anything you’re in love with on this guide, consider choosing vintage from The RealReal for lifelong keepsakes like jewelry & handbags that will last way past next year’s trend.  Take a peek at my holiday guide because it’s full of fun stuff you may have missed that would work so well for Valentine’s Day gifts too!
Also: see the bottom of this guide for wonderful charities to donate to in your sweetie’s name.

To love 🥂,
Alicia

Traditional flowers are flown from the nether regions of the earth, racking up quite a carbon footprint before they make their way to your sweetie. Local, organic flowers are the healthiest choice for you and the environment. Find out where to get them here.

You can also look at these sites:

Organicbouquet.comCaliforniaorganicflowers.comThinking lingerie? You can find sustainably sexy pieces here: Anekdot uses upcycled fabrics to craft their elegant lingerie looks. Brook There has cozy-looking sets made from organic cotton. Aikyou  has cute pieces made from Fair Trade Certified and organic cotton fabrics.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.. but only if they are sustainably lab grown or vintage. This is the perfect subtle bling, made responsibly!

Idyl Lab Grown Responsible Diamond Studs, $348 @idyl.com

Fewer dresses flow more beautifully than this vegan silk dress. It’s gorgeous on – I love this dress! Made from vegan silk, and the most perfect fit!

Ruth Dress, $199 @ohsevendays.com

This aikyou bra is fair trade certified, organic, and gorgeous.

MIA – triangle bra, €79 @aikyou.de

Love notes used to be chiseled into cave walls, now you can gift them a sweet recycled journal, perfect for waxing rhapsodically about your lover.  This gorgeous journal is made from 100% post consumer recycled paper.

Jellyfish Decomposition Book, $9 @decomposition.com

These glittering huggies are responsibly made, and the cornerstone of every great ear story. Ethical diamonds, responsible craftsmanship, and traceable 14k gold!

Ethical Diamond Huggie Earring, $368 @idyl.com

Gorgeously set the mood with this diffuser which will emit calming scents all over your home. Perfect for that essential oil zen!

Stone Diffuser, $119 @vitruvi.com

Made from AppleSkin: an innovative leather alternative with a high content of natural waste, from the skin and core apple waste of the food industry, this vegan red saddle bag will add such a POP to anything they put on. Plus – you’ll have a great story to tell anytime you wear it!

Iris Prima Linea – Apple Rosso Amore, €220 @miomojo.com

A treat beyond the usual box of chocolate – this chocolate superfood yumminess is made in LA, and women owned!    Vegan, raw, organic, goes well in coffee and smoothies!

Cacao Magic Superfoods, $28, @thephilosophie.com

Beautiful bath and body oils are always appreciated… even more so when they are kindly procured.

Ultimate Wellbeing Bath & Shower Oil Collection by Aromatherapy Associates, $99 @spacenk.com

If you want to buy something sweet and useful for V day, we love this reusable drinking cup!

Tronco 20oz Glass Tumbler Glass Water Bottle Straw Silicone Protective Sleeve Bamboo Lid – BPA Free, $15.99 @amazon.com

Rescue pets deserve a Valentine’s day treat!  For your four legged love, a recycled rubber ball.

ChuckIt! Recycled Remmy Ball Dog Toy, Medium $5 @amazon.com

This rose gold bottle stays cold forever, and really elevates their water drinking game.

Rose Gold Drinking Bottle, 38.90€/ $47.96 @24bottles.com

For the sweet chef in your life, a pan that looks as good as it works. Why clutter up their kitchen space with ugly gadgets when museum quality pretty pans exist?!

Always Pan, $145 @fromourplace.com

Okay, it’s not lingerie – but it’s so pretty and practical! These organic pj’s are perfect for letting her sleep in on Valentine’s Day morning.  I love this cozy, organic PJ set, Mate The Label, (top/bottom sold separately.)

Purchase top here, bottom here. You can use code Alicia20 on anything from Mate The Label!

Drizzle a dollop of this delicious olive oil on ANYTHING to make it taste special. This gift basket would make most foodies squeal with delight! This is the yummiest California olive oil.

Nuvo, $64.99 @nuvooliveoil.com

A monthly wine membership will make them think of you, fondly and boozily, for 12 months a year! These offerings from Winc are are proudly sustainable from bottling process to eco-friendly production and shipping methods. They are also vegan and made with sustainably farmed organic grapes – grown without pesticides.

Winc Wine Of The Month Club (Choose Vegan), $60 and up @winc.com

Each Bottle sold of this delish rose donates a portion of proceeds to benefit Love Leo Rescue to help save Animals in need in Los Angeles, California. Love Leo is a non profit 501c3 that saves thousands of dogs and helps them find forever homes.

Rescue Rose, $25 @rescuerose.com

A chic swiss army knife for the modern lass or fellow is useful for everything from opening bottles of wine to tinkering in the garden.

Brushed Copper Swiss Army, $109 @etsy.com

These lovely wooden cards are made in the USA from sustainably-harvested birch wood, and 100% biodegradable!

Wooden Love Card, $6 @nightowlpapergoods.com

These handmade kids Valentines day cards are biodegradable and embedded with plantable seed hearts, which make them so much more meaningful and conscious than the usual mass kiddie school cards.

Plantable Valentine’s Card, 25 cards for $31 @etsy.com

Consider a donation in their name printed out and tucked into to your Valentine’s Day Card!

Nonprofits I suggest:

Contribute to ending animal cruelty and a kinder planet  – Animal EqualitySponsor a rescued farm animal – Farm SanctuaryFund solar energy in your community – RE-volv Help refugee children receive the resources they deserve – MercyCorpsEducate high school and middle school students on ethical food choices – Ethical Choices Program80% of the orangutan population has been lost in the past 75 years mainly as a result of mass deforestation. Help orangutans and their habitat – Orangutan Foundation InternationalHelp conserve and protect our oceans wildlife – Sea ShepherdGive the gift of clean and safe drinking water – Charity: Water

All products featured on TKL are independently selected by Alicia. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Header Photo by Secret Garden on Pexel.

Hearty Kabocha Squash Kinpira Stew

This soup is so delicious and good for you. It’s great throughout the year, I have it about every 10 days, it is warming and strengthening.

The kabocha squash is packed with potassium (and crazy delicious) and the burdock strengthens and purifies the blood.

If you are pregnant, post birth, or nursing, I refer to this stew in The Kind Mama as a replenishing  meal since its so nourishing and restorative.

Bear loves this soup and eats it with joy. He gobbles it up and calls it spiderman soup (though he has no idea who or what spiderman is- he just heard some kid say it.) He knows it makes you really strong! 

Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
Sesame oil
1 cup burdock, sliced into thin matchstick pieces
Pinch of fine sea salt
1 cup carrots, sliced into thin matchstick pieces
1 cup lotus root, sliced into thin rounds
1 cup thinly sliced kabocha squash (peel only if the squash is not organic)
1 cup onion, diced
1 tablespoon sweet white miso*
1 tablespoon barley miso

Directions:
Brush the bottom of a soup pot lightly with oil. Place the pot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the burdock and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. If the burdock starts to stick to the bottom of the pan, add a little more oil or a little water.
Layer the carrot, lotus root, and squash on top of the burdock. Cover the vegetables with water, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 to 40 minutes (until veggies are very soft.) Add m

ore water from time to time as needed if the water level becomes too low.
Add the onion to the pot, and simmer until very soft, about 10-15 minutes. Combine the misos in a small cup, and dilute them with a little of the soup broth (you can add more miso later to taste). Slowly add the diluted miso mix to the pot, and stir gently. Simmer for 3 minutes more, taking care not to let the soup boil once the miso has been added. Serve immediately.

*If you have to choose one miso, barley is more medicinal
Photo Source: World Literacy Cafe

The 7 Best Vegan Chocolate Brands You Really Need to Try

Is there anything better than a rich, velvety smooth bite of chocolate? Of course not! I’ve tried them all and these are my favorite vegan chocolates, hands down. Whether you’re gifting them or eating them all yourself, you can’t go wrong with the offerings on this list.

What is chocolate?

We love it from childhood, but do we even know where chocolate comes from? It’s actually pretty fascinating stuff: Chocolate is the bean (seed) of the cacao fruit. Shaped like a small football, cacao pods grow on trees throughout Central and South America, as well as across Africa and Asia.

Why vegan chocolate?

Dairy is added to the vast majority of chocolate. And it’s totally not necessary! First of all, it makes chocolate inedible for a large percentage of the population as more than 65 percent of Black and Asian people are lactose intolerant. 

Even if you’re not lactose intolerant, dairy can cause health issues including congestion, inflammation, and acne, among other serious conditions.

But dairy is also an exploitative industry that keeps female cows pregnant and forced to give their milk away. Their babies are taken away from them (so humans can have the milk)—and for male calves, this often means a death sentence as a veal calf. Then, after years of milk production, cows aren’t sent to retirement, they’re slaughtered for cheap beef. 

Best vegan chocolates

These days, there are more vegan chocolate and confectionery options than ever before. Even Hershey’s and Cadbury now offer vegan chocolate. But if you want the best of the best, try these!

Amore di Mona has insane caramel. They also make versions of caramel with fruit inside like cherries, which are also so fantastic. Their dark chocolate is really good but I preferred their caramel. Their chocolate is Fair Trade, organic, and uses raw agave nectar.

Chocolate Inspirations is so good its nuts. They have a whole section of vegan chocolates and brittles. The Artisan Italian Orange Bar and Artisan Organic Hummingbird Nectar Tea Bar are both crazy yum. Cinnamon Toast Toffee to cashew brittle to Peanut Butter Pillows, are they kidding me??? The English toffee is absolutely scrumptious as well.  I also love their hot chocolate, Sweet Buddy Bar, and their Chocolate Peanut butter pillows are insane!

Hu – Hu is the best! My favorites are Cashew Butter + Raspberry Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate, Chocolate-Covered Hunks Cashews + Vanilla Beans, and Chocolate-Covered Hunks Sour Goldenberries. Hu’s chocolates are sweetened with coconut sugar so after eating it you get a less buzzy sugar high!

.Nohmad Snack Co.‘s Creamy Coconut Milk Cacao and Coffee Crunch Cacao bars are tasty and worth mentioning because of their simple clean ingredients: organic raw cacao, organic raw cacao butter, and organic maple sugar!

Lagusta’s Luscious turtle bar is fun! If you’re a Snickers fan, it’s basically three snickers in one. Super heavy and yum! They also make this maple honeycomb bar that I love! If you’re familiar with the British candy bar “Crunchie Bar”, it’s very similar except vegan of course, with maple syrup and no honey! Added bonus, they’re both made of Fair Trade, organic, and non-GMO ingredients.

Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Almond Sea Salt is great. The packaging looks so cool.

Schmilk has several fun and tasty fair trade flavors; hazelnut, macadamia sea salt, Schmilk truffle, dark, maple, orange, and mint.

Photo by Julia Zyablova on Unsplash

Raw Vegan White Chocolate Strawberry-Rose Cheesecake Recipe

A little bit decadent and a whole lot of pretty, this raw dessert looks like the perfect centerpiece to show the people you love how sweet clean eating can be!  I can’t wait to try this!

Ingredients

For the crust:2 cups raw almonds1/2 cup medjool dates, pitted, about 8-101/4 cup cacao powder2 tablespoons cacao nibsFor the cheesecake filling:3 cups raw cashews1 bag frozen strawberries, completely thawed (I used Trader Joe’s strawberries)1/2 cup filtered water3/4 cup maple syrup, preferably grade B1 cup melted cacao butter1 tablespoon vanilla extract1 tablespoon rose waterPinch sea saltFor the topping:2/3 cup bittersweet chocolate chipsSprinkle of organic dried rose petals

Instructions

For the crustBlend all the crust ingredients in a food processor. Press into a 9 inch springform pan. You can also use a regular pan with high sides. To unmold, you’ll have to dip the pan in hot water for a few second.For the filling:In a high speed blender, blend the strawberries, water, maple syrup, vanilla, and rose water. Once smooth, add the cashews. Add the cacao butter last.Pour on top of the crust. Place the cheesecake in the freezer overnight.For the topping:Take the cheesecake out of the freezer, unmold it, place it on a serving plate, and let it thaw in the fridge for about 3 hours.Melt the chocolate chips until smooth. Pour the chocolate into a ziploc bag, snip the tip of a corner, and pipe melted chocolate all over the cheesecake. Finish with a sprinkle of rose petals.To serve:Run a sharp knife under very hot water. Rinse it with every cut you make for pretty slices.

Joanna Steven is an author, attachment parenting mom to 2 boys, and a lover of food. Her mission is to inspire mothers and make their life easier so they feel nurtured, nourished, and better able to raise children in a peaceful way.

The Benefits of Eating Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are healthy, natural foods that are full of beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals. The myth that nuts and seeds are fattening and therefore unhealthy has persisted, but according to scientists, nuts are beneficial for weight loss. In any case, it’s not the fat content of a diet that makes it healthy, it’s the nutrient content. And based on their nutrient content, nuts are a health-promoting source of calories.

Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense.

Nuts and seeds contain a spectrum of micronutrients including LDL-lowering phytosterols, circulation-promoting arginine, minerals – potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and antioxidants including flavonoids, resveratrol, tocopherols (vitamin E), and carotenoids.

Eating nuts and seeds reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that nut consumption is beneficial for heart health. Eating five or more servings of nuts per week is estimated to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 35%. Eating nuts and seeds protects against sudden cardiac death and reduces cholesterol and inflammation.

Nuts aid weight loss.

Someone who is trying to lose weight should not be trying to omit all nuts from their diet – in obese individuals, adding nuts to the diet aided in weight loss and also improved insulin sensitivity, which could help in preventing and/or reversing diabetes. Nonetheless, nuts should not be eaten to excess. Nuts and seeds are high nutrients but also high in calories, so they should be eaten with consideration for one’s caloric needs.

Seeds are just like nuts, but even better.

Seeds are an excellent whole food fat source and are mineral-rich like nuts, but are higher in protein.

Each nut and seed has a unique nutritional profile that lends unique health benefits:

Almonds are rich in antioxidants. In one study, people ate either almonds or a snack with a similar fat profile each day for 4 weeks, and the subjects who ate almonds showed reductions in markers of oxidative stress.Walnuts. Diabetics who ate walnuts daily for 8 weeks experienced an enhanced ability of the blood vessels to dilate, indicating better blood pressure regulation. There is also evidence that walnuts may protect against breast cancer.Pistachios and Mediterranean pine nuts have the highest plant sterol content of all the nuts – plant sterols are structurally similar to cholesterol, and help to lower cholesterol levels. Pistachios reduce inflammation and oxidative stress as well as cholesterol.Mediterranean pine nuts contain a specific type of fatty acid that has been shown to curb appetite by increasing hormones that produce satiety signals.Flax, hemp, and chia seeds are extremely rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids,and hempseeds are especially high in protein, making them a healthy food for athletes.Pumpkin seeds are rich in iron, calcium, and phytochemicals, and may help to prevent prostatecancer.Sesame seeds have the greatest amount of calcium of any food in the world, andprovide abundant amounts of vitamin E and contain a unique antioxidant called sesamin.

Nuts and seeds are best eaten raw or lightly toasted. Be careful not to over roast the nuts and seeds because this causes carcinogenic compounds called acrylamides, and reduces the amounts of minerals and amino acids they contain.
Eating nuts and seeds with leafy greens can enhance the body’s absorption of fat-soluble nutrients from the greens, so a blended salad dressing is an excellent way to enjoy your nuts and seeds:

Ginger Almond Dressing
Serves: 3
Preparation Time: 6 minutes
Ingredients

1/4 cup raw almond butter or 1/2 cup raw almonds1/4 cup unsweetened soy, hemp or almond milk1/4 cup water2 tablespoons tahini or unhulled sesame seeds3 dates, pitted2 small cloves garlic, chopped1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

Instructions
Blend all ingredients together in a high-powered blender until creamy. Add more water if a thinner dressing is desired.

P.S. From Alicia–

I love eating nuts—seriously, once they’re out, it’s hard to stop eating them. I’m just like my mom in that department! That said, I try to use them as meal “enhancers” rather than the main attraction. So instead of eating them by the handful—and I do love those handfuls—it’s better to have them sprinkled on salads, grains, and desserts. They add so much flavor and crunchy goodness. I make sure to lightly toast them first because it brings out their delicious, rich nuttiness and also makes their fat more digestible. When I do that instead of eating them raw, I find my skin less prone to breaking out.

Dr. Fuhrman is a best-selling author, nutritional researcher and board certified family physician specializing in nutritionalmedicine. Learn more by visiting his informative website at DrFuhrman.com and his blog at Diseaseproof.com, and following Dr. Fuhrman on Facebook and Twitter. And check out his previous posts on The Kind Life:
Preventing Osteoporosis with Excellent Nutrition
Incredible Cruciferous Veggies!

Photo by Raspopova Marina on Unsplash

Vegan Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Kind lifer Tony submitted this yum-looking recipe for vegan fudge. It looks easy and delicious! And dangerous.

Vegan Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients  – 20 servings
6 tablespoons vegan margarine
3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup sifted cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup soy milk (or rice/almond)

Instructions
Lightly grease a 5×9-inch loaf pan using a little of the margarine (or an ultra-thin candy mold plastic tray best). Place the remaining margarine, sugar, cocoa, vanilla and soymilk in a heatproof mixing bowl or the upper part of a double boiler (We hold a small pot in a large pot of water). Place the bowl or boiler over simmering water and keep stirring until smooth.

Pour the mixture quickly into the prepared pan. Chill thoroughly and cut into squares. After pouring into tray, use spoon to scrape the pot for a delicious warm spoonful of unhardened fudge!!
 

Photo Frédéric Dupont via Unsplash