Category: Latest Articles

by Caitlin H,

Apr 1, 2024

There’s something special about enjoying brightly colored food that looks just as pretty as the flowers, fruits, and veggies that sprout in spring.

Take advantage of this bountiful season by creating one of our 8 favorite spring side dishes — delicious items like roasted carrots, avocado deviled eggs, pasta salad, and more — all of which you can bring to any upcoming event to leave your guests feeling satisfied and asking for more.
 

1) Strawberry Spinach Salad

Serves: 6-8
Calories: ~300

Color meets taste in this citrusy blend of spinach, berries, pecans, goat cheese, and tangy lemon poppyseed dressing. It’s the perfect dish for your Easter brunch or evening potluck, sure to have everyone asking for the recipe.

Recipe courtesy The Pioneer Woman

 

2) Creamy Cheesy Baked Asparagus

Serves: 6
Calories: 223

Your first warm-weather barbecue needs something extra special to wow friends and neighbors. Enter Creamy Cheesy Baked Asparagus, a delicious recipe made up of crunchy asparagus topped with creamy white sauce and aged cheddar cheese. Guests can take or leave as much of the sauce as they’d like, and you can substitute many of the ingredients to meet dietary restrictions — a dish for anyone and everyone.

Recipe courtesy Seasons & Suppers

 

3) Garlic and Herb Roasted Carrots

Serves: 4
Calories: 36
Carrots are the star in this flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that will steal the sideshow, whether you’re at a neighborhood potluck or preparing something to accompany the main at dinner. All you need are carrots, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to prepare this bright, spring-themed dish everyone will enjoy.

Recipe courtesy Ahead of Thyme

 

4) Avocado Deviled Eggs

Serves: 3
Calories: 275

Deviled eggs are a common go-to for spring potlucks or Easter events. This year, take them to the next level with a green twist by substituting the mayo with guacamole — a healthier creamy base that tastes just as good (if not better!) than the original. We can pretty much guarantee an empty dish within 30 minutes of setting them out.

Recipe courtesy Downshiftology

 

5) Twice-Baked Chipotle Sweet Potatoes

Serves: 4
Calories: ~140

Sweet potatoes may be naturally sugary, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good for you! Sweet potatoes are packed with beta carotene, which supports gut health and your immune system. Elevate your usual baked sweet potato recipe with this take, which leverages chipotle peppers to add a bit of a kick. People are going to love it.

Recipe courtesy How to Eat

 

6) Cilantro Lime Rice

Serves: 6
Calories: 287

Nothing screams spring quite like a brightly colored dish with white rice and green cilantro. You can easily prep this tangy recipe in an instant pot or on the stove, and it’s just the thing to pair with a light chicken breast or as the base for homemade burrito bowls. It can work for an event or as a nice spring-themed side for a family dinner.

Recipe courtesy Tara Teaspoon

 

7) Spring Pasta Salad

Serves: 6
Calories: 270

This spring-inspired pasta salad is laden with fresh, seasonal vegetables like asparagus and mushrooms, and topped with a tangy lemon parsley dressing. It’s easy to make, and you can serve it at room temperature or chilled.

Recipe courtesy Feasting at Home

 

8) Gaby’s Cucumber Salad

Serves: 4
Calories: 185

Some people have described this particular spring side as “addictive.” And who can blame them? Its combination of crisp cucumber, velvety avocado, and tart balsamic dressing makes it a sure hit among those who try it.

Recipe courtesy Cookie and Kate

 

  

 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

Chocolate Zucchini Muffin Recipe

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When I recently noticed my skin looking dull and feeling dry, I knew it was time to shake up my skin care routine. Working as the Digital Content Writer at Eminence Organic Skin Care, I have the unique advantage of trying out our latest products. So, when I was gifted the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil, I eagerly decided to put it to the test.

Why I Tried the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil

After a particularly harsh winter and the rapidly shifting weather through spring and summer, my skin was craving something extra. The cold weather has a tendency to leave it dry, dull and with more noticeable fine lines around my eyes and mouth. At the same time, the inconsistent weather of the warmer months causes my skin to flip between dry and a bit of excess grease. 

With my skin going through so much, I needed something to rejuvenate my skin, and the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil seemed perfect. Its blend of vitamins C and E promised deep hydration and protection. Vitamin C is known for its brightening properties and wrinkle-minimization benefits, while vitamin E is valued for its antioxidant properties. Rosehip oil is famous for its moisturizing properties and ability to improve skin texture, which made it even more appealing for me.

After scouring this ingredient list, I decided that this oil sounded like exactly what I needed. Plus, the oil has received several awards, such as Best Face Oil at the 2024 Dermascope Aestheticians’ Choice Awards and Best Facial Oil at the Best Product Awards by LNE & Spa’s in 2019. 

First Impressions

From the moment I unboxed the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil, I was impressed by its luxurious packaging. The brown bottle felt sturdy and high-quality, designed to protect the serum’s integrity by shielding it from light exposure, which can degrade the potency of the active ingredients. The dropper applicator ensured precise usage, preventing wastage and allowing for easy application.

As I applied a few drops of the oil to my face, I was pleasantly surprised by its light, non-greasy texture, which absorbed quickly into my skin without leaving any residue. The subtle, natural fragrance, derived from botanical ingredients, added to the overall pleasant experience, making each application feel like a mini spa session at home.

Integrating It into My Skin Care Routine

The directions for use advise applying the oil twice daily — morning and night — for optimal results. In the mornings, after cleansing my face with the Firm Skin Acai Cleanser, I applied the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil. It absorbed quickly, leaving my skin feeling soft and plumped for the day. I followed it up with my usual moisturizer and sunscreen.

In the evenings, I followed a similar skin care routine, ensuring my skin was thoroughly cleansed before applying the oil. I loved how it felt soothing and hydrating, providing my skin with the nourishment it needed to recover overnight.

The Results Over Time

After a few weeks of consistent use, I started noticing significant improvements. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits I experienced:

Increased Hydration: My skin felt consistently hydrated throughout the day, eliminating the dryness I usually experience.
Smoother Fine Lines: The fine lines around my eyes and mouth appeared less noticeable, giving my skin a smoother look.
Even Skin Tone: I noticed a more even-looking complexion with reduced redness.
Healthy-Looking Glow: Since the dry texture was clearing up, my skin developed a healthy, radiant-looking glow, making it look rejuvenated and fresh.

Key Ingredients that Made a Difference

The effectiveness of the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil lies in its potent ingredients:

Rosehip Oil: Rich in Vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, it improves moisture, tone and texture
Jojoba Oil: Soothes the look of dry skin
Seabuckthorn Oil: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids, it promotes hydration and the look of elasticity
Rosemary Leaf Extract: Smooths the look of the skin
Milk Thistle: Maintains hydration and prevents the look of of the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles

Final Thoughts

The Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil is very complementary to my dry skin and I could feel and see its effectiveness in providing hydration. The high-quality packaging, high-quality ingredients and its effectiveness made using it a satisfying experience for me. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, fine lines or uneven skin tone, this facial oil is a fantastic addition to any skin care regimen.

Have you tried the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Share your thoughts and let’s connect on social media to discuss more about this product.

by Caitlin H,

Apr 8, 2024

Many of us set out on a weight loss journey with all the passion, commitment, and dedication we need to succeed.

And for a while, we’re doing it — sticking to our plans and celebrating as we achieve one milestone after another. The days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, and we get comfortable in our new healthy living routine. It becomes second nature.

But then that day comes — and it very likely will come — where we inevitably fall off the wagon and relapse into old poor eating habits, forgo our fitness classes, and just, kind of, give up.

It happens — even to the best of us. Many external life factors can trigger a fall-off, and sometimes, it’s out of our control. Here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to end your healthy new lifestyle and goals completely.

We compiled a list of seven strategies to bounce back from that diet derail and find a renewed sense of purpose as you seek to achieve your goals.
 

1) Be kind to yourself.

If you take away nothing else from this article, take away this: Practicing self-compassion is critical to dusting yourself off and moving forward. Recognize the feelings of failure and guilt, acknowledge them, and then forgive yourself. You are not a loser. You are not a bad person. You made a choice, and now you can make a different choice — it’s as simple as that.
 

2) Identify what triggered the relapse.

People who succeed most in their endeavors are always looking for ways to improve. They’re constantly learning and adjusting accordingly. That’s why taking the time to identify what external factors triggered your diet derail is critical to moving forward. Did you have a challenging life event? Did you drink too much at a party, lowering your inhibitions? Perhaps you traveled or met someone new who influenced your decisions. Whatever it was, write it down and think of ways to reapproach it in the future so it doesn’t derail you again.
 

3) Don’t punish yourself.

Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight. You likely took one small step at a time, changing things along the way, until you got where you wanted to be. Don’t suddenly start exercising extra hard or severely restricting your caloric intake to atone for a few bad decisions. Even if you do lose weight initially doing this,* you’re creating unsustainable behaviors that you are very unlikely to stick with long-term. And it can do way more damage than good in the long run.
 

4) Commit to picking up where you left off the next day.

Every successful healthy journey takes time to build. Whether your diet derail lasted a day, a week, or even a month, the key is to commit to going back to exactly where you left off the next day — and then doing it. For example, if your healthy lifestyle involves eating a protein-filled breakfast, exercising five days a week, and allowing yourself one binge day, that’s precisely where you should restart.
 

5) Remember what motivated you to begin in the first place.

If you’ve been working hard to create a healthy lifestyle for quite some time, there’s a chance you may not remember why you even started. Think back to before you began on this journey. Write about it. Meditate on it. Reflect. Regaining sight of the beginning can make it a whole lot easier to kick your butt into gear again following a downfall.
 

6) Keep it moving.

A lack of motivation can be one of the most challenging things to overcome when it comes to a healthy eating derailment. One way to combat this is to continue exercising each week. Whether you go on a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or are a full-on, six-days-a-week gym person, maintaining your exercise regime is one of the best things you can do to get your diet back on track, too.
 

7) Look for little tweaks you can make to your routine.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as feeling bored that can cause you to slump. Just like you started off taking one small step at a time to get where you wanted to be, look for ways to make small changes to your healthy living routine to alleviate some of that boredom. Try a few new recipes. Change up your cheat day. Sign up for a new fitness class. There are so many approaches to take — all you need to do is take the steps to do one.
 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

Zucchini Breakfast Cookies

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by Caitlin H,

Apr 15, 2024

If you’re looking for a fun fitness form that engages your entire body — and your mind! — look no further than dancing.

Dancing is one of the best heart-pumping ways to torch calories while simultaneously improving muscle tone, strength, balance, core strength, and joint health. Plus, your mind stays engaged and sharp as it learns choreography and keeps pace with the steps.

What’s more: This well-rounded, full-body workout is actually fun! Time flies as you whirl around and step to the beats, ensuring you’re not staring at the clock and watching the minutes tick by until the workout ends.

Ready to give it a shot? We put together a list of seven of the best 20-minute (or less) dance workouts — exciting forms you can try to torch some calories without even thinking about it!

80s Hits Dance Fitness Workout
The Studio by Jamie Kinkeade
 

Say what you want about the 80s, but one thing’s certain: they really knew how to get your heart pumping with their music. This fun dance workout plays some of the best songs from that era and leverages light steps and fist pumps to get your heart going (and going strong!) for a 20-minute workout that will fly by.

Taylor Swift Dance Party
MadFit
 

This one’s for all the Swifties out there. Combine your love of America’s favorite pop star with some beginner-level, full-body cardio dance movements for 15 minutes of smiling and sweating.

2000s Dance Workout
Growwithjo
 

Jo knows how to host a cardio dance video, and this proves it. You don’t need any equipment and only 15 minutes to get your groove on. Jo also ensures beginners can modify steps until they learn them — all along the beats of stars like Usher, Sean Paul, Missy Elliot, and Rihanna.

80s Dance Party Workout
MadFit
 

Head back to the 80s by getting your sweat on with this cardio routine featuring music from Madonna, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and more. Reviewers love it, and many have even found themselves adding more minutes of dance because of how much fun it is!

Savage Fun Dance Workout
Megan Thee Stallion and 8 Fitness
 

This particular YouTube dance video graces many lists rounding up the best dance workout videos — and for good reason! Reviewers love this video because it’s focused on actual choreography and movement and is led by the engaging personality of Megan Thee Stallion. It’s one most people find themselves returning to again and again.

Full-Body Disney HIIT Workout
That Disney Girl
 

Bring back your childhood with this dance fitness video from creator Emily Thorne that pumps your heart to some of your favorite Disney classics. One reviewer says she “never smiled or had more fun doing a workout.”

Boy Band HH
Emkfit
 

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NSync, The Backstreet Boys, One Direction, and The Jonas Brothers all grace this video’s soundtrack — and boy, is it something. Certified PT Emily is committed to making working out less awful and more fun, and her heart-pumping, calorie-torching boy band workout video here proves it!

 

 

 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

45 Meal Prep Ideas + Recipes

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I’m really into acids right now. I’ve always liked gentle exfoliation, both chemical and physical, and I’m really embracing mild acids these days. After a deep dive into azelaic acid left my skin looking clean, refreshed and glowy, I’m now trying other acids to improve things even more. Next on my list: mandelic acid. It’s been in my routine for four weeks now and I’m already seeing results! Read on to find out why I’m a fan of this gentle yet effective ingredient.

Why I’m Testing Out Mandelic Acid

I’m an employee of Eminence Organic Skin Care, which means I am able to test all of our products. Since I’m deep in my acid era, I searched the ingredients lists and found mandelic acid in the Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel, a results-oriented, deep cleansing peel that is applied to the skin with dual-textured cotton rounds. As well as mandelic acid, this liquid solution contains licorice root, which promotes skin elasticity and brightens the look of the skin. It also contains baobab, an antioxidant-rich fruit, and clary sage oil, which is known for its ability to balance the look of oily skin. It also contains my other new BFF, azelaic acid, which helps to reduce the appearance of redness and pore size, leaving the skin looking smooth and revitalized. 

Before I share the results of using mandelic acid in my skin care routine, here’s a refresher on what this acid can contribute to your skin care routine.

What Is Mandelic Acid? Acids In Skin Care

A quick refresher about acids. They have been a skin care staple for decades and continue to be a popular option. They are potent but can be quite gentle, which is what makes them a good addition to a routine for many types of skin. 

There are many options depending on your needs, PHAs, BHAs and AHAs. As well as helping to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles, acids are also known to help improve the look of scarring, even out skin tone and allow the rest of your skin care products to penetrate better for maximum results in your routine. 

Mandelic acid is a type of gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) found in nature as an extract of bitter almonds. AHAs are chemical exfoliants known to help loosen the top layer of older skin cells and improve the skin’s overall appearance by reducing the visible signs of aging. Some other characteristics of AHAs: they’re water-soluble, target dullness, dehydration and leave skin with a smoother-looking texture and smaller-looking pores. Some AHAs are more intense (hello glycolic acid), which is mostly due to their molecule size. The smaller the molecule, the more deeply it penetrates the outer layer of skin. Mandelic acid is larger in molecular size, which means it doesn’t penetrate as deeply as some other acids, so it’s more easily tolerated by sensitive skin types. In other words, it’s typically less irritating, which is what makes it ideal for even those with sensitive skin. Since signs of aging, uneven skin tone and dehydration are all issues I deal with, mandelic acid seemed like the next logical step in my journey.  

The Benefits Of Mandelic Acid

Gentle On All Skin Types

As mentioned, mandelic acid is gentler compared to other AHAs, so it’s tolerated by even the most sensitive skin. According to Healthline, mandelic acid accelerates cell turnover and functions as a powerful exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. This leads to a brighter look for the skin without causing irritation.         

Reduces The Appearance Of Fine Lines And Wrinkles

AHAs like mandelic acid seep into the skin to break cell bonds and eliminate damaged and older skin cells, bringing fresh, firmer-looking cells to the surface. In the process of chemical exfoliation, mandelic skin helps to slough off the damaged and older cells, pushing the “baby” skin cells to the surface, which makes the skin appear firmer, plumper and more elastic, while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and making the skin appear smooth.

Improves The Look Of Dark Spots

The cell turnover induced by mandelic acids may also help decrease the look of dark spots on the skin, whether caused from sun damage and acne scars. Yet another example of out with the old (dead skin) and in with the new. 

Manages Acne-Prone Skin

Because of its ability to work itself into pores and penetrate better (and slower) than some other acids, mandelic is a great option for acne and clogged pores for those with sensitive skin. Unlike the harsher options that can cause irritation, the gentle-yet-powerful exfoliation that mandelic acid provides is a game-changer to get past the “glue” that keeps dead skin stuck and deep into the clogged pores, clearing them out and leaving your complexion looking fresh, clean and clear. 

How I Added Mandelic Acid To My Routine

As a new addition to my nightly skin care routine, I started using Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel three times a week as the second step after cleansing my skin with the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser. I dispense two pumps of the clear liquid onto the textured cotton pads and apply it all over my face, neck and chest (the area most sun-damaged from my early years). I let it dry and that’s it. On these nights, I skip my Facial Recovery Oil, which I use the other four nights of the week as the last step before bed. 

Four weeks in, I’m really liking what I see. Not only does my skin tone look more even, especially those dark sun spots on my chest, my skin feels moisturized and refreshed, which is not always the case with an exfoliator. I’ve definitely had dryness with harsher exfoliators in the past, but not so much as a flake with this gentle one. I want to say I see a slight reduction in my fine lines too, but maybe that’s just wishful thinking. It’s definitely noticeable enough to make me continue with this new routine for a while to see if it continues. 

A happy customer named Lauri B. left an online review calling the peel a “game changer” and sharing similar results: “I am a huge fan of the Bright Skin collection, which has helped significantly fade [the look of] sun and age spots …  I found my skin tone to be more even, radiant and brighter. I also noticed that my pores appear smaller and my skin looks more refined. Highly recommend if you are looking to give your brightening routine an added boost.” 

One thing to point out is that because it’s an AHA, there’s always the risk of photosensitivity. While it’s low with this gentle acid, you cannot forget to wear sunscreen every day. But you knew that! My fave these days is the Daily Defense Tinted SPF because it’s lightweight and gives me a natural finish and just a touch of color. It’s also an all-mineral formula and is enriched with antioxidants and blue-light protection. What’s not to love?

I’m really impressed with this new acid and happy with the results so far. I’m looking forward to what another few months of using it will do!

Are you interested in adding mandelic acid into your routine? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner to find out which products are right for you.

by Caitlin H,

Apr 22, 2024

One of the biggest struggle areas many of us have is undoubtedly around our bellies. Belly fat often seems to be the quickest to burgeon and slowest to go away.

Unfortunately, studies show belly fat increases the risk of things like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It also can be uncomfortable and make finding clothes that fit challenging.

Thankfully, there is good news for those of us who want to target this problematic area — and the solution may lie in boosting your soluble fiber intake.
 

What is Soluble Fiber?

Soluble fiber is a carbohydrate that can slow down how fast your stomach releases digested food into your gut when it mixes with water. It’s a bit different than its counterpart, insoluble fiber, which helps our bodies form stools.

What are the Benefits of Eating It?

Several studies explore the benefits of increasing how much soluble fiber you consume. In one 2012 study, researchers found that participants who increased their soluble fiber intake by 10 grams had a 3.7% lower risk of gaining belly fat.

Another 2012 study found that higher insoluble fiber consumption meant lower belly fat and inflammation. Still, another 2009 study concluded that participants who reduced their fiber intake had a higher risk of gaining belly fat.

People who eat soluble fiber also have a higher number and diversity of good bacteria living in their guts. These bacteria assist with vital physiological processes like creating vitamins and processing waste. A 2016 study found a link between gut bacteria variety and lower belly fat, and several others found the same link with better health outcomes in life.

What’s more, soluble fiber is a potent appetite suppressant. That may help you reduce the number of calories you eat, which in turn can help with weight loss.

What Foods are Good Sources of Soluble Fiber?

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture recommends men consume 30-38 grams of fiber per day, and that women should aim for 21-25 grams daily.

Experts recommend people who don’t currently eat high levels of soluble fiber increase their daily intake gradually to avoid unpleasant side effects like bloating, diarrhea, and stomach aches.

Foods with high levels of soluble fiber include: 

Apricots

Oranges

Apples

Pears

Oatmeal

Legumes

Brussels sprouts

Broccoli

Sweet potatoes

Flaxseeds

Hazelnuts

Sunflower seeds

Barley

Carrots

Beans

Peas

Avocados

Turnips

Figs

 

    Can You Take Supplements to Boost Soluble Your Fiber Intake?
    

While it’s best to get soluble fiber by eating the foods that have them, it is possible to use supplements, too.

Soluble fiber supplements come in various types, with the most popular being:

Inulin

Psyllium husk

Glucomannan

  
Some studies have looked at how each of these supplements impacted belly fat and found 👍  

Inulin: A 2015 study found that people at risk for type 2 diabetes who took inulin rather than cellulose (insoluble fiber) lost significantly more belly fat and weight.

Psyllium husk: A 2012 study found a belly fat reduction in teenage boys who took this supplement.

Glucomannan: A 2012 study found that men taking this supplement saw a reduction in belly fat.

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Ultimately, incorporating more insoluble fiber into your diet can go a long way toward helping you reach your goals and may reduce your belly fat. Consider talking to your doctor or a nutritionist to create a plan for gradually adding foods rich in insoluble fiber into your meal plan.
 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

Banh Mi Slow Cooker Rice Bowls

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