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Spinach Artichoke Hummus

Skinny Spinach Artichoke Hummus Recipe for Weight Loss

This dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan dip is a healthy twist on two classic favorites: hummus and spinach artichoke dip. What you get is a delicious Spinach Artichoke Hummus recipe...and it's super quick and easy to make!  Skinny Spinach Artichoke Hummus Ingredients: 20 oz. or about 2 cans garbanzo beans 17 oz. or about 2 cans artichoke hearts 3 cups packed baby spinach ¼ cup lemon juice ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil salt & pepper to taste Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and puree until desired consistency. To keep this a "skinny hummus", serve alongside fresh vegetable sticks, kale chips, dehydrated vegetables, gluten-free crackers… whatever healthy options you prefer!

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Raw Generation Juice Club Webinar - Navigating Plant-Based vs. Meat-Based Diets

Raw Generation Juice Club Webinar - Navigating Plant-Based vs. Meat-Based Diets

In our latest Raw Generation Juice Club Webinar, Lisa Testa, M.S., Holistic Nutritionist, guided us through a nuanced discussion of plant-based versus meat-based diets. While Raw Generation is a plant-based company, Lisa shared a balanced view of both diet styles, breaking down the pros and cons. Whether you're a long-time plant-based eater or someone who incorporates meat, this webinar offered valuable insights into making healthier choices. Here are the key takeaways: 1. The Benefits (and Pitfalls) of Plant-Based Diets Lisa began by discussing the growing popularity of plant-based eating. While incorporating more fruits and vegetables is undeniably beneficial for your health, not all plant-based products are created equal. Many processed plant-based options, like almond milk or fake meats, contain chemicals, preservatives, and unhealthy oils. "Real plant-based food means eating actual plants—not processed substitutes," Lisa emphasized. She advised sticking to whole, real foods rather than over-processed plant-based alternatives. For those opting for plant-based products, it's crucial to choose clean versions with minimal ingredients. Lisa highlighted brands like Elmhurst for almond milk, which only contains almonds and water, compared to more common brands that are loaded with unnecessary additives. 2. Is Meat the Enemy? Not Always! Lisa also spoke about the benefits of incorporating high-quality animal products, noting that not all meats are harmful. The key is to choose grass-fed, organic, and pastured meats. When consumed in moderation, these meats can be nutrient-rich and part of a healthy diet. "You can thrive on a balanced diet that includes some high-quality animal proteins, as long as you make thoughtful, informed choices," Lisa noted. She encouraged participants to focus on grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and pastured eggs if they choose to eat animal products. 3. Avoid the Health Food Traps Beware of seemingly healthy options like yogurt, egg whites, and skim milk. Lisa shared that these "diet foods" are often highly processed and stripped of nutrients. For example, egg yolks—once vilified for cholesterol—are actually full of essential nutrients, while the whites alone lack the same benefits. Similarly, whole milk is often a better choice than skim, which can be full of fillers and chemicals. 4. Eating for Weight Management and Hormone Balance Lisa reiterated her proven strategy for weight management: eat light to heavy throughout the day. This means starting with hydrating, light meals in the morning (like fruit, juice, or smoothies) and saving fats and proteins for dinner. This method may support digestion and help reduce bloating, supporting both weight management and hormone balance. 5. Q&A Highlights The webinar concluded with a lively Q&A session where Lisa answered various questions. One participant, Stacy, asked about craving heavier foods like nut butters and dairy, to which Lisa responded that these cravings are often the body's way of signaling a need for healthy fats, especially during hormone shifts like perimenopause. Lisa also addressed a question about the sugar content in Raw Generation juices, clarifying that the natural sugars in unpasteurized juices are entirely different from refined sugars and are packed with nutrients that support energy and wellness. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new dietary program.

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Webinar - Lisa's Health Journey & Her Healthy Eating Principles

Webinar - Lisa's Health Journey & Her Healthy Eating Principles

In this session, Lisa shared her personal health journey, how she became involved with Raw Generation, and introduced key healthy eating principles. The focus was on incorporating raw foods into your diet, understanding how to read labels, and addressing common misconceptions about fruits, carbs, and fats. She also provided detailed insights on managing bloating, digestive health, and supporting weight management goals. 1. How to Read Food Labels Lisa emphasized that most people focus on calories, grams of sugar, or protein but should be looking at ingredients instead. The key is to avoid: ·       Refined sugars: Look out for ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, or maltodextrin. ·       Refined flours: Avoid products labeled as "enriched" or containing processed wheat. ·       Hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, and natural flavors (which can include hundreds of synthetic chemicals under the umbrella term). When looking for healthier options, prioritize products with whole, recognizable ingredients and fewer additives. 2. Myths About Fruits and Weight Gain A major focus was on dispelling the myth that fruit sugar is harmful or contributes to weight gain: ·       Fruit sugar (fructose) is not the same as refined sugar found in processed foods. ·       Our bodies are designed to thrive on natural sugars from fruits, which offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Lisa also reassured participants that fruits should be a staple in a healthy diet, particularly for those seeking to improve energy levels and support their weight management goals. 3. Combining Foods for Better Digestion Lisa introduced the concept of food combining for better digestion and less bloating: ·       In my experience, fruit and fat are best eaten separately for optimal digestion (e.g., avoid fruit and yogurt or fruit and nuts in the same meal). ·       Light to heavy eating: Start your day with lighter foods like juices, smoothies, or fruits, and save heavier, fattier meals for later in the day. ·       Heavy foods like fats (avocados, nuts, seeds) and proteins (eggs, meats) should be consumed once daily, ideally in the evening or as your final meal. 4. Juicing and Raw Foods for Health Juicing is a significant part of Raw Generation's philosophy. Lisa stressed the importance of consuming raw, unprocessed foods to support your health: ·       Juices and smoothies can provide the nutrients your body needs when whole foods are harder to digest. ·       Enzymes in raw foods may help the body digest more efficiently and support better metabolism and digestion. 5. Managing Bloating Bloating is often caused by improper food combinations and slow digestion. Lisa suggested: ·       Avoid mixing fruits with fats (e.g., apples with peanut butter, or avocado in smoothies). ·       Start the day with water-rich foods like fruit and avoid fats and proteins until later in the day. 6. Weight Management Tips Weight management isn't just about calorie restriction: ·       Eat plenty of fresh, whole foods without counting calories or portion control. ·       Focus on high carbohydrate intake from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. ·       Consider avoiding processed foods and heavy fats early in the day. 7. Addressing Specific Dietary Concerns Participants asked about various health concerns: ·       Plant-based meats: Lisa advised avoiding most processed plant-based meats due to the poor quality of ingredients, including fillers and refined oils. Instead, she suggested clean whole-food options like organic tofu or minimally processed alternatives. ·       Lactose intolerance: Dairy, particularly processed dairy, is not ideal for digestion and can cause bloating and other issues. Raw milk and raw cheeses can be better alternatives for those who tolerate them well, but reducing dairy altogether is often beneficial. 8. Holiday Eating Tips Lisa reassured participants that they can still enjoy holiday treats without derailing their progress: ·       Focus on 80/20 balance: Eat clean 80% of the time, but allow indulgences 20% of the time for events, holidays, and special occasions. ·       The key is to maintain a healthy baseline diet and treat indulgent foods as occasional rather than habitual. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new dietary program.

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How Often Should You Cleanse?

How Often Should You Cleanse?

As a holistic nutritionist, I am a big proponent of cleansing and supporting your body's natural renewal processes on a regular basis. A gentle reset through cleansing is an ideal tool for overall wellness and may help in several areas: Weight management Energy levels Gut health and digestion Skin health Immune support Sleep quality Why You Should Cleanse Regularly Cleansing helps you make a clean break from unhealthy foods and poor eating habits, and allows you to start fresh with a healthy diet. Juice cleansing specifically floods your body with raw nutrients from cold-pressed juice while giving your digestive system a break and supporting your body's natural processes. When you are accustomed to eating processed foods, your tastebuds can lose appreciation for the natural flavors of whole foods like fruits and vegetables. This break from refined sugars and other additives cleanses your palate, which may make healthier eating easier going forward. How Often Can I Cleanse? Here is the beautiful thing about juice or smoothie cleansing: You can really cleanse as often as feels right for you. You are not starving your body, nor are you doing a harsh program. You are filling it with the nutrients it needs to function optimally. Some people choose to cleanse once each season. Others do it once a month or once a year. Still others cleanse one day of every week as a reset. It truly can be customized to what you feel your body needs. Also, cleansing does NOT need to be low calorie. There is no reason to worry about feeling hungry, as we always give you options for cleanse-approved foods. We always recommend that you check with a healthcare provider before trying a new cleanse regimen, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. Cleansing for Overall Health and Wellness We live in a world where our bodies are exposed to various environmental factors daily. Regular resets through juice cleansing can be a supportive practice for overall wellness. If you're looking for a simple, effective way to reset your eating habits, a cleanse can be a great starting point. Reconnect with how real food makes you feel, establish healthier habits, and nourish your body at the cellular level. Whether you're looking to start a new healthy routine, want to recover from an indulgent season, or simply want to feel your best and put your health first, a nutritionist-designed juice cleanse offers you the jumpstart you need to support lasting changes. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new dietary program, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a medical condition.

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