Temptations are all around us, and the temptation of sweets always seems to be the worst when you are working towards a goal of eating healthy. But completely eliminating the “sweets” food group is not necessarily good for your diet either.
With that being said, there are sweets you can make at home. This way you know exactly what is in what you’re eating. And, you can make sure it’s a healthy sweet temptation.
Try making these tasty peppermint patties:
Ingredients:
1 ½ cup organic coconut oil
¼ cup raw honey
3 drops peppermint essential oil
1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 candy cane, crushed
This is a very common and great beauty question and the answer might just surprise you.
Ideally you should shampoo your every other day, or less often if possible. Unless you are very active and perspiring daily, your hair should be able to last a couple days without shampooing it.
How do you know what’s best for you? Test it out. When you wake up in the morning, spray my Beautiful Hair Spray Conditioner on your hair, brush through and examine how your hair looks. If your roots are a little oily, use dry shampoo to soak up some of the oil.
Your hair isn’t made to be cleaned daily. So go and test out how your hair lasts.
If you continue to stay tuned to my beauty tips you’ll better understand what is right for you and what tips I have to keep your hair looking its best. This includes sleeping on the right pillowcase and using the right products.
For additional beauty tips please click hereor follow me on:
Lets ring in 2014 with a homemade super food recipe, peanut butter! This powerful protein fills you up and helps fight off those tempting cravings. It is packed full of nutrients like vitamin E, potassium, and vitamin B6. And, most importantly, peanut butter has fats, but heart healthy monounsaturated fats.
To make this tasty treat at home combine the following and mix together using your Vitamix:
2 cups lightly salted peanuts
2 Tbsp organic cane sugar
Thank you Marisa for this great recipe! For more information on Marisa and great recipes, visit her blog! You can find more healthy recipes on my health and wellness sectionhere.
Marisa Dicenso-Pelser– Marisa is one of the Founders and Head Trainers forPure Health and Fitness. Marisa is a Raw Foods Chef, Personal Trainer, and Nationally Qualified Figure Competitor. Along with her husband, Pieter, they are spreading the word of the importance of plant-based raw foodnutrition as well as fitness throughout Northeast Ohio.
You know that feeling, the little voice that says “Well, I can just eat one more cookie, it IS the holidays.” We have all been there. The holiday season can be a challenge when it comes to managing your healthy eating habits. But I want to help. Here are a few simple steps to help you cut down from overindulging this holiday season.
1. Focus on the people – not the food.
The holidays are meant to spend time with friends and family. So do that, talk among those you are with, you’re not there for the food.
2. Make the occasional exception – not the rule.
One day of splurging on holiday food is ok. Just make sure to get back to your normal routine the next day and get through the New Year.
3. Host the party.
You can ensure there are healthy choices when you host. If you are going to someone else’s house, offer to bring food.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I know it’s easy to overindulge on sweets. Marisa Dicenso-Pelser, founder and trainer at Pure Health and Fitness, wants to help your craving for sweets by sharing her Pumpkin Ice Cream recipe.
Marisa-
This is my absolute favorite Thanksgiving treat! Rich and creamy yet nut free, which makes it a lower fat splurge. It is so easy with no ice cream maker required.
2 cups Butternut Squash (cooked or raw)
1/4 cup Coconut Butter
1/4 cup Maple Syrup
1/2 tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice or 1-1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp allspice
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Pinch Sea Salt
Water (to get blender moving)
Blend all the ingredients in a Vitamix or high-speed blender.
Pour mixture into a freezer friendly airtight container and freeze till firm.
Scoop out and garnish with pecans and enjoy!
Thank you Marisa for this great recipe! For more information on Marisa and great recipes, visit her blog! You can find more healthy recipes on my health and wellness section here.
Marisa Dicenso-Pelser– Marisa is one of the Founders and Head Trainers forPure Health and Fitness. Marisa is a Raw Foods Chef, Personal Trainer, and Nationally Qualified Figure Competitor. Along with her husband, Pieter, they are spreading the word of the importance of plant-based raw foodnutrition as well as fitness throughout Northeast Ohio.
Not so hot! One of the bad habits many of us continue to do when washing our hair, is using hot water. Although hot water may feel good on our body in the shower, it actually causes your hair cuticles to swell. When your cuticles swell, it creates an uneven surface, the result? Your hair looks dull. Instead, rinse your hair with cold or lukewarm water to close the cuticle and create an all over shine.
For an even more detailed look at how to wash your hair and/or your hair system check out my Maintenance Video by clicking here!
And for additional beauty tips please click hereor follow me on:
Living a healthy life begins with eating the right vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Marisa Dicenso-Pelser, founder and trainer at Pure Health and Fitness, believes in the benefits of peppermint, even in a tasty treat! She also shared one of her favorite recipes with us that allows you to achieve the benefits from this natural essential oil!
Marisa-
Peppermint oil comprises vitamins A (great for a healthy scalp) and C, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals including potassium, manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, and copper.
There are numerous ways to use peppermint for health:
Add a few drops to water to ease indigestion
Diffuse it in the air or rub it on your chest for healthy respiratory function and clear breathing
Rub it on your neck for neck tension or a small dab on your temples to help relieve pressure and boost energy
Apply it topically or in your bath tub for muscle aches or discomfort
Eat it! check out this recipe below…
Peppermint Brownies
3 cups Walnuts (unsoaked)
1 cup Dates (unsoaked, pitted)
½ cup Cocoa Powder
½ tsp Vanilla Extract
2 tsp. Water (for a moister brownie)
8-10 drops of Peppermint essential oil
pinch of Sea Salt
Put all ingredients in a food processor and mix until dough like texture.
Spread in a square pan.
Note: If you want a nut brownie, only make the mix with 1 cup of walnuts. Then take the 1/2 cup and chop in pieces and add it by hand to the blended mixture before you spread it out in the pan.
Thank you Marisa for this great recipe! For more information on Marisa and great recipes, visit her blog! Check out my store here, to purchase the peppermint oil for your treat.
Marisa Dicenso-Pelser– Marisa is one of the Founders and Head Trainers forPure Health and Fitness. Marisa is a Raw Foods Chef, Personal Trainer, and Nationally Qualified Figure Competitor. Along with her husband, Pieter, they are spreading the word of the importance of plant-based raw foodnutrition as well as fitness throughout Northeast Ohio.
Proper nutrition is important for the growth of hair follicles and healthy hair fiber. So, what’s in a healthy diet? Fruits, vegetables, and meats, containing natural vitamins, proteins and minerals. As part of a daily diet, these foods make hair strong and healthy.
A great east summertime treat is Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. Not only does it taste great, but has the added bonus for contributing to healthy hair and skin including protein, biotin, iron and zinc! Make some today and start enjoying the great benefits of beautiful hair and skin!
Marisa Dicenso-Pelser
Beauty begins within and so does good health. Here is my quick list to start your ABC’s and move toward a healthier you!