Alex Malinsky

While processed foods can be cheaper, they have negative long-term effects on our health. Spending a little extra on healthy eating can ensure you feel your best, so it's a worthwhile investment.

So it's about time that you look for alternatives to common foods. Keep reading for some excellent choices, so you can lead a happier and healthier life!

Processed Cereals

It's important to start off every day with a hearty breakfast. But many people reach for things like Frosted Flakes and Honey Nut Cheerios. They're full of sugar and don't have enough whole grains, which are essential for regulating cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

To start your day off right, you should opt for whole-grain oats, millet, or wheat berries.

Chips

Chips are easy to reach for when you hit that afternoon slump and need to refuel. Not to mention, they come in a wide variety of delicious flavors too.

However, this snack is deep-fried, making it high in empty calories. It also has a large amount of sodium, which can cause high blood pressure.

Instead of stocking up on chips, you should make oven-baked chickpeas. Not only can you control the amount of salt that goes in the snack, but you can also switch up the flavors to suit your palate.

You can also make a trail mix with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, peanuts, and cashews, as well as dried pieces of fruit for a little bit of natural sugar. These things will all help you get through the day.

Chocolate

Anyone with a sweet tooth will have a weakness for chocolate bars. But regular chocolate is high in sugar and saturated fat.

If you must have your chocolate, then swap milk for dark chocolate, which is healthier since it has significantly higher levels of antioxidants, as well as iron, zinc, and magnesium. You should also get high-quality raw and organic chocolate, which can help with heart health.

Pizza

Pizza has the potential to be healthy, but storebought ones never are. Not only are they greasy, but the toppings are usually very salty and high in calories.

It's best to make your own pizza at home, where you can top it with wholesome ingredients like fresh mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, red peppers, onions, and lean chicken. Use a whole-grain crust and low-fat cheeses too.

Switch From Common Foods to Healthier Alternatives

You may not realize it, but many common foods aren't fantastic for your health. But by learning and choosing alternative foods, you can switch to a healthy diet that's still tasty.

In fact, many of these foods can be more delicious than processed junk. So be proactive and put nutritious things on your grocery list. Your body will thank you.

If you're ready to make better food choices, then shop our selection now! We're a family-owned and operated business that specializes in organic ingredients and essentials.

The new year is just right around the corner. If you're wondering how to improve your life for the upcoming year, try switching to organic food. Organic food is prepared, produced, and processed without any chemicals. Because of this, organic food sales are growing—in fact, organic food sales reached over $57 billion last year.

There are many reasons to kick fertilizers, pesticides, and preservatives out of your diet. But many people are still unsure about the benefits of eating natural food. Here's why eating organic, healthy food is one of the best New Year's resolutions and is the most beneficial way to improve your diet.

Antioxidants

The chemicals found in produce react with natural antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables. Antioxidants are natural substances that prevent cell damage, reducing the risk of many diseases. When you choose organic food, you consume more vitamins and antioxidants, boosting your overall health.

Healthier Heart

If you're showing signs of heart disease, your doctor may have recommended you stay away from animal products like meat and dairy. That's because many forms of meat and dairy are high in cholesterol and saturated fat, especially when the animals are fed a predominantly grain-based diet instead of grass-fed. 

Eating a plant-based diet is a great way to reduce your heart disease risk. The secret lies in eating the right type of fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids which can be found in chia seeds. hemp seeds and flax seeds. Many plant foods contain high levels of antioxidants, such as berries, dark leafy greens,  and raw cacao - these antioxidants help protect the cardiovascular system and reduce free radical damage. 

Fewer Pesticides

Did you know non-organic fruit and vegetables are grown with pesticides? Conventional farmers use pesticides because they keep pests away from crops. However, they also contain dangerous chemicals, such as organophosphorus.

Pesticides in food are linked to numerous diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and different types of cancer. Organic food isn't grown with pesticides, and farmers use safer methods to keep pests away. These include releasing beneficial bugs, pheromone traps, and other organically-approved techniques.

Stronger Immune System

The modern food industry expedites produce and meat to feed the growing human population. This results in more meat, grains, and bigger fruits and vegetables. While growth hormones and GMOs have solved some of the world's food insecurity problems, these foods aren't healthy. GMOs can pose some risks, such as:

• Allergies
• Toxicity
• Immuno-suppression
• Antibiotic resistance
• Nutrition loss
• Cancer

There's a reason why eating organic is one of the best healthy New Year's resolutions—you can avoid these problems by switching up your diet. Organic produce also has higher vitamin and mineral content, strengthening your immune system even more.

Taste Better

Last but not least, organic food tastes better. Organic food takes longer to grow, so the sugar and mineral structures mature. This leads to tastier produce. You'll not only want to eat your fruits and vegetables, but your kids will also be excited to snack on organic food such as nut butter.

Eating Organic Is One of the Best New Year's Resolutions

Now that you know eating organic is one of the best New Year's resolutions, you're probably wondering where you can get organic food. We sell numerous organic products, such as probiotic/prebiotic powders and kid's snacks. Shop our organic food today!

The weather is cooling down, and many of us are ready to dive into fall. And while the season is beautiful, all the holidays can cause some stress. From figuring out kids’ Halloween costumes and cleaning for Thanksgiving to buying Christmas gifts, you may be feeling your blood pressure going up.

Practicing fall wellness can be a great way to care for yourself and your family this holiday season. Read on to discover some of our top fall wellness tips so you can enjoy all the beauty of this amazing season.

1. Wash Your Hands

While fall is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, it’s also the time when germs run rampant. Everything from the flu to the common cold to COVID-19 ramps up this time of year. One of the best way to keep your family well this fall season is to make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and often.

Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds. You can sing “Happy Birthday” twice in a row or the opening lines of “All-Star” by Smash Mouth to time this out. Don’t forget to scrub on the back of your hands and in between your fingers.

2. Get Fresh Air

There are few things more glorious than the weather during the fall. The air is crisp, the leaves are glorious, and every hour feels like golden hour. One of the best fun fall activities is to go spend some time in the glory that nature has to offer during this season.

Spending time in the sun can help to improve your vitamin D levels, alleviate depression, and boost your anxiety. And walking for half an hour five days a week can help you to lose weight if that’s your goal and help you stay healthy. Take advantage of the gorgeous weather this fall and go for a walk a few times a week.

3. Cook Nutritious Meals

Fall is also one of the best times of the year for fresh produce. During the early fall, you can still catch the ends of tomatoes, summer squash, and peppers. And once the weather starts cooling down, you get the winter squash, root vegetables, greens, and, of course, apples, pumpkins, and other fall fruits.

Take advantage of that gorgeous fresh produce to make nutritious meals for yourself and your family. Squash bisques, risottos, casseroles, and stews are fantastic options, and you can make excellent veggie side dishes for meaty mains. And, of course, baked apples and poached pears always make stunning additions to your fall diet plan.

Focus on Fall Wellness

Focusing on personal wellness can help you feel your best and give you the resources you need to have a great fall. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and often, and spend plenty of time enjoying the gorgeous weather. Take advantage of the wonderful produce this time of year to cook delicious meals for yourself and your family.

If you’d like to learn how to focus on fall wellness, check out the rest of our site at Windy City Organics. We even offer decadent treats like raw chocolate bars that will help you stay satisfied while sticking with a healthy lifestyle. We even have all the raw cacao ingredients that you need to create your own chocolate magic right at home, from cacao nibs, powder, butter, paste, and more. Shop our brands today and discover the organic goodness you need to make your fall better than ever.

Photo by Julia Zolotova from Pexels

We all know this to be true: drinking plenty of water is great for your health. While having an at-home water filter is definitely recommended, having one that can travel with you wherever life takes you is also incredibly handy, especially if you're looking to cut down on single-use plastic. This portable vessel will help keep you hydrated wherever you go. All you need to do is refill the bottle with fresh water whenever you get to a potable water source.

Reusable water filters, such as those from Big Berkey Water Filters, are quickly gaining popularity. They're not only economical but also incredibly convenient. Also, they reduce the environmental pollution caused by plastic bottles, a major environmental concern. 

Here are five essential benefits of reusable water filters:

Removes Contaminants

Water carries many harmful substances, and drinking contaminated water dilutes (pun intended) the health benefits that we can gain from drinking more water. Reusable water filters remove contaminants dissolved in water. These toxic substances may leak into water pipes during flooding seasons or when pipes experience mechanical damages.

Harmful contaminants found in water include heavy metals, such as lead, gold, and silver. Other chemicals include chlorine, organic compounds, pesticides, and inorganic fertilizers. Besides that, tap water might contain microbial organisms like viruses, fungi, and bacteria. You can filter out these substances with your portable water filters. The vessels are fitted with water purification systems, such as activated carbon filters, to remove unwanted and harmful substances. By drinking clean, purified water you help set a foundation for good health. 

Protects the Environment 

Reusable water filters have great environmental benefits. Single-use plastic bottles are wreaking havoc on the environment. They are among the biggest global pollutants, which are quickly filling up landfills. Regrettably, many disposable plastics make their way into bodies of water which harms the ecosystem and aquatic life.

Using a reusable water filter shows your concern for the environment. Having a refillable vessel eliminates the need for purchasing bottled water altogether. Think about the number of bottled waters you drink every day during summer. The figure can be astonishing. By using a reusable bottle, you reduce the number of plastic bottles going into landfills and the oceans. The positive change starts with each one of us. 

Cost Saving

The bottled water industry has been growing strong over the past few decades. Projections indicate that the industry could get to US$334 billion in net worth by 2023. Bottled water is the world's largest packed beverage. Beyond the environmental impact, this is a clear indication that people spend a lot of money on bottled water.

Paying a few dollars on water may not look like a big deal. But, it is very costly because these small bucks can amount to huge sums over time. With a reusable bottle, you spend money once – only when purchasing it. Although the initial purchasing costs can be high, they will be recovered in no time since you will have eliminated your need to buy bottled water from the store.

Improves Taste and Smell

Unfiltered water often has unpleasant smells and tastes. This is due to impurities and chemicals contained in the water. Using a reusable filter is an easy remedy to the problem.

A reusable bottle contains a filtration system that removes unwanted substances. The substances notorious for causing bad aftertaste and smell in water are heavy metals, microorganisms, and pesticides. Chlorine is used as a water purification compound, but it also has a strong chemical smell reminiscent of a swimming pool. You can resolve this problem with your reusable water filter. It will make your water sweet and enjoyable to drink.

Convenience and Keeps your Drinking Habits in Check

Another important benefit of reusable filters is that they offer you incredible convenience. The vessel contains a complete water purification system. And, you'll be carrying this essential system with you wherever you go. The portable filter gives you control over what you are drinking. Even when you refill the bottle from a tap at the gym or work, you are confident that the water you are drinking is clean and safe.

If you want to attain optimal physical health and fitness at home, a reusable water filter can help you achieve it. Drinking the recommended amount of water in a day is essential to your overall health and wellness. Experts agree that we should be drinking at least 3 liters of water every day. Most reusable bottles are calibrated to help you determine the amount of fluids you are consuming.

Drinking water from a reusable filter ensures that you are taking safe water at all times and in the right amounts. The vessel is convenient because it improves the taste and smell of water while preserving the environment. If you are not using a reusable water filter yet, order one or two today and enjoy clean water every day.

While Valentine's Day may look like snuggling up with your sweetie and some chocolate-covered strawberries, it might also look like carving out a little extra time for some intentional self-care - like cooking a nourishing meal for yourself made with love. Eating well is one of the most loving things we can do for ourselves - by giving our body the proper nutrition we are able to have the energy and health it requires to live our best life and keep working towards our dreams. We're all worthy of that!

This vibrant dressing will definitely make eating your greens a joy - it's creamy and lemony with a pop of garlic and cumin. The sweetness from the roasted beet helps balance out the slight bitterness of the sesame tahini, and it also gives the dressing a vibrant pink color which will really help dress up your salads and bowls, or your Instagram feed if you decide to take a pic. It's full of healthy fats and calcium from sesame seeds, and the beets add additional fiber and folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. It's a fun and colorful variation of your classic tahini dressing we hope you love!

The Recipe

Lemony Roasted Beet Tahini Dressing

Ingredients

1 cup Dastony raw sesame tahini

1/2 cup chopped beet, roasted (about 2 small beets

1/2 cup + 1 tbs lemon juice

1 cup filtered water

2 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 cloves fresh garlic

1 tsp Himalayan pink salt

3/4 tsp cumin

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425F. Prep your beets by scrubbing and peeling, then chop in wedges and roast with avocado oil for 30-40 minutes until tender when poked with a fork. 

This Raw Chocolate Avocado Mousse is not only a great option for a special V-Day treat, but it's also one of the easiest and tastiest dessert recipes imaginable perfect for just about any time - especially if you're a lover of all things dark chocolate. This creamy and rich chocolate mousse leaves nothing for want. Yes, it's made with superfood-status ingredients like fresh avocado and our 70% dark raw chocolate bars, but it still manages to excel in the decadence department with its creamy, rich texture and impressive flavor that truly is like a traditional chocolate mousse - only without the refined sugar, whipping cream and eggs.

We know what you're probably saying - "Stop right there. You said avocado?" Yep, you heard right!

Before you start visualizing a bowl of chocolate-flavored guacamole, hear us out.

Avocados may be delicious in savory recipes - but their richness, creaminess, and naturally buttery texture are all qualities that are completely dessert friendly-too. Avocados are what make this chocolate mousse smooth, thick, pudding-y, and completely decadent. And thanks to this versatile green fruit (yep, avos are a fruit!) this recipe is also loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and plenty of vitamins as well.

And the health benefits don't end there. Since this mousse is made with raw cacao and raw chocolate, it's also packed full of antioxidant flavonols and magnesium as well, two nutrients that support a healthy cardiovascular system, so you can nourish your physical heart while you express your love.

The Recipe

Raw Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Serves 4

3 medium avocados - make sure they’re soft but not overripe
2/3 cup raw cacao powder
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup coconut cream
3 70% dark raw chocolate Essentials bars, melted *Leave a few sections out to chop and sprinkle on top
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large pinches Himalayan salt

Instructions 

1. Using a double boiler method, gently melt the 70% raw chocolate by breaking apart the bars and placing it in a heat-safe bowl over hot water. Be sure to leave out a few sections to chop and sprinkle on top for garnish.

2. Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender, and blend until smooth and mousse-like. If using a blender place your liquid ingredients in the blender first to help the blades catch. Add a splash more coconut cream if needed. 

Not sure what to do with all that leftover rice from last night's stirfry? We've got the perfect solution: make a delicious vegan coconut rice pudding! It's soft, creamy, and custardlike - without using dairy or eggs. And the best part ... it can be eaten for dessert or breakfast. In fact, it's a great sub for oatmeal if you find yourself bored with your usual hot cereal recipe. It's loaded with the flavors of coconut, cinnamon, and vanilla and is such a cozy, comforting-yet-healthy treat for chilly winter days.

You can also easily customize this recipe - use your favorite spices and plant milk of choice. The stone-ground coconut butter melts into the rice and almond milk while it's cooking, giving it that ultra-creamy texture and deliciously sweet coconut flavor - no coconut milk needed. Top with your choice of fruits or drizzle with nut butter or chocolate sauce (if desired). Don't be afraid to put your own spin on it!

The Recipe

Stovetop Vegan Coconut Rice Pudding

Serves 3

Ingredients

12 oz unsweetened almond milk
1.5 cups cooked white jasmine rice*
2 heaped Tbs Dastony stone ground coconut butter
2.5 Tbs maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Dash or two of cinnamon

Optional: Dash of cardamom and/or nutmeg

*We recommend white jasmine rice over other types of white rice because it has a very delicate, floral taste which lends well to sweet recipes like this one.

Instructions

1. Place almond milk, cooked rice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup in a small pot and bring to a low boil. 

2. Reduce heat and let simmer on medium-low heat for about 7 minutes, stirring continuously so the rice doesn't stick to the bottom and burn.

One thing is for certain, you don't have to be following a strict keto diet to enjoy this delicious, antioxidant-packed hot chocolate recipe. Yes, it may contain less than 1 gram of sugar per serving (say what?!) all the while not compromising on sweetness, creaminess, and sheer decadence - but anyone can enjoy this recipe, including those who simply want to find creative ways to cut down on sugar without giving up their favorite treats.

This hot chocolate recipe is made with a combo of unsweetened almond milk and coconut cream to give it that perfect creamy texture without the use of dairy, raw cacao powder instead of processed cocoa powder for a more nutrient-rich option, monk fruit sugar to sweeten (a zero sugar, plant-based sugar alternative), and Rawmio's new keto-friendly raw chocolate hearts to give it even more dark chocolate flavor and added richness. You will not regret curling up next to the fire with a mug (or two!) of this yummy hot chocolate on a chilly winter's day. 

The Recipe

The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate

Serves 1

Ingredients

12 oz unsweetened almond milk

1/4 full-fat coconut milk (coconut cream)

6 Rawmio Keto Raw Chocolate Hearts

2 Tbs raw cacao powder

4 tsp monk fruit sugar (or erythritol or both)

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Dash Himalayan salt

Steps

Looking for a healthy and simple side dish to add a little extra nutrition and pizazz to your Thanksgiving menu? These Savory Tahini Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a perfect option.

While it's certainly common to see sweet potatoes on the Thanksgiving table, they're most often served in sweet recipes like casseroles with caramelized marshmallows on top. This recipe taps into a more savory side of sweet potatoes, balancing out their inherent sweetness with creamy raw sesame tahini, coconut oil, Himalayan salt, and a touch of garlic and fresh parsley. It's a very simple recipe with only 6 main ingredients (+ salt and pepper) and it's also vegan and paleo-friendly! Sweet potatoes are naturally packed full of valuable nutrition - they're one of the best sources of beta carotene and potassium in the plant kingdom, not to mention they're loaded with gut-healthy fiber and slow-burning carbs. We think it's safe to say we could all benefit from a few more healthy dishes this time of year. Plus, if your taste buds are not yet familiar with the divine combination that is sweet potatoes + tahini you're in for a real treat. 

The Recipe