Healthier Summer Treats

When it’s hot outside and you want to cool down with a frozen treat, you don’t always have to turn to something overly sweetened and processed. We’ve rounded up a few recipes for easy, healthier cold treats made from straightforward ingredients that will nourish your body. 

**In Chinese Medicine it is recommended to eat cold foods in moderation. If you struggle with digestive issues, stick to small amounts or avoid completely. Practice listening to your body and be careful not to overdo it. 

1. Coconut, Cherry, and Vanilla Bean Ice Pops

These creamy pops consist of coconut milk, fresh sweet cherries, vanilla, and small amounts of honey/maple syrup for sweetening. Recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/coconut-cherry-and-vanilla-bean-ice-pops-3416596

2. Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

If you have an ice cream maker, consider making frozen yogurt as a healthier alternative to ice cream. Fresh strawberries, greek yogurt, and a few other ingredients come together in this simple treat. Recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/strawberry-frozen-yogurt-recipe-1923540

3. Chocolate Covered Banana Pops

With just three ingredients, this treat couldn’t be easier. Choose an organic dark chocolate and get creative with toppings. We suggest chopped almonds or granola for a nice crunch. Recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/chocolate-covered-banana-pops-recipe-2013098

4. Red, White, and Blue Pops

Put a healthy spin on these traditional pops, which are berry-focused and sweetened with only two tablespoons of honey. Recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/healthy-red-white-and-blue-frozen-pops-3672242

5. Basil Lemon Ice

If you’re looking for something icy and refreshing, try out this simple treat served in a hollowed out lemon. Recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/basil-lemon-ice-recipe-2107730

References

https://www.foodnetwork.com/grilling/healthy/photos/healthy-frozen-treats

Benefits of Facial Rollers

You’ve likely seen or heard about the facial roller trend, and you may have even spotted the beedewy rose quartz roller we carry at the clinic, but do you know much about what facial rollers do? 

Facial Rollers have been used since the 1700s by empresses and members of high society in China. They massage the skin on your face, increase circulation, and aid in lymphatic drainage. If your face is swollen or puffy, a facial roller can help move lymphatic fluid away from your eye area and into the proper channels. The cool nature of the stone decreases puffiness and can have a calming effect on stressed skin. Also, a facial roller massage may benefit your skin by releasing hormones associated with stress-reduction and overall well-being, which could curb stress-related breakouts. One final detail is that facial rolling can become a ritual that contributes to ongoing self-care. This relaxing practice might be a great way to strengthen your awareness of the present moment and start off each day with mindfulness. 

How to use:

• Store in the fridge for additional cooling benefits. 

• Use on a clean face. Can also use after a serum, facial oil, or moisturizer for deeper product penetration. 

• Massage gently, so as not to rupture existing acne or inflammation. 

• Starting at the center of your forehead, roll the tool out to your temples. Roll under your eyes and over your cheeks toward your ears. Massage the upper and lower lip areas. Finish by rolling down along your jawline and neck. 

• Wash roller with gentle soap after each use. 

Stop by MKE MindBody Wellness to pick up a beedewy rose quartz roller or to learn more!

References

Brucculieri, J. (2017). We tried Jade Rollers to find out if they’re a total waste of money. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jade-rollers_n_5a1c56f6e4b0e771d6b7f3a7?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANhILdvlB4W7JvpQBxfC61LvExUYTOzwKMdwqQPWOWLhK1I2BKpSKQS-oxSPHQLE6CQEJqeZ7E6wRfd5-E0Dxkdmft_s2yvSXdfxNCdV7I6W44PtVBXzEqm7krXBhhnrfZx7LMZFfTV7vQSxeWF7x_Q1Ogr0hB0VYTQH-VViYuxd

Metzger, C. (2018). Do those jade rollers really work, or are they just pretty? Retrieved from https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/a20637662/jade-face-roller-benefits/

Gut/Brain Connection

Do you ever get “butterflies in your stomach” when you’re feeling anxious or excited about something? Can you think of times in your life when you’ve “trusted your gut” and benefitted from following this intuitive feeling? Our gut feelings behave like a second brain. What is really fascinating, is the science behind the gut-brain connection.

We all have something called the enteric nervous system (ENS) which is essentially two layers of millions of nerve cells that line our esophagus all the way down to our rectum. The ENS is responsible for controlling digestion, but research shows that it is also capable of communicating with our brain. When something is irritated in your GI system, the ENS will likely send a signal to your brain, resulting in a mood shift. A common manifestation of this link is seen in people with IBS or GI issues who also develop mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. 

Since our gut and brain are connected, treating one area could have positive impacts on the other. For example, people with IBS often benefit from taking anti-depressant medications and/or seeing a mental health counselor. Similarly, feeding your gut with good bacteria and healthy foods can have impacts on your mood. 

Making small additions to your diet can be a great way to start supporting a healthy gut and brain. Here are a few foods to consider:

• Fermented foods (yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut) are made up of healthy microbes that are great for your gut. 

• Omega-3 fats (oily fish, seaweed, chia seeds) provide good bacteria for the gut and reduce the risk of brain disorders. 

• High fiber foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts) contain prebiotic fibers that reduce stress hormones.

• Foods high in polyphenol (dark chocolate, olive oil, coffee) may improve cognition and increase healthy bacteria in the gut. 

Check out this video if you’d like to learn more!

References

Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Brain-Gut Connection. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection

Leonard, J. (2019). 10 ways to improve gut health. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325293.php
Robertson, R. (2018). The Gut-Brain Connection: How it Works and the Role of Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-brain-connection#section4