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Learn Why Pickleball Is America's Fastest-Growing Sport
Whether you’ve been playing pickleball for a while and want to improve your game or you’re just discovering pickleball for the first time, this article will guide you through the official pickleball rules, terms, gear, and benefits, as well as my personal experience with the sport. My passion for the game of pickleball almost never happened after I played it for the first time in 2007. Because I had been playing tennis for a few years, I was disappointed I couldn’t hit the ball with heavy topspin. Spin and hitting winners is what attracted me to tennis, so the idea of “pushing” and “dinking” a pickleball around the court didn’t appeal to me at all. I didn’t know what was really possible for the sport. Plus, I was already actively involved in regularly playing golf and tennis, weight lifting, running, and mountain biking. I couldn’t imagine that pickleball could give me the same thrill, so I didn’t consider playing it again. Just prior to this past Christmas break, my brother-in-law let me know he would be in town and wanted to play pickleball. Even though I wasn’t excited about the game, I love playing sports with him and he was excited to play and said he loved the game. I didn’t want to suck at it, so I went out with my wife and daughters to practice. We had a lot of fun together, but the game itself was still lacking for me. When my brother-in-law and I started playing together, I learned a few more of the rules and some strategies of the game that piqued my interest. For example, learning how and why to use the 3rd shot drop was a game changer for me. It gave me clarity on how I could win. My brother-in-law also taught me about outdoor and indoor pickleballs, as well as the huge leap in technology for paddles and “grit” on the paddle face, that allows for better control and spin. I have to be fair, I started out playing with a wooden paddle with a smooth surface, so it’s no wonder why I couldn’t hit with topspin. Since then, I went to graphite and now I use carbon fiber - CRBN. Learning the rules and discovering the options in gear changed the game completely for me. I was now executing shots that gave me the same thrill as tennis! I was hitting biting slice, dipping forehand passing shots and even the occasional topspin lob winner! I couldn't believe it. It wasn’t a surprise when I recently learned that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America. Since its invention in 1965, pickleball has continued to soar in popularity over the last several years as pickle courts have been popping up in neighborhoods. Even tennis courts are being fully converted or at least modified to allow for pickleball to be played on them. The game is a combination of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong. The rapid popularity is attributed to the ease of play, which makes the game accessible to all ages. Pickleball is the perfect sport for friends and families who want to enjoy time together. A huge draw to pickleball for me is I can play with my wife and kids. Tennis didn't allow that other than with one of my daughters who played in high school. So here's a sport I love (tennis), and wanted to play daily but the only people I could hit with were really not close friends or family. With pickleball, I can work on my game to meet my competitive needs but do it with my wife and daughters. Then occasionally I'll go play that bro match. It's amazing that pickleball allows for that. In tennis, you really have to drop your level in order to play "down". In pickleball, it's less noticeable and still extremely enjoyable to play with any level players. Pickleball Basics Similar to tennis, pickleball can be played in singles or doubles. Since the community aspect of the game is what draws people to it, ‘doubles’ seems to be the most popular method of play. Pickleball is played on a badminton-size court, with a modified tennis net. The game is played both outdoors and indoors. Essential Pickleball Terms Volley: Hitting the ball before it makes contact with the ground. Volley Llama: An illegal move (fault) when a pickleball player hits a volley shot in the non-volley zone (the kitchen). Groundstroke: Hitting the ball after the ball bounces once. The Kitchen (non-volley zone): Seven feet on each side of the net (more below). Ace: A serve that successfully lands in the opposite service area which the opponent is unable to return. Smash (overhead shot or slam): A shot where the ball is above a player's head and they strike it downward into the opposing side of the court. Let: When the ball touches the net on a serve and lands in the opposite service court. Let serves are replayed in tennis but not in pickleball Falafel: A shot that fails to cross over the net due to lack of power. Flapjack: A shot that requires a bounce before striking the ball, which is the first two shots of all rallys. Pickled: A finished game in which the losing team failed to score a single point - 11/0. Rally: The continuous play from the time of the serve until the play ends from a fault. Fault: Ends the play of a ralley from failing to go over the net, going outside of the boundaries or a violation of any other rule. The court layout is similar to tennis, although on a smaller scale with fewer lines. There are right and left service areas on each side of the court, along with a seven-foot ‘non-volley’ zone, known in pickleball as “The Kitchen.” Servers must serve from outside the court, and the serve must be made diagonally crosscourt, landing in the opposite diagonal service area. When the ball is served, the receiving team must allow one bounce before making contact with the ball, and it must bounce a second time after the return of serve. In other words you can’t take the return out of the air, you have to let it bounce. This is referred to as the two-bounce rule. After those initial two bounces, the teams may volley (hit it out of the air with no bounce) or let it bounce once at will until a fault is made. Only the serving team can score points, and they can continue to attempt this until they commit a fault. Games are typically played to 11 points, with one team winning by 2 points. The Gear One of the great things about pickleball is that it doesn't require much to get started. Players need a paddle and a pickleball. Pickleball Paddle:Pickleball paddles are smaller than tennis racquets but larger than ping-pong paddles. They were once made from wood, but these days they are made from light, composite materials, like aluminum, graphite, and carbon fiber. One of the big differences between paddles is the grit or texture on the paddle. This is what allows for more spin and better directional control. Some paddles have little grit, while others wear off easily. Another option for paddles is elongated or wide. I prefer the elongated paddle as it has a sweet spot higher up the paddle. Click the link below for all your pickleball gear needs.Pickleball:The pickleball is similar to a Wiffle Ball, in that it has holes through it. There are different models for either indoor or outdoor play. There are even different types of balls for cold and warm weather. Shop For The Best Pickleball Gear & The Free Resource Guide Comfortable athletic clothing is best, although the only real necessities are sneakers or running shoes. Players need support for all the side-to-side action. Hats, visors, and sunglasses are also common; anything to keep the players comfortable and protected. Official Rules Although the game is fairly simple, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) has declared “Official Rules” of play (Note: rules are updated yearly… there’s even rumors of removing the non-volley zone) Serving: Server's arm must move in an upward arc when serving Contact with the ball cannot be made above waist level Head of the paddle cannot be above the highest part of the wrist at contact A 'drop serve', is a bounce before striking the ball is permitted. This used to not be allowed, but I’m grateful the rule changed because it’s my favorite way to serve! Server's feet may not touch the court Serve is made diagonally and must land within the confines of the opposite diagonal service area Only one serve attempt is allowed for single play. For doubles, each player gets an attempt Sequence: Both players (if doubles) on the serving team get to serve and score points until they commit a fault First serve is made from the right/even court (or Northwest corner since the game was invented in the NW) When a point is made, server must switch sides and initiate the next serve from the left/odd court As more points are scored, server must continue switching back and forth When the first server loses the serve, the partner gets to serve from their correct side Second server continues until their team commits a fault, then the serve is lost to the opposing team When the opposing team serves (for the first time), they start from the right/even court Both players on the opposing team have the opportunity to serve until their team commits two faults Scoring: Points can only be scored by the serving team Games are played to 11 points, and must be won by 2 points (I’ve also seen win-by-1 in order to speed up tournament play) Non-Volley Zone: Volleying is prohibited in the “non-volley” zone, known as “The Kitchen” If a player steps in The Kitchen when volleying a ball, that is considered a fault A player can be in The Kitchen at any time, as long as they aren't volleying a ball Line Calls: A ball is considered “in” if it touches any part of any line A serve is considered “short” if it makes contact with the non-volley zone line Faults: Any action that stops play is considered a “fault” If the receiving team makes a fault, a point goes to the serving team If the serving team makes a fault, they lose the ball Benefits Of Pickleball Pickleball has grown so popular because it offers so many benefits to players of all ages. The chance to be outside, among the community are two significantly positive aspects of a well-rounded life. Exercise: Every human needs to move their body to be in optimal health, and pickleball is a fun alternative to hitting the gym or going for long runs. It’s a great way to get your heart pumping and your muscles moving. The game is so enjoyable, most players don’t even realize how much exercise they are getting until the game ends. Sunshine: Although pickleball can also be played indoors, most community courts are outdoor. A dose of fresh air and vitamin D are vital to our overall health and well-being. Again, pickleball is an easy and fun way to get outside. Community: A sense of community is an innate desire for most humans, and pickleball promotes it naturally. Friendships are made over a game of pickleball! It’s a great way to meet the people in your community and to continue fostering those relationships at your community courts. Tips For New Players If you’re new to the sport, it won’t take you long to feel like part of the pickleball community. The sport is inclusive and although it can become competitive, it is mostly laid-back and welcoming. There are a few actions you can take to make the game more enjoyable for you as you embark on your pickleball journey. Stretching: Although the sport isn’t physically too intensive, it’s still vitally important to stretch before and after each game. Just as with tennis, sudden movements are not uncommon, and sometimes the adrenaline of the game can cause you to make moves you weren’t ready for. Stretching will help prepare your body for the game ahead. Hydrating: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the game. Especially if playing outdoors, the heat and constant movement can cause dehydration. Without enough fluids, you run the risk of feeling faint on the court. Eating Your Greens: Just as with any sport, half the battle is what you’re feeding your body. Make sure you are getting plenty of nutrients in your diet, so that you’re performing optimally, on and off the court. Greens contain vitamins and minerals that nourish and help prevent injury. Check out BlenditUp Greens below. Post-Game Recovery: Make sure you give your body time to rest, especially if you’re spending your entire weekend at the pickleball courts. A protein shake or smoothie, a long bath, plenty of H2O, and time to unwind are necessary to ensure you continue enjoying the game for a long time to come. Check out our smooth healthy protein powders below. Accepting Suggestions: Early adopters of the game can help guide you as you take on pickleball for the first time. Listen to their advice and suggestions; they are only trying to advise and make the game fun for everyone. Remember, the pickleball community is generally kind and accepting. Don't Crowd Your Partner: Keep in mind that pickleball is a respectful sport; allow your partner to contribute just as much as you are to the game. People come to the courts for exercise and fun; if you aren’t allowing your partner to participate, they will not enjoy playing with you. Courtesy and Respect: All in all, remember that pickleball is an inclusive sport. Anyone can play, and—especially at the community courts—respect must be given to all players. This includes during the game and in between games. Rotate courts as needed or requested and be a good teammate to everyone who wants to play. Pickleball For All From its humble beginnings as an improvised game to a rapidly growing sport, pickleball seems to be enduring for a reason. The ease of play, the sense of community, and the chance to feel active in a low-stakes environment make it perfect for people of all abilities, genders, and ages. The popularity of the sport doesn’t seem to be waning; in fact, it’s only growing stronger. Get in on the action and join the fun! Grab your sneakers, head to the courts, and make a few new friends or create stronger bonds with current friends and family. To find courts near you, search for: Pickleball Courts Near Me Find Pickleball Courts by Zip Code Save 25% on All Protein Powders Use code protein at checkout to save 25% on any of our Protein Powders.
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Get Fit For Summer With More Energy And Improved Health
As summer approaches and the warmer weather puts away our sweaters, we seem to recognize this time as the opportunity to get back into top physical shape. You see, if you want to get in shape for the summer, you must be serious about your training regimen and eating habits. Living a fit and strong lifestyle is the only way to get fit for summer. Use the following tips to get started on your summer fit journey! Don't Worry About Being Perfect, Be Consistent. I woke up on a busy Monday morning and only had 10 to 15 minutes of free time. I seized the moment and went for a run with my dog. No podcasts, no music, just my dog and me, the fresh, cool air, and my thoughts As I ran, knowing that I only had a short time, a clear message entered my mind that everything matters, even the small things. It's the consistent small things that make the difference. Rod - Founder of BlenditUp Every Activity And Meal Counts Everything we do brings us closer to our goals or takes us further away. You have the power through your will. Be sure to exercise and strengthen your will. Here's a breakdown of what it takes for your body type to achieve the desired results, as well as specifics on what to eat and which supplements to take. Continue reading to learn exactly what to eat and how to exercise to get results! Keep Nutrition Simple 1. Morning-Simple Fruit Smoothie Make these simple healthy smoothies ideal for a quick breakfast or treat with banana as the main ingredient. A ripe banana provides the majority of the naturally occurring sugars you require, thus making it a perfect candidate. Banana and Berries smoothie Whip up this two-ingredient healthy smoothie recipe with just two main ingredients banana and frozen berries. It's the perfect quick and easy breakfast or sweet treat. Ingredients One medium ripe banana. Two cups berries (frozen or fresh) - strawberries, blueberries, or other berries. 1 Scoop of your favorite Blend it up Protein Powder 1/2 cup of crushed ice. Method Cut in pieces. In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Banana, Oranges and Grapefruit Smoothie Ingredients One medium banana. 1 Cup of Orange Juice. 1/2 Cup Grapes. 1 Scoop of your favorite BlenditUp Protein Powder Crushed ice. Method Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth. Enjoy! Pro Tip: For high energy, you can add dates to the smoothie of your choice. 2. Salad For Lunch Here's how to prepare a huge nutritious salad, along with some terrific topping options. Green Leafy Vegetables Begin by making a bed of lush greens. They're low in calories and high in fiber. Greens come in various kinds, including iceberg lettuce, spinach, leaf lettuce, romaine, escarole, butter lettuce, and kale. Darker greens have a higher nutritional quantity than iceberg lettuce. Vegetables Non-starchy veggies, raw or cooked, can be added. Flavonoids are found in brightly colored vegetables, and they are high in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals vitamins. Select a variety of colors and include 2 or 3 half-cup servings of each. Use either leftover cooked veggies or chopped raw vegetables. Peppers, green beans, carrots, eggplant, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, or onions are all good options. Protein A hard-boiled egg, diced or sliced, is a high-protein food. Alternatively, try lean beef, chicken breast, tuna, beans, cheese strips, cooked shrimp or lentils, edamame, hummus, tofu, or cottage cheese. Limit your serving size, and stay away from fried meats like chicken strips or one egg or a quarter cup of diced chicken meat will add 75 calories. Half a can of tuna has around 80 calories. A serving of two ounces of cubed or cheddar cheese or shredded mozzarella may have 200 calories. Nuts And Seeds The crunch from walnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds. Just a handful will be enough, as a one-eighth cup of nuts has around 90 calories. Walnuts contain many omega-3 fatty acids, and all nuts contain a lot of protein and monounsaturated fatty acids. Avocados can also be used to add healthy fat. Dressing For Salad Salad dressing is a great way to round off your meal. A tablespoon of ordinary commercial salad dressing has between 50 and 80 calories. There are low-fat and low-calorie dressings available, as well as lime juice or freshly squeezed lemon to top your salad. Alternatively, you may prepare your dressing with avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, or walnut oil. Whatever you choose, limit your dressing to one to two teaspoons. Try our Basil-Lime Salad Dressing Here 3. Post-Workout Exercise depletes glycogen, the body's primary fuel source, especially during high-intensity exercises. As a result, the glycogen stores in your muscles are depleted. The proteins in your muscles are damaged and broken down as well. Following exercise, the body replenishes glycogen stores while repairing and regenerating muscle proteins. After exercise, eating the right nutrients can help your body finish this task faster. It's especially important to refuel with carbohydrates and protein after working out. If feasible, consume a meal containing carbs and protein within two hours after your workout session to assist your muscles in recovering and replenishing their glycogen levels. If your supper is more than two hours away, consider having a snack. Following are some suggestions for post-workout foods: This is an eating habit that alternates between eating and fasting periods. For example, at 16:8, eat your meals within an 8-hour window and give your body a 16-hour break from digestion. Because your body will continue to digest after your last meal, you will need at least 12 hours of digestive rest. Other approaches: The 5:2 diet requires only 500–600 calories on two days of the week. Eat-Stop-Eat, once or twice a week, don't eat anything from dinner one day to dinner the next day (a 24 hour fast). Pro Tip: Many people choose to skip breakfast as part of their intermittent fasting routine; however, skipping dinner allows your body to digest your food and allows your body to use its energy to repair and build when you sleep. Final Thoughts When summer comes, we are frequently driven to get in shape to enjoy all of the fun summer activities while also feeling terrific. It's vital to remember that getting in shape is about more than simply how you look in your swimsuit. The essential thing is to be healthy and active. Eating correctly will improve your mood and provide more energy for activity. Summer is a wonderful time to be outside. Reap the benefits of the weather and get out and about! Spring Sale On Protein & Spices. Save 25% Organic Whole Vegan Protein Smoothie Mix. Only $35.99 $26.99 Vegan Super Fruit Protein Smoothie Mix. Only $35.99 $26.99 Clean Lean Whey Protein Powder. Only $39.99 $29.99 Chocolate Antioxidant Vegan Protein Powder. Only $39.99 $29.99 Italian, Southwest and Thai Curry Spice Blends. Only $32.97 $24.73 Shop Now Read More: 10 Blender Recipes To Get Fit For Summer
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5 Quick and Easy Recipes To Make In Your Blender
Whether you're looking for a quick and convenient breakfast option or a healthy, flavorful substitute for dessert, we are going to mix things up with this array of blender recipes. These quick and easy blender recipes make silky-smooth soups, whipped dips, and delicious drinks—all great reasons to break out your blender. 1. Super Green Smoothie Looking for a quick, healthy way to start your day right? Try this nutritious green smoothie recipe with spinach, pineapple, and grapes, this recipe will make our taste buds sing and give you the nutrients you will need to make it be a great day! Grab The Recipe Here 2. Blended Iced Mocha Are you looking for one of the best-iced coffee drink recipes? Then you should try our easy blender-iced mocha recipe. We all love the combination of coffee and chocolate and best of all it can be made in only a few minutes. Grab The Recipe Here 3. Smoked Mackerel Pâté Smoked mackerel pate might sound like an intimidating recipe but is actually an extremely simple dish to make in your blender. Just place all your ingredients in the blender and pulse for 35 to 40 seconds, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades until the desired consistency is reached. That's all it takes to make this impressive meal. Grab The Recipe Here 4. Thai Ginger Soup The secret ingredient to this thick, amazingly delicious creamy Thai ginger soup is cashew nuts! Cashews are low in sugar and rich in fiber, heart-healthy fats, and plant protein. They're also a good source of copper, magnesium, and manganese — nutrients important for energy production, brain health, immunity, and bone health. Grab The Recipe Here 5. Chocolate Mousse This decadent dessert is so quick and easy to make in your blender in just minutes. The perfect dessert to enjoy with friends and family. Grab The Recipe Here
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How Food Allergies May Be Affecting Your Everyday Health
Food allergies occur when your immune system reacts against specific food proteins. Then, your body will trigger an abnormal response to these foods. When this reaction occurs, your immune system reacts as though these proteins are harmful pathogens and responds against them. This response will activate the release of the antibodies called Immunoglobulin E or IgE to neutralize the allergen. Therefore, each time your body senses that food, the IgE antibodies immediately alert the immune system. In return, your immune system will release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. The release of these chemicals will bring about allergic reactions. Approximately 5% of adults and 8% of children are affected by food allergies. The number of reported food allergy cases is continually increasing. Although most of the known allergies start during childhood, children, in most cases, generally outgrow them. Nevertheless, there are cases where these children do not outgrow these allergies. In contrast, some rare instances of allergies start during adulthood. The Most Common Food Allergies and Their Effects Although food allergies can come from various food items, the most common food allergies take the lion's share of 90% of known food allergies. These common allergies are known as the Big-8. Here are the main food items under the Big-8: Fish Eggs Milk Nuts including walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, peanuts, and cashew nuts Lobster, Shrimps, crab, and shellfish Peanut and groundnuts Wheat Soya beans Common Allergies for Children Children's typical food allergies are mainly eggs, peanuts, and milk. Medical reports show that most children will outgrow soy, eggs, milk, and wheat allergies. In addition, only a tiny percentage of these children will grow out of peanut allergies. Symptoms of Food Allergies A food allergy is different from a food intolerance even though the symptoms are closely related. Although it is also a nuisance and will cause discomfort, food intolerance will have less severe reactions. Food allergies can be life-threatening, food intolerance does not involve the immune system, so it is not lethal. While some allergies may be light and only uncomfortable, some other reactions are dangerous. The allergy symptoms will constantly develop shortly after eating the food, from two minutes to up to two hours. Here are the most prominent allergy symptoms: Swelling of parts of the body, including the throat, tongue, lips, and face Diarrhea, stomach pains, vomiting, and nausea Fainting and dizziness Lightheadedness and loss of focus Itching inside the mouth and throat Eczema and hives Breathing problems and wheezing Nasal congestion Anaphylaxis Who Is at Risk of Allergic Reactions? Many factors constitute risks for allergic reactions. These factors will include the following: 1. Family History You are at risk of having food allergies if there is a history of asthma, hives, allergies, and eczema in your family. History of hay fever and pollen syndrome is also a pointer to a family history of allergic reactions. 2. Age Food allergies are prevalent in toddlers and babies. Their digestive systems will outgrow them as they become established. 3. Asthma Asthmatic people will usually have allergic reactions as asthma is an allergic reaction to certain conditions. Note that when the food allergies and asthmatic symptoms appear together, they are sure to be very severe. 4. Other Allergies People with an allergy are more likely to become allergic to something else. Moreover, people with other allergic conditions like asthma, hay fever, or eczema are more likely to have food allergies. Prevention Allergies are not entirely preventable, but there are ways that you can bring them down. To do that, you have to be fully aware of your conditions and take active measures. These are measures you can take to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Early Exposure to Allergy causing foods: Early exposure to peanut protein like peanut butter and other peanut-containing snacks will reduce the child's risk of being allergic to the peanut as an adult. Therefore, it is safe to say that early introduction will lower the risk of peanut allergy. Take Precaution: A food allergy means that your body will sense that ingredient every time you ingest it and send alarm bells to your immune system. So, you will have this allergic reaction as many times as you consume it. Therefore, avoid such foods. Nonetheless, when you visit restaurants and hotels, take the following precautions to prevent an allergic reaction. Identify the food you are eating: Read the food labels carefully and when you are unsure, ask. Take care not to have a meal whose ingredients you have not confirmed. Make sure the feed does not contain anything that will bring about allergic reactions for you. Let the chef or the server know that you are allergic to certain foods. Please don't be shy about it. Sharing the information will save you inconveniences and possibly life- threatening situations. Wear a Band Or Necklace: If your allergic reactions are so severe that you may be unable to communicate, wear a medical necklace or band. The armlet or necklace should indicate your allergies. These will be helpful if you ingest the food without knowing and have a reaction that may render you unable to communicate. Plan For your Meals and Snacks: If you or your child can't have a particular snack or cake at a party, speak out. You can even bring your self-approved selection. Don't let anyone coerce you into eating something you know is unsuitable for you. If possible, pack your and your child's snacks when you travel to ensure they are free of any collagens. Inform Key Persons If your Child is allergic to food: If your child suffers from allergies, talk to the school, child care providers, or anyone with whom you will leave your child. Stipulate the importance of avoiding particular foods with collagen and explain that an allergic reaction could be life-threatening. In addition, teach your child to explain the allergies and ask for help in case of an allergic reaction. Write out A Plan of Action: Describe how to care for your child in case of an allergic reaction after consuming allergens. Circulate copies of this action plan to the school or child care and any other place the child may spend without you. Let Your Child Have a medical chain or Bangle: Having your child wear a medical band or chain will alert the people around them. The necklace or Bangle should outline the allergies, the symptoms, and how others can help in case of an allergic reaction. How Food Allerigies Affect Your Body A food allergy will occur when your body reacts to a food allergen. The immune system will receive the alert by releasing leukocytes, antibodies, and mast cells to fight the allergen. Because the mast cells are mainly concentrated in the skin, nose, lungs, throat, and digestive tract, most allergic reactions will mostly occur in these areas. Since these areas are the most susceptible, some allergic reactions also become very severe. Some of these allergic reactions will be extreme, like anaphylaxis. While these more serious reactions require urgent medical attention, others are mild with no noticeable effects. Nevertheless, they will all affect your body. Here are some ways the allergic reaction will affect parts of your body. Your Skin: Foods like nuts, eggs, wheat, dairy products, and soy may cause a skin rash known as eczema. It presents itself as dry and inflamed skin and will occur due to eating or touching the said foods. In addition, urticaria or hives will appear due to eating peanuts, shellfish, and eggs. You may need treatment to reduce the inflammation, which can cause itching, pain and can accelerate the disease. The Digestive System: Although digestive tract symptoms can confuse food allergies and food poisoning, both occur in the gastrointestinal tract. The main difference is that food intolerance is based on the amount consumed. At the same time, food-allergic directly relates to substance, regardless of the quantity. Cardiovascular System: Since mast cells are concentrated around the heart, the heart's functioning and the vessels surrounding it are affected during an allergic reaction. These symptoms indicate anaphylaxis which is very severe and will need emergency medical attention. Respiratory System: Respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and trouble swallowing can occur even from inhaling food or dust particles. These conditions can also happen once you eat foods with allergens. Such cases are accompanied by skin and gastrointestinal symptoms. The allergens can also cause asthmatic reactions. Respiratory symptoms could signal anaphylaxis. Thus, it is paramount to seek medical attention in such reactions urgently. Summary Food allergies can cause minor and debilitating conditions that can affect your well-being. You can avoid falling into the trap of food allergies by avoiding foods that trigger the disease. Thus, it's critical to be aware of foods that can lead to allergic conditions. Arming yourself with information can enable you to manage the situation properly. This article has explored various aspects of food allergies, including its causes, the Big-8, symptoms of the condition, and how to prevent it.
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Get 3x More Protein Absorption With Clean Lean Whey Protein
Anyone searching for a protein supplement to add into their daily routine will have come across whey protein powder. Whey protein is the easiest protein supplement for the body to absorb, which means it's the most efficient additional protein source you can take. We've taken that efficiency a step further with the Genepro Gen 2 Clean Lean Whey Protein powder. Clean Lean protein powder absorbs at triple the rate of traditional whey protein powders, which fast-tracks muscle recovery, digestion, and vital amino acid production. Read on to learn more about what our bodies use protein for, who needs additional protein in their diet, and why you should choose Clean Lean protein powder. Why Boosting Your Protein Levels Will Help Your Health Protein powder is sometimes seen as purely a bodybuilding supplement, reserved for people who want to build bulk. But the truth is there are countless other health benefits found when your body is functioning at peak protein levels. That's why we've created our Genepro Gen 2 Clean Lean Whey Protein Powder - an easy, tasty, and super efficient way to get a protein boost into your normal daily routine. Our Clean Lean Whey Protein only has 66 calories per serving, so this low-calorie, high absorbable protein is ideal for weight loss and muscle growth and maintenance. Are you wondering why our bodies need protein? Here's just a few of the things we use protein for: Growth & Maintenance Protein is a building block for bones, muscles, skin, cartilage and hair, just to name a few. It's present in almost every part of our bodies, and we need to consume protein every day to help all those body parts grow, repair, and strengthen. Digestion Nearly 50% of the protein we consume every day is reserved to create enzymes. We need enzymes to digest our food, make new cells, and create the biochemicals that are used for things like energy production, blood clotting, and contraction of our muscles. Hormonal Regulation Hormones are what your body uses to send messages. Some of the protein we consume is used to make these hormones, which then transmit information between cells, organs and tissues, and help to regulate the development and transformation of cells. Immune System Support Our bodies use protein to form antibodies, which are what we use to fight off infections. If your body had no antibodies, infections and viruses would be free to multiply and damage you in whatever way their disease wanted. If There's Protein In Food, Why Do We Need Supplements? Protein is one of the essential macronutrients that bodies need to work. It's made up of long chains of amino acids that the body has no way of storing itself. That means we need an external source for all the protein our body uses. And it uses a lot of protein every day in all the ways we've listed above. Put simply, it's crucial that we all make sure protein is a consistent and considered part of our diet. Why Should I Use A Protein Supplement? Lots of people think they get enough protein just from their day-to-day diet, but we're here to tell you that not all protein is created equally. Men need to consume around 55g of protein a day, and women around 45g per day. On paper that doesn't sound like a big deal but getting that much pure protein is a challenge. Adding Clean Lean Whey Protein Powder into your diet means you're getting at least 30 grams of pure protein with each serving without the added fats, carbohydrates, and calories you'd also get if you replaced protein powder with protein-rich food. How Does Clean Lean whey Protein Work? When you incorporate the Clean Lean Whey Protein powder into your diet, most of the protein absorption is done before it ever even hits your stomach. It contains all the amino acids your body needs and is super easy for your body to digest. Whey-based proteins are the fastest protein supplements for our bodies to absorb. Our Clean Lean Whey Protein powder works at triple that absorption rate, which means it gets to work straight away repairing your muscles and aiding new growth. Why Is Clean Lean Whey Protein Powder Better Than Other Alternatives? A clinical study conducted by Musclegen Research Inc. shows that the Genepro Gen 2 is the perfect low-calorie, high absorption solution to a protein deficiency. Clean Lean offers triple the absorption rate of traditional whey protein powders. It's the equivalent of 30 grams worth of protein in a single, 66 calories, tablespoon serving. If you chose a traditional whey protein, you'd be getting, on average, less than 20 grams of protein and nearly 100 calories per serving. Why Is The Triple Absorbency Rate Of Clean Lean Whey Protein Powder Beneficial? Clean Lean Whey Protein is absorbed by the body at triple the rate of traditional whey protein powders. Because it's such an efficient protein delivery system, it means there aren't any unnecessary calories, carbohydrates, or fats tagging along with your protein. Having such an incredible absorbency rate also means you can take Clean Lean protein powder at any time of the day. Unlike other protein powders, it doesn't matter whether you take Clean Lean with food, or before or after exercise. Most of the protein absorption occurs before Genepro Gen 2 Clean Lean even reaches your stomach, which means it gets to work straight away. Who Should Use Protein Powder? There are many reasons someone might need additional protein alongside their diet. When protein powders first started to appear on the market, they were targeted towards bodybuilders and sportspeople. Now we know that there are lots of other groups of people who can benefit from increasing their protein intake. Whether you're an athlete, trying to lose weight, searching for supplements after bariatric surgery, need additional protein because of your diet, or are elderly and looking to build muscle safely, Clean Lean Whey Protein is for you. Clean Lean For Athletes Because Clean Lean protein powder is such an efficient source of protein, it's a great post-workout companion for people looking to build lean muscle. Athletes need to consume between 1.4g and 2g of protein per kg of body weight every day to make sure their body has enough fuel to restore muscle, aid recovery, and improve strength and endurance. Clean Lean protein powder's high-absorption rate makes getting all that protein simple, convenient and stress-free for your body. Clean Lean For Weight Loss We need protein to digest our food. Supplementing protein intake has been shown to aid metabolic rate, works with the body to reduce appetite, and can also help people lose body fat without losing muscle. When used in combination with a balance of aerobic and anaerobic exercise, protein supplements temporarily boost metabolism and make weight loss easier. Clean Lean for Bariatric Patients Clean Lean Whey Protein powder is the perfect protein solution for anyone on a strict calorie-controlled diet. Recovery from bariatric surgery can be a slow and painful process. Keeping the body's nutrient intake perfectly balanced aids recovery and is crucial to long-term health. If daily caloric intake is limited to less than 1,000 then Clean Lean is the best way to make sure the body has the equivalent of 30g of protein every day, because it's just 66 calories a serving. Clean Lean Whey Protein For Restricted Diets Clean Lean is naturally gluten-free, lactose-free, and sugar-free. This dietary flexibility means it can help anyone who has suffered from gastric distress in the past, who is now looking to add some pure protein to their diet. It can also be used to help people reach ketosis if they're struggling to get there through diet alone, or if they're worried about balancing a ketogenic diet and a very active lifestyle. Clean Lean For Seniors Studies have shown that using whey protein powders every day can drastically improve muscle performance and aerobic capacity in elderly people. Increased protein intake has other health benefits for the elderly too, reducing blood pressure and improving overall fitness levels. These benefits are most evident when whey protein powder is used in conjunction with regular strength training and a balanced diet. How Do I Use Clean Lean Whey Protein? There's a lot of discussion on whether it's more beneficial to take protein supplements before or after exercise. This is because the absorbency rate of other types of protein powders is very slow when compared with Genepro Gen 2. Because Clean Lean protein powder has triple the absorbency rate of traditional whey protein powders, the time of day you take the supplement is not an issue. Simply combine one 66 calorie serving of Clean Lean Whey Protein powder with any beverage you like. Some people choose to stir Clean Lean into milk, or plant-based milk of their choice. You can also mix Clean Lean into cold smoothies or even hot tea. Don't worry if you haven't got time to make a smoothie! Because Clean Lean is virtually flavorless, it can simply be stirred into water! Are There Any Side Effects To Using Protein Supplements? As with any nutrient, there's a maximum recommended amount of protein we should have in a day. This amount varies from person to person and depends on lots of different factors. We've outlined some of the most common positive and negative side effects of taking whey protein powders below. Positive Side Effects Of whey Protein Powder Studies show that regularly taking whey protein powder as part of a balanced diet and exercise regime, may result in: Reduced blood pressure Improved inflammation response Benefits for sufferers from Inflammatory Bowel Disease Reduced stress Increased insulin, helping to fight the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Negative Side Effects Of Whey Protein Powder Consuming the recommended serving size of Clean Lean whey protein powder will not produce any adverse side effects. Because Clean Lean protein powder is naturally lactose-free, it does not have the same potential for side effects that traditional lactose whey protein powders suffer from. Excessive consumption of traditional lactose whey protein powders may result in the following: Nausea Stomach pain Reduced appetite Headache Digestive issues Cramps Acne The reason for these side effects is the lactose found in traditional whey protein powders. Genepro Gen 2 Clean Lean Whey Protein is completely lactose-free, so will not cause any of the adverse side effects associated with lactose. Conclusion Whatever reason you need a protein supplement to aid your diet, Clean Lean Whey Protein powder can help. With triple the absorption rate of traditional whey protein powders, but just 66 calories a serving, it's the ideal way to get the protein you need without any unnecessary carbohydrate, fiber, or fat. We've carefully designed Clean Lean whey protein powder to be virtually flavorless, so you can mix it with anything from smoothies to tea to soup. Simpler still, because the flavor is so neutral you can just add Clean Lean to a glass of water and drink without any of the gritty, unpleasant taste associated with other whey protein powders. Clean Lean protein powder is totally gluten-free, sugar-free, lactose-free, and non-GMO. It's suitable for people of all ages and dietary requirements. Unlike other whey protein powders, Clean Lean isn't packed with loads of unnecessary ingredients. It's pure, clean, and absorbs 3x easier than other whey protein powders. In other words, it's the perfect way to get the protein you need. Now you can save 20% to try Clean Lean Whey Protein and see the results for yourself.
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Warm-Up Your Fall Season With These Southwest Blend Recipes
Time to turn up the flavor! These Southwest spice recipes are just what you need to kick things up a notch. Our Southwest Blend Seasoning is the spice behind these amazing fall recipes. We start off with an amazing spicy pumpkin soup, an easy, versatile tortilla soup that is great for chilly fall nights when you don’t have a lot of time to make dinner. The vegan chipotle “cheese” sauce has the perfect spice to enjoy any time of day and impress your friends with our Southwest salmon bowl. Chilies are used all over the world, and are so versatile. Black pepper and paprika will also give your food some spicy punch. Whether you love fiery food, or just a hint of heat, you're in control as to how hot you make it. Heat can act as a balancer to other flavors, such as sweet, salty and sour. So take a food tour from your kitchen, and try our fantastic recipes. Spicy Southwest Pumpkin Soup Bring a bit of the Southwest to your table with this easy, heart-warming soup. Loaded with loads of vegetables and plenty of seasonings, it's sure to be requested again and again. Grab The Recipe Here Easy Delicious Vegan Chipotle Nacho Cheese This vegan nacho cheese dip is amazing for nachos (especially with the chipotles peppers), it also is a great addition on baked potatoes, poured over steamed broccoli, drizzled over tacos, burritos and enchiladas, and even stirred into macaroni. Anywhere that you need nacho-cheesy deliciousness. Grab The Recipe Here Southwest Tortilla Soup Vibrant color and southwest flavors make this soup an autumn delight. In addition to beta carotene, pumpkins offer vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, and folate -- all of which strengthen your immune system. More pumpkin in your diet can help your immune cells work better to ward off germs and speed healing. Grab The Recipe Here Southwest Salmon Bowl Try this spiced up,wholesome and delicious Southwest Salmon Bowl for lunch or dinner. Aside from being a rich source of protein, salmon also helps with weight management while reducing the risk of heart disease; it is also high in B vitamins, potassium, and essential Omega-3's. Grab The Recipe Here Conclusion Our versatile Southwest Seasoning is one of the most popular seasonings in our kitchen. We use it all of the time, especially on these easy, amazing recipes here. Please enjoy! And if you make any of these recipes, tag us on our social media page!
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Fall Season Foods For Immune Building And Healthy Weight Loss
As the leaves change colors and the weather cools, we officially enter fall一some more eagerly than others. There’s a lot to love about autumn, like the musky-sweet earth scents, the cozy nights, and the start of the holiday season. But what many people forget to celebrate is that fall foods become available again. Food serves several purposes unique to different cultures and occasions. Many think of fall foods as best for the ultimate comfort meals (think Thanksgiving). But it’s just as important that you eat fall foods to fuel your body in a healthy way. And if you’re familiar with BlendItUp and the many products and recipes we’re known for, you know we care about mindful eating. So this harvest season, take the opportunity to think about what produce you pick and whether you're incorporating healthy meal components for a balanced diet. With the right guidance, you'll find that you can use the foods of this season to reach all of your health and wellness goals, like immune-building and weight loss. Finding Fall Foods for Healthy Weight Loss A balanced diet has been one of the most important health and wellness concepts for decades now. But what a "balanced diet" means has evolved throughout the years. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date nutritional advice on what we should be eating, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has started a campaign called MyPlate. MyPlate is a resource for recipes and menu planning that encourages Americans to choose more nutrient-rich options from all the food groups, including: Fruits Whole grains Vegetables Protein Low-fat dairy milk or yogurt “When deciding what to eat or drink,” they say on their website, “choose options that are full of nutrients. Make every bite count.” Beneath this statement is a diagram depicting half the ideal plate, which consists of fruit and vegetables. Since produce makes up such a substantial portion of the perfectly balanced meal, you can use seasons to bring variety to your plates throughout the year. Many delicious fruits and vegetables can improve your plate and even your community if you buy them fresh at farmer’s markets. And while fruits like apples are best eaten whole, there are endless ways to bring these fall foods into your diet to promote weight loss and support immune-building. Of course, this is always important, but it can be especially crucial in the fall and winter since cold weather can negatively affect a person’s immune response. 1. Winter Squash When we talk about winter squash for weight loss, we’re actually talking about a variety of fruits that come into season this time of year. These include: Acorn Spaghetti Butternut Hubbard Kabocha Pumpkin These annual, low-calorie fruits are good for more than carving near Halloween. They’re also flourishing in nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C. They have anti-inflammatory properties and can give you more than 20% of your daily fiber intake while also metabolizing fats and carbs. There are a variety of squash recipes you can serve for yourself, friends, or family. But what if you’re not looking to put together a complicated recipe? If you just want an easy way to make a simple, fat-busting, immune-building meal, try substituting your traditional pasta for spaghetti squash. That’s an easy way to get more protein with less than a quarter of the calories. 2. Mushrooms Registered dietician nutritionist (RDN) Jennifer Glockner is the creator of the Smartee Plate series. In her nutrition lessons for children and parents, she praises the value of a good mushroom. These fungi truly are fun guys, as they’ve found a place on the toppings of pizzas as well as an entree and meat alternative. Their texture is similar to that of meat, but they can work more magic than that. Glockner explains that mushrooms contain large amounts of selenium, which repairs cell damage and helps the thyroid. These effects allow the metabolism to work harder and faster, burning fat in the process. A new study has shown that white button mushrooms may even slow prostate cancer. That’s a lot of good in such a tiny spore! If you’re looking to make a meal out of mushrooms, you could sautee them and serve them as a spiced and savory side dish. If you want them to be the main feature, consider the following possibilities: Mix with onions and spice up a grilled cheese Grill in place of a burger Add to fried rice Include in your stir fry If you’re new to cooking for weight loss, mushrooms are a great place to start, as they’re extremely difficult to overcook. 3. Cauliflower Much like squash, a major benefit of cauliflower is that it’s so incredibly versatile. The USDA charts a cup of florets as having 27 calories and only five grams of carbohydrates. This cruciferous vegetable is also naturally high in fiber and rich in antioxidants, meaning its anti-inflammatory effects can boost immune health. So what meals can you make with this amazingly healthy vegetable? Many people use cauliflowers as a spectacular low-carb substitute for grains, and legumes, such as rice and mash. For most recipes, you have to pulse cauliflower in a food processor, after which you can use it as a building block for low-carb pizza, mac and cheese, hummus, or tortillas. Since these florets are so high in fiber, they promote fullness and leave you satisfied at the end of your meal, reducing overall calorie intake. Not only that, but the National Cancer Institute has shown that cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers and other chronic diseases. 4. Apples We can’t talk about fall foods for weight loss and immune-building without mentioning the noble apple. A medium apple (think Granny Smith, Fuji, or McIntosh) will deliver over four grams of fiber at only 95 calories. Paired with its delectably sweet taste, many people use apples to satisfy sweet cravings without nearly as many consequences. And the Mayo Clinic has shown that fiber-rich foods allow you to feel fuller for longer and with fewer calories. What’s important to note about the apple is that most of its nutrients come from the skin, such as quercetin, a plant pigment flavonoid that reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system. Non-organic apples contain a higher concentration of pesticides, so it’s best to buy your apples organic or wholesale and eat them whole. You could also consider slicing them, as apples make a spectacular pairing with: Salads Yogurt and oatmeal Coleslaw Burgers Cheese and nuts And that’s just a brief list. You can use this highly nutritious fruit in baking, cooking, and sauce recipes. Fall Foods to Avoid Not all foods you can find in the fall are considered "fall foods" in our book. For instance, a tomato is a healthy piece of produce at any point in the year. However, this juicy, sweet fruit full of antioxidants is "in season" during the summer. That means the tomatoes you find in the fall won't be very nutritious. They also won’t taste as flavorful out of season. It’s a similar story with strawberries. Though you may have access to these small, pulpy fruits all year round, when it’s outside their "season," they’ve been shipped from other locations. During shipment, they age and lose valuable nutrients and taste as they age. If you love strawberries and can’t live without them all fall, stock up on frozen ones. Corn is another popular food that you can get year-round. However, corn tastes different when it’s out of season. Same with watermelon, which is relatively flavorless and pale in the fall. Build a Plate, Build Immunity There is no diet, supplement, or lifestyle change that can completely protect you from COVID-19. If you’re looking to reduce your risk of exposure to coronavirus, it’s important to maintain social distancing and keep up with proper hygiene practices. All of that is key to staying safe from all other viruses and bacteria, too. However, that’s not to say your diet has no part to play in remaining healthy. Fall foods have potential when it comes to immune-building in the colder season. With the proper diet, as well as other precautions, you can protect yourself during cold and flu season. And adding these immune-building foods is as easy as taking a trip to the farmer’s market. 1. Kale Kale was once considered to be a trendy newcomer on the salad scene, but since then, it’s earned its place as one of the biggest, most popular superfoods around. In fact, it’s considered one of the healthiest plant foods on the planet. A single cup of raw kale (67 grams or just 2.4 ounces) contains huge amounts of vitamin A, K, and C, along with: Vitamin B6 Manganese Calcium Copper Potassium Magnesium Kale has also been shown to strengthen bones and promote heart health. And since it’s the leafy green of fall, its immune-building properties lower inflammation that may come from certain illnesses. Sure, you can sauté kale with oil and garlic or add it to a salad, but this little leaf can do far more than that. Consider creating a kale pesto that you can add to pasta or a veggie pasta alternative! You can also pair it with quinoa or any variety of winter squash. This leafy cruciferous vegetable can even have a starring role in an endless variety of macro bowls, which are a filling, vegetarian way to get all kinds of healthful and immune-building produce in your diet. 2. Cranberries Cranberries are the berries of autumn and winter. Many use them in cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving, but they can do so much more than that. These little red fruits come packed with vitamins and antioxidants once used by Indigenous cultures in the United States to treat bladder and kidney disease. They’ve also been known to aid in: Stroke prevention Stomach ulcers Mouth and teeth health Inflammation It’s widely known that cranberries can aid in immune-building by improving gut health. The Journal of Integrative Biology has stated through a study that even just 42 grams of dried cranberries every day for two weeks was enough to improve the gut biome of healthy adults. You can add them to yogurt, pop them on a sweet and tangy salad, or sprinkle them over granola. (Actually, here's a delicious vegan recipe on our website.) To get all the health and immune-building benefits this fruit offers, you want to eat cranberries dried. The best news? You can actually take advantage of this fall berry all year long! 3. Ginger If you’ve ever enjoyed Asian cuisine, the odds are good that you’ve tasted ginger. It’s a root that’s very common in the Southeastern part of the continent, and even though it’s not used as much in the West, it has so many benefits. Most of ginger’s use comes from gingerol, one of the oils that give the spice its distinct fragrance and flavor. Gingerol has a list of medicinal benefits, some of which are: Anti-inflammation (antioxidants) Reduced oxidative stress Protection against flu and cold Antinausea properties Potential help against infection And ginger is an incredibly versatile tool that you can use in various meals, drinks, and sauces. Boil it with water and lemon to create a revitalizing tea that’s perfect for fighting back illness, or turn a fruit salad into something distinct and pleasant. You can even create a healthy soup (like turmeric-ginger chicken soup) that features this no-calorie source of antioxidants that stimulates digestion and can even heal irritated skin. For an easy way to get the good out of your ginger, add it to your morning smoothie. Along with other smoothie additives, sliced ginger gives a background kick to any combination of fall produce. This way, you can make a drink that’s immune-building as well as delicious. 4. Pomegranate Some have considered pomegranates to be anti-aging. While that hasn’t been proven for sure, the fruit has its own merits in both immune-building, versatility, and unique taste. This big round fruit contains high levels of antioxidants, along with the kinds of vitamins that work to lower your risk of certain illnesses. Maybe you’ve seen pomegranates in the grocery store一the musty red balloons with hard and thick skin. Many pass by without realizing that within that shell is a bounty of sweet seeds known as arils. And in one cup of those seeds come seven grams of fiber and three grams of protein, along with: Vitamin C Vitamin K Folate Potassium To get these arils, though, you have to peel and seed the fruit by hand. Some find this process quite a hassle, and some stores sell the seeds separately. If you have trouble finding pomegranate seeds in your local grocery store, go for pomegranate-based supplements or pomegranate juice. Both will give you all the benefits and none of the nuisance of seeding. Like ginger, pomegranate juice is an excellent addition to any smoothie you make. And they pair even better with a reliable protein powder that can turn your produce into a complete meal with all of the immune-building and weight loss benefits. Other Ways to Build Immunity in the Fall A healthy diet alone can't prevent diseases and illnesses. If you really want to focus on immune-building to get you through another flu season, you must consider other factors. Eating all of the whole foods you can get your hands on won’t make much of a difference if you aren’t sleeping properly, exercising, or staying hydrated every day. As for sleeping, the National Sleep Foundation guidelines urge adults to get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night to remain healthy. Wondering whether you’re drinking enough water? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine reports that a sufficient daily fluid intake is roughly 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) a day for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids for women. You may even want to consider adding supplements to your diet if you’re unable to get sufficient levels from other sources. Here are some popular supplements you can find in most product-based stores. Vitamin C Vitamin D Zinc Elderberry Echinacea Garlic These vitamins and supplements can help protect you from common illnesses and limit how long you spend under the weather if you do get sick. To put it simply, whether it’s on your plate or in your glass, the food you eat plays a big part in how you live your life. We all want to feel better and live happier healthier lives, and your diet can work wonders for your wellness goals. BlenditUp can help, too. If you’re a vegan individual still looking for a way to get the nutrition and immune-building properties you need, we offer seasonings and protein shakes that give you a solid foundation every morning with a single pour of the glass. You can also find recipes created by our team to inspire your food choices in the best way possible. So please take full advantage of the fall and all of the enticing produce that comes with it, and use BlenditUp and our line of products to make your journey all the more successful.
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Save The Bees With Vegan Bee-Free Honey
Our Bees are dying at an alarming rate. Commercial honey products, terrible farming practices, and the destruction of naturally wild ecosystems have all been leading to a massive decline in the population of bees. It is a tragedy on a global scale and one that lies squarely at the feet of humanity. If you are green-minded and care about the planet, then there is a very good chance that you want to save the bees. The environmental impact of their loss will be devastating for both our world and our futures. But what can we do? How can we save the bees? There are lots of changes that we can make, including supporting the vegan honey industry and making changes to our agricultural practices. Read on to find out what is happening to the bees in our world, how to help save the bees, and why changing our diet to vegan options could be the answer to our future survival. Why Are The Bees Important? Greenpeace estimates that you should thank the bees with every third bite of food you eat as it was likely produced thanks to them. Bees are pollinators, so they spend their time moving pollen from one plant species to another, and this allows the plants to breed and produce more plants. If we lose the bees, the planet loses its ability to keep plants pollinated, and the impact on agricultural ecosystems will be devastating. Over 90% of wild plants need animal pollinators to continue their lifecycle. Without bees, this cycle is broken and irreparable, and all of these plants will die off. The threat to our way of life and even our continued existence on this planet is severe and closely linked to the survival of the bee population. What Is Happening To Bee Populations? Beekeepers are reporting between 29% and 40% of their bee colonies are dying off each year. The average falls around 30%, which is an unprecedented increase in natural levels of die-off since 2004. Bees will naturally die in the winter, and this is part of the hive lifecycle. However, this die-off is usually at a level of 10% of the colony. The hive will replace these bees in the spring if the hive is healthy and able to reproduce. With the unnatural die-off rate added to the natural decline of the bee colony, hives are unable to recover the workers they need to remain active. The hive colony falls into collapse, and often all the bees are lost. Populations of wild bees are also in decline, and both are beyond a limit that is sustainable for the future. We need to act now if we want to help save the honey bees for our children's futures. What Is Killing The Bees? There are three leading causes: agrochemicals, loss of habits, and unethical beekeeping. Monocropping is where large swathes of land are cultivated to plant and produce just one kind of crop. Wild meadowland, the native habitat of many wild bees, has been destroyed to allow for monocropping cultivation. This continued destruction of wild bee habitats is a significant contributor to the continued decline of the bee population. One wild bee, the rusty patched bumblebee, has lost over 80% of its natural habitat and is now endangered. Another finger of blame is firmly pointed at the chemical industry and the production of pesticides. These companies have pumped millions of dollars into PR campaigns to push the responsibility away from themselves and muddle the truth about what is happening. However, the science is abundantly clear. Pesticides are used in agriculture and even in our own backyards. While they help keep plants bug-free, they also cripple and kill the local honey bee population. Scientists have shown that hives can contain a chemical cocktail of pesticides that bees have brought back home with their pollen. Reducing the most dangerous pesticides from our farming production and gardening industries would undoubtedly be a significant step towards helping the honey bees. However, pesticides alone are not to blame for the decline, and we also need to consider the honey industry. The Unethical Honey Industry There can often be some debate in the vegan community about whether beekeeping and eating honey is an ethical and vegan practice. The general consensus when you look at the evidence is that it is not. There is a lot of unethical beekeeping that exploits honey bees and contributes to their declining populations. Many people mistakenly believe that honey bees make their honey for our consumption, which is a wholly false belief. The honey that they create is a fuel source for the hive, and it is essential for their existence. Honey is, in fact, one of the primary energy sources that the bees need to survive through harsh winters. So, by removing this from their hives, we are directly contributing to their annual die-off by starving the bees when they most need it. We can change this by moving to vegan honey that can replace the products produced by commercial beekeepers. How Is Honey Made? Forager bees gather pollen from flowers and turn it into nectar within the hive. When they visit a flower, they store the pollen in one of their two stomachs: one for pollen storage and one for eating. They can also keep additional pollen on their fur. When a bee is full, the amount of pollen it carries can weigh almost as much as the bee does! Imagine flying a considerable distance while carrying your own body weight in pollen. It is an incredible feat. This is why bees need to eat when they are out gathering pollen and why they are killed by the pesticides when they are visiting different flowers. Once back at the hive, the forager bees regurgitate the pollen from their stomachs directly into the house bees' mouths. This process is a little gross sounding for us but natural for the bees. The house bees then break down the nectar's sugars and store them in the beeswax. They then cool the substance by fanning it with their wings until it is transformed into what we know as honey. It can then be used as a food source for the bees in the colony. However, at this point, we harvest it and take it as our own. How Commercial Honey Farming Impacts the Bees We take the honey the bees have made from their hive and use it in our own foods, cosmetics, and health supplements. Commercial beekeepers want to harvest high yields of honey for their own financial benefits. So the more the bees can produce, the better the hive is rated. Commercial beekeepers do not take all of the honey. They do leave some for the bees to use; however, it is often nowhere near enough. Additionally, to replace the honey that they take, they substitute it with a sugar solution to feed the bees. However, this sugar solution is far from sufficient for maintaining the bees' well-being. It doesn't contain most of the micro-nutrients that the bees require that are found in honey. As such, the bees become malnourished, and some eventually die of starvation. Without the proper nutrients, bees often become ill or infected with parasites. The continual gassing of the hive to make them sleepy enough for the beekeeper to remove the honey also has negative impacts on their health. As a hive's health declines, so does its value, and often commercial hives are simply incinerated rather than maintained once their value dips below a certain value or to prevent diseases from spreading. How Can I Help Save The Bees? We need to take action now if we are going to save our bee populations and save wild agriculture. There are lots of things you can do to help save the honey bee. The main thing you can do is get involved. Check out your local or national save the bees foundations and make contact with them for further steps. In the meantime, follow our advice and learn how we can save the bees together. Stop Buying Commercial Bee Honey Products Commercial honey production needs to come to an end. The best way you can help with this is to stop purchasing bee-made honey products. There are alternatives that you can consider instead, and your refusal to contribute to the industry will help force it into decline. Eat Vegan Honey Vegan Honey Vegan honey is a delicious alternative to eating honey made by bees. It is made from 100% organic ingredients and will allow you to still enjoy your favorite sweet treats without any of the guilt that goes with them. Plant WildFlowers One way you can learn how to help save the bees is to look into planting a natural habitat for them. If you have a backyard or allotment, you can plant flowers that attract wild bees naturally. Encourage your local community to grow wildflower spaces and meadows and to let their gardens have a more natural look in places. Give the wild bees somewhere that they can call home again. Stop Using Pesticides If you garden at home or grow vegetables locally, you need to stop using pesticides that are harmful to bees. Contact save the bee organizations to find out which pesticides are safe to use to keep your garden in a natural state and safe for bees. Lobby Your Government Speak to your local government representative and get them to lobby for changes to agricultural processes and better pesticide controls. Only by making changes at the highest level can we hope to save the bees through governmental restrictions. Join A Bee Support Organization Find a save the bees organization and offer your time, money, or support in any way that you can. You can help raise money, spread awareness about the cause and help develop areas to become more bee-friendly environments. Keep Bees If you have the resources, then you can start a hive of your own, not to exploit bees for the honey but simply to let them live in safety and comfort. There are lots of resources online, including The Bee Conservancy that teach you how to start your own hive and become an ethical beekeeper. The Bee Conservancy is an especially good resource. Spread The Word Tell everyone what you know about the decline of bee populations and the effects of commercial honey production. Go onto social media and let people know what they can also do to help save the planet. Promote bee-free products and encourage others to make the swap to vegan for a better bee-friendly world. How Vegan Honey Can Help Save The Bees All the evidence above shows us that our current trajectory is unsustainable. If we continue commercially farming bees to the extent that we have been for decades, we will see their extinction in the very near future. The impact that will have on the looming environmental crisis is a very frightening prospect. But changing our commercial honey-making practices does not need to be hard at all. There are many ways we can reproduce the sweet taste and experiences of honey without exploiting the bees. We have a range of incredibly delicious and nutritious shakes and blends that can include vegan honey and have zero impact on the bee population. Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Saving the Bees Save The Bees With Our Vegan Honey Products We produce entirely organic bee-free honey that has all of the sweetness of bee-made honey, but without any of the guilt. It is made from apples, grown organically and ethically. You can use it as a smoothie base or simply as a sweetener as you would with bee-made honey. Check out our products page and see if anything takes your fancy. Go green, save the bees, and feel great about helping the environment.
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The Top 9 Smoothie And Soup Boosters To Get The Most Nutrition
If smoothies are already a part of your daily routine, you know how quickly you can have a healthy breakfast or snack that you and your family enjoy. At BlenditUp, our goal is to help you make a delicious, creamy smoothie every time. With this article, not only make something that tastes so good your kids drink every last drop, we want to pack it full of superfood nutrition, so everyone gets the most nutrients and energy in your smoothies ... and soups. Get ready to mix up new flavors and create new combinations that help fuel energy and also supply the brain with essential fatty acids. We'll cover both macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients. Macro-Nutrient Boosters Protein Carbohydrates Fat Macro-Nutrient Boosters - Protein Protein provides essential amino acids your body needs to stay at full strength. It is an important nutrient that provides energy, helps repair tissue and build tissue, assists in the formation of enzymes that help your body produce cellular energy, and allows your body to store extra amino acids for later use. The recommended daily intake of protein is 0.8 grams per pound of body weight for adult men and 0.4 grams per pound for adult women. If you need a higher amount of protein, then it is recommended you eat a variety of proteins in a variety of food sources. Protein is also important in maintaining the correct balance between calcium and phosphorus in your body. Macro-Nutrient Boosters - Carbohydrates Carbohydrates provide your body with the nutrition it needs to function properly. They are broken down by the body into glucose which may be used as fuel or energy or stored in muscle cells for later use. Adding fruits and vegetables, which are complex carbohydrates, break down slowly in the body and provide a steady, healthy form of energy. Refined sugar may make your smoothies taste good, but it's a simple carbohydrate that quickly converts to glucose and pumps insulin levels through the roof. That means you get a burst of energy, followed by a crash. Yikes. Refined carbs make for an unhealthy diet and even yet another reason for your energy level to crash throughout the day. Avoid them like the plague and if you use sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit extract, coconut nectar, your blood sugar won't spike so dramatically. Refined sugars also create inflammation that causes water retention, aches, and pain, as well as unneeded stress on the body. Whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, and quinoa are also good sources of carbohydrates. These also provide a good-for-you boost to your smoothie or soup bowl. Quinoa is a high protein grain that has been shown to help control blood sugar levels in diabetics and non-diabetics alike. Macro-Nutrient Boosters - Fat Fat is an essential nutrient that supplies the body with energy. It also helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, & K. Fats are broken down by the body into fatty acids for use as fuel or they are stored in muscle cells to help keep you strong. Micro-Nutrient Boosters Micronutrients include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that play a huge role in your day-to-day life. Your body is an amazing machine that works hard every single day to supply you with the food, water, and oxygen it needs to live and function properly. We all have different needs but most people have a few things in common when it comes to nutrition. Vitamins Vitamins from superfoods are not only essential for the body's health, but they also provide benefits that support overall health and weight management. Your body needs these nutrients to absorb, metabolize, transport, maintain and regulate fat cells. Vitamins are essential for the optimal functioning of your metabolism. Minerals Minerals are important elements of life that are vital to many functions of the body. They also provide benefits by helping to keep the body healthy by supporting bone health, water balance, blood pressure regulation, cell integrity, and more. The list continues with regulating metabolism and supplying energy to muscles. Antioxidants It is a well-known fact that antioxidants are important for the body's health and wellness, but did you know that they also play a role in the formation of specific nutrients that help us perform at our best? And not only do they play a key role in certain biochemical functions, but they also assist with maintaining energy levels throughout the day. Essential Fatty Acids Essential fatty acids help the body produce eicosanoids, which are enzymes that produce hormones, which help regulate cell growth and maturation. Without them, the body is unable to perform these key biochemical functions. Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent cancer, heart disease, arthritis, depression, ADHD, mental illness, skin disorders, and many other health concerns. Fiber Fiber is the indigestible portion of plant-based foods that the body cannot digest. It also helps keep you regular! Good fiber sources include spinach, honeydew melon, asparagus, tomatoes, strawberries, spinach, broccoli, beans, and legumes. The Best 9 Smoothie And Soup Boosters Spinach Dark Chocolate Protein Powder Berries Avocado Chia Seeds Hemp Hearts Pineapple Herbs and Spices Spinach Spinach is rich in minerals like magnesium and iron and is also an excellent source of vitamin A and Folic acid. It also contains fiber and is a great addition to your smoothie and soup bowls. You can add a handful of spinach and your kids won’t even taste this leafy vegetable, yet they’ll reap the benefits of the minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Add bright, vibrant colorful fruits and they won’t even see the green color. Because of its dense vitamin and mineral content, studies show that spinach is beneficial for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. It also helps build strong bones, aids in digestion, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and lowers the risk of heart disease. Spinach provides 10 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6, which is needed for metabolism and fat burning. Dark Chocolate Dark chocolate is high in flavanols which help improve blood flow, protect the brain from disease, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Flavonoids are polyphenols that are associated with numerous health benefits. Flavonoids also provide a boost to energy levels and high-quality focus, especially among women. The dark chocolate we recommend contains 70% cocoa and is rich in flavanols and antioxidants that can help improve blood flow and protect the brain from disease and inflammation. Protein Powder We make it easy to boost your smoothie with protein by adding a scoop of one of our protein powders. Our top proteins don't add any extra weird taste to your smoothies, just a creamy, smooth texture. BlenditUp Protein Powders for Smoothies and soups: Not only can you add our protein to smoothies, but you can also add this macro-nutrient to oatmeal, and your favorite soups to supply your body with the essential building blocks to build muscle and maintain muscle. As a bonus, according to studies, protein also helps with healthy weight loss. BlenditUp Smooth, Creamy Plant-Based Protein Powders Clean Lean Whey Protein Powder Blueberries Blueberries are wonderful for your heart health because they are loaded with powerful antioxidants that fight disease and can help prevent heart disease. Blueberries also are rich in Vitamin C. Blueberries are one of our top choices because they can be used to help stave off colds, boost energy levels, reduce stress, improve heart health and improve the immune system. Blueberries are loaded with powerful antioxidants that fight disease and can fight cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s Disease. Add strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for additional flavor, color, and antioxidants. Avocado Avocados add a smooth, creamy texture to smoothies, soups, dressings, and sauces. They are rich in monounsaturated fat and a good source of vitamin C. Avocados are also a good source of dietary fiber and provide 10 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6, which is needed for metabolism and energy production. Avocados are rich in healthy fats that help maintain your weight and keep your heart healthy. They also help to keep you full longer, which is beneficial for weight loss. Chia Seeds Chia seeds are an excellent source of fatty acids, minerals, and fiber. They provide a boost to energy levels and performance. Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3, minerals, and fiber. They provide a boost to energy levels and performance. Chia seeds have been used for centuries by the Aztecs in Mexico as a food staple. Because chia seeds are loaded with fiber, they support digestive health and can help keep you full longer. Boost your smoothies with chia seeds for minerals and vitamins like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, manganese, and B-vitamins. Hemp Hearts Hemp hearts are a great source of protein and essential fatty acids. As mentioned above, protein is the building block of our body and is essential for cell structure and maintenance; it also helps us perform everyday tasks like breathing, movement, and digestion. Hemp seeds are a complete protein containing all 9 essential amino acids. They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids with a good ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids. Hemp seeds contain more magnesium than any other plant food and have been used for centuries in Chinese traditional medicine to support overall health. Pineapple Pineapple is a good source of manganese and beta-carotene. It’s also high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Pineapple also contains an enzyme known as bromelain which has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce pain and swelling after an injury, preventing debilitating arthritis and related problems. You may have heard that pineapple can be used to soothe a cough and help with the symptoms of asthma and sinus inflammation. It can also help reduce symptoms of hay fever, such as runny nose and sneezing. Herbs and Spices Not only do spices and herbs add flavor, but they're also packed with nutrition. Spices and herbs can be used to help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, fight cancer, support the cardiovascular system and promote a healthy immune system. You can use cinnamon as a spice for your smoothies by adding 1/2 teaspoon to any smoothie recipe. Cinnamon is a good source of manganese and fiber. It’s also been used to help improve blood glucose levels in those with diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. For added flavor, add fresh ginger to boost your soups and smoothies. Garlic, onions, leeks, shallots, chives, and scallions are all part of the allium family. The health benefits of these are nearly endless. They have been used to help treat chronic diseases since ancient times, and it's no wonder why. They have been used for centuries to support overall health and act as an anti-inflammatory. Onions are a good source of vitamin C and manganese. Garlic is a good source of vitamin B6. It's also rich in manganese, selenium, and vitamin C. Whether you're blending up a soup or cooking on your stop top, be sure to stock up on our delicious spice blends. Southwest Everything Spice Blend Italian Spice Blend Summary The real purpose of food is to provide our bodies with fuel to help increase our energy and be our best selves. And, with all the amazing flavors from whole foods, we’re also meant to enjoy the foods we eat. We hope this article has been helpful to you so that you can make perfect smoothies and soups every time. Please share with us your favorite recipes on our social media. Resources Protein for weight loss Blueberries are rich in ascorbic acid and antioxidants Blueberries improve memory and could help fight against Alzheimer’s disease
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