Explore 50 of our best healthy chicken recipes that are packed with flavor and nutrition. From sheet pan dinners to slow cooker favorites, there’s an so many options to add to your healthy meal plans.
50 Healthy Chicken Recipes
Mini Loop Resistance Bands with User Guide and Carry Bag, Exercise Bands for Legs and Butt Stretching Workout Home Yoga Fitness Training Equipment 12″ x 2″
Price: $7.99
(as of Nov 01, 2025 13:11:23 UTC – Details)
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【Specialized for Women】Our Gradient Color Resistance Bands Set are Especially Designed for Women. It Comes with 4 Gradient Color Loop Bands with Strength Icon in Pink Container Bag. Thickness and Resistance: Light – 0.5mm – 10~15lbs; Medium – 0.7mm – 15~20lbs, Heavy – 0.9mm – 20~30lbs, X-Heavy – 1.1mm – 30~40lbs. Please Contact us for E-book of Instruction.
【Eco-friendly Material】 Our Black Resistance Band Loops are Made from 100% Natural Latex, which is Safe and Eco-friendly. They are of Strong Resistance and Great Durability. Classic Black Color is always a Nice Choice, and You will Love them at the First Sight.
【Portable Exercise Partner】 Our Black Resistance Band Set Comes with a Lovely Pink Drawstring Bag. So You can Use it at Home or on the Go. It Provides Great Assistance to Various of Fitness Workout, Such as Yoga, Pilate, Crossfit Stretch Training . You can Apply it to Different Positions to Train the Muscles in Arms, Chest, Belly, Butt, Legs. You can Follow Our instruction E-book to Exercise. Besides, You can also Learn from Many Videos on Internet for Sure.
【Friendly and Versatile Use】 Our Black Resistance Bands Fits for Most of Fitness Beginners as Well as Regular Gym Exercisers. Even You can Find it in Athletes’ Pocket. Besides, It is Strongly Recommended by Pro Physical Therapist to Help People Recover from Postpartum or Sport Injury, Especially in Rehabbing Muscles, Joints for Mobility and Strength Recovery.
【Quality Service】Resistance Bands Set Includes 30 days Money Back and 24 Hours Good Customer Service. If You Have any Questions about the Products You Received, Pls Contact us Instantly and We will Provide Satisfactory Solutions as Soon as Possible.
Customers say
Customers find these resistance bands to be of good quality, versatile for various exercises, and easy to use, offering good value for money. The bands provide good resistance and work well for physical therapy exercises. However, durability receives mixed feedback – while some say they hold together well, others report them breaking. Additionally, customers mention issues with the bands rolling up and being too short for various exercises.
6 things to know about ACA health plans this open enrollment : Shots
Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces starts Nov. 1.
Patrick Sison/AP
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Patrick Sison/AP
This year’s Obamacare open enrollment period, which starts Saturday in most states, is full of uncertainty and confusion for the more than 24 million people who buy health insurance through the federal and state Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
The fate of the enhanced premium tax credits that make coverage more affordable for 92% of enrollees remains up in the air, with the prospect of significantly higher premiums looming.
But there are steps marketplace shoppers can take to ensure they make the right choices for the upcoming plan year.
1. Understand how we got here
In 2021, as part of a COVID-era relief package, the ACA premium tax credits were enhanced to lower costs for previously eligible people and expand eligibility to people with incomes over 400% of the federal poverty level (which amounts to about $63,000 for one person in 2025). But those enhancements, which were extended in 2022, will expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts.
The debate over whether to extend them again has been at the center of a political battle of wills between Republicans and Democrats in Congress, a fight at the heart of the now month-old government shutdown.
The financial implications for many marketplace enrollees are huge. Average out-of-pocket premium payments for subsidized enrollees are projected to more than double if the enhanced tax credits expire, according to KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.
“The longer this goes on, the more damage is done,” said Cynthia Cox, a vice president and the director of the Program on the ACA at KFF. “If someone logs on Nov. 1 and sees their premium doubling, they might just walk away.”
That would be a mistake, marketplace experts agree. What is clear, though, is that buyers need to beware and be informed.
2. Follow the news
It can be frustrating to track day-to-day Capitol Hill machinations. But that may be your best source for up-to-date information. Congress could make a deal to extend the enhanced subsidies anytime during the next few days, weeks or months — or not. Either way, it could affect your enrollment decision. So, pay attention.
Don’t count on the marketplace or your insurer to notify you about what you should expect to pay. “Many state marketplaces have hit delay” on sending consumers notices of net premiums, which take premium tax credits into account, said Sabrina Corlette, a co-director of Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms.
The federal government doesn’t send enrollees notices about plan premiums for the coming year for the 28 federally facilitated marketplaces. For 2026, it has said that health plans can also opt not to.
3. Update your account information and don’t auto-enroll
Log in to your marketplace account and update your income, household size, and any other details that have changed.
This year, it’s particularly important to provide an accurate estimate of your anticipated income for 2026.
A provision in HR 1, sometimes called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, eliminated the caps on what many people were required to repay if they underestimated their projected income and received more premium assistance than they should have. Next year, people will have to repay the entire excess amount.
In the past few years, it’s been possible to put your ACA insurance on auto-pilot with automatic reenrollment in your current or a similar plan. Given the uncertainty around premiums, this is not a good year to do that, enrollment specialists say.
This is especially true for people who, without a deal in Congress, will no longer qualify for subsidies next year, specifically those whose incomes are over 400% of the federal poverty level.
4. Shop based on sticker prices
When people see their projected premiums, assuming Congress hasn’t reached a deal to extend the enhanced credits, many will be shocked.
Health insurance premiums on the marketplaces are expected to increase, on average, 26% next year, according to KFF. That’s the largest rate increase since 2018.
Until now, people have largely been shielded from those increases by the enhanced premium tax subsidies that nearly all enrollees receive. Here’s how it works: Most people with ACA marketplace plans are responsible for paying a portion of their premium based on a sliding income scale, and the government pays the rest.
According to an analysis by KFF, if the enhanced credits are not renewed, a family of four with $75,000 in income, for example, will be responsible for paying $5,865 in annual premiums for a benchmark silver plan in 2026 — more than double the $2,498 it’ll pay if they are renewed.
When evaluating a plan, focus on the listed price. If it’s not affordable without the enhanced tax credits, it’s not a good buy.
“People need to make a decision based on what is in front of them,” Cox said.
If you can’t afford the sticker price without the enhanced credits, consider enrolling in a less generous plan with a lower premium but a higher deductible, Cox said. Bronze plans must provide comprehensive coverage, including covering preventive care at no cost, and may cover some doctor visits before the deductible.
“In most cases, it makes more sense to have a bronze plan than to be uninsured,” she said.
The Trump administration has been promoting catastrophic plans as a more affordable option for people who face financial hardship, including those who don’t qualify for subsidies because their incomes are either less than 100% or more than 400% of the federal poverty level.
Similar to bronze plans, catastrophic plans cover a set of essential health benefits, provide free preventive care, and must cover at least three doctor visits before people reach their deductible. But catastrophic plan deductibles are the highest of any type of marketplace plan: $10,600 for individuals and $21,200 for families in 2026.
“They are expensive relative to what they cover,” said Jennifer Sullivan, director of health coverage access at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, noting premiums can cost several hundred dollars.
5. Come back, check, and recheck
If you’re dismayed at premium prices on your first pass, “don’t slam the computer shut and decide that there are no options for you,” Sullivan said. “Congress might still act and things might change radically.”
Lawmakers could restore the enhanced premium tax credits right up to the end of the year, or later.
In a majority of states, including the 28 that use the federal government’s centralized marketplace, open enrollment lasts until Jan. 15. There are also other key dates to remember.
In most states, people must enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage starting Jan. 1, and by Jan. 15 for coverage starting Feb. 1, though some states have later deadlines.
6. Wait to pay your premium
Premium payments are generally due before the plan takes effect, although marketplaces and insurers have flexibility to extend deadlines, Corlette said.
They might allow people extra time to make a first payment, for example. “We’ve seen that in the past. State officials and insurance companies have gotten creative to try and keep people in coverage,” she said.
But if there is a last-minute deal and someone has already paid their premium for January coverage and received a lower tax credit than the deal provides, they should still be able to receive the higher credit.
“There are ways to make people whole,” Corlette said, although how that might happen this enrollment period is unclear.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF.
How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Greenhouse
A greenhouse offers exactly what many rodents are looking for: stable temperatures, shelter, and a dependable supply of food in the form of seeds, roots, and tender new growth.
When conditions outdoors become less predictable, particularly in fall and winter, it’s common for mice and rats to move in.
They can uproot seedlings overnight, dig through carefully prepared trays, and make short work of stored bulbs or bags of soil amendments.
They also reproduce quickly, which means a small problem can become a significant one in little time.
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Most of the activity happens out of sight. Rodents are primarily nocturnal, so you rarely see them in the greenhouse during the day. Instead, you notice the evidence.
A tray of starts looks disturbed, a row of seedlings has vanished, or you find shredded leaves and paper tucked into a corner.
The sooner this evidence is recognized, the easier it is to intervene.
The goal is straightforward: reduce what attracts these pests, close off the ways they enter, and remove any that are already inside.
Signs of Rodent Activity
The animals most likely to take up residence inside a greenhouse are house mice and rats. Both will readily eat seeds, young stems, roots, and stored crops.
They’re agile, persistent, and opportunistic. Mice can pass through openings smaller than a quarter inch wide, and rats are strong enough to chew through wood, plastic, and thin metal if they have time.
Voles may also appear in greenhouses built directly on soil, particularly where there are existing tunnels in surrounding beds.
They enter at ground level and feed on root systems and bulbs rather than exposed plant tops.
Chipmunks, squirrels, and groundhogs can cause noticeable damage outdoors, but they are rarely long-term residents inside the structure.
They may come and go, nibbling and doing damage.
Signs of rodent presence include:
- Soil that looks scraped or pushed aside
- Seedlings disappearing in neat, tidy bites rather than collapse
- Small, dark droppings along shelves or corners
- Shredded material like paper, plastic, or dried leaves formed into a nest
- Piles of seeds or nuts collected in pots, trays, or tool bins
Mice are diligent hoarders. If you find a cache, the greenhouse is not simply a place they’ve visited, it’s where they’ve taken up residence.
Recognizing the activity is only the first step.
HAPBEAR Pull Up Assistance Bands Set of 5 – Resistance Bands for Working Out, Stretching, Physical Therapy, Muscle Training
Price: $31.38 - $25.99
(as of Nov 01, 2025 01:03:23 UTC – Details)
Stainless Steel Foldable Pointer Stick | Compact, Extendable with Comfortable Grip & Ideal for Office Use
[Versatile Resistance Bands for Varied Workouts]: Elevate your exercise routine with HAPBEAR’s multifunctional pull up assistance bands. Ideal for pull-up assistance, enhancing push-ups, speed training, squats, shoulder presses, barbells, dumbbells, and more.
[Full-Body Training Solution]: HAPBEAR’s pull up bar bands assistance bands are designed for both men and women, targeting arms, back, legs, glutes, chest, core, and abs while enhancing flexibility. They excel in physical therapy, weight loss, injury recovery, and speed training.
[5 Resistance Levels for All Skill Levels]: Choose from 5 resistance levels to meet your needs, ranging from Yellow (5-10 lbs) to Purple (100-125 lbs). These 81-inch-long resistance bands for working out are versatile, allowing individual or combined use to add challenge. Perfect for individuals of all strength levels to sculpt your dream physique.
[Your On-the-Go Fitness Companion]: Our resistance band set, complete with a waterproof bag, is lightweight and portable, enabling you to exercise at home, the gym, or while traveling. It caters to beginners and advanced users, helping you expand your home gym, set fitness goals, and work out on the go.
[Perfect Gift and Exceptional Service]: This gift set includes 5 pull-up assistance bands, a storage bag, and a user manual. Share the gift of health and happiness with your family and friends. Additionally, we provide top-notch customer service to assist with any questions or concerns. Contact us at any time; we’re here to serve you!
[HAPBEAR Lifetime Warranty System]: Each HAPBEAR Resistance Bands is based on excellent quality, after strict quality inspection, and superior customer service for each customer to provide a lifetime warranty, please feel free to buy!
Customers say
Customers find these exercise bands well-made and effective for workouts, particularly for pull-ups, with one customer noting they’re great for adding resistance to pushups and squats. The bands come in different resistance levels and are easy to work with, offering good value for money. While some customers report durability issues with bands snapping after a few months of use, others find them durable. The stretchability receives mixed feedback, with some customers reporting good stretchability while others say they’re not stretchy at all.
44 Pork Recipes
Discover the best pork recipes all in one place. From one-pan dinners to juicy pork chops and hearty casseroles, there’s something for every meal and occasion.
Resistance Bands for Working Out, Exercise Bands for Physical Therapy, Stretch, Recovery, Pilates, Rehab, Strength Training and Yoga Starter Set
Price: $8.99
(as of Oct 31, 2025 12:50:11 UTC – Details)
From the brand
Pilates Bar Kits
150lbs Resistance Tube Bands
Elastic Resistance Bands
Ankle Bands with Cuffs
Gym Exercise Handles
How did we start?
The founder of RENRANRING is also a fitness expert who is determined to create a healthy life for users and restore physical vitality, so that you can enjoy health every day.
What makes our products different?
We have professional market research, design and testing personnel. Strictly select materials and pay attention to details and quality. Durable and service.
What makes us love it?
RENRANRING non latex resistance belt can be used at all ages. It is widely loved by users and is the perfect tool for exercising.
Different Color Resistance Levels: Come with 3 color, the different colors have an obviously different tension/strength. Yellow 7.3~10.2 lbs, Red 10.2~15.3lbs, Blue 15.3~21.3 lbs. 13.0 ft long by 6 inches wide. ”2024 Upgrade Exercise Band”
Good Quality Exercise Bands: Thermoplastic Elastomer Not sticky and no latex material, eco-friendly, elastic and durable. Skin-friendly, especially suitable for people with latex allergy
Applicable Scenarios: Exercise bands set for Stretch, Physical Therapy, Recovery, Pilates, Rehab, Strength Training. Suitable for legs, hips, arms, abdomen, head and cervical spine
Portable, Easy to Use: Resistance bands carrying bag, whether you are indoors or outdoors, you can carry it with you. Complete your established training or recovery program on time
Surprise for Family and Friends: Workout bands for men and women are suitable for any age. With training guide, can be used as Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday surprise for your loved ones or friends
Surprise for Family and Friends: Workout bands for men and women are suitable for any age. With training guide, can be used as Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday surprise for your loved ones or friends
Customers say
Customers find these resistance bands well-made, strong, and durable, working particularly well for home physical therapy and exercise classes. They are easy to use and offer good value as an inexpensive alternative to traditional therapy bands, with customers appreciating their effectiveness for strength training and physical therapy exercises. The stretchability receives mixed feedback, with some customers reporting plenty of stretch while others find them lacking.
What You Need to Stay Healthy This Winter
I’m addicted to sunshine, one big reason why I live in a southern state. And while I’m not a fan of less light during the winter, I still enjoy all the season has to offer. Here’s a big list of winter wellness essentials to help you feel your best this year. Many of these are also great options to share with friends and family in your life to help them out during the winter months too.
Winter Wellness Goals
Not only does it get darker faster starting in the autumn, but winter comes with its own set of health challenges. Dry air and more time indoors can take a toll on our skin, lips, and hair. Shorter days can mean less motivation to workout or incorporate functional movements (hello cozy blanket and Christmas movies!).
Then there are the holidays with snacking, sugar, late nights, alcohol, and more sugar. Throw in stress, lack of sleep from disrupted routines, and just overall winter blahs. It’s easy to get off track with our health goals during the winter months, and colder days pose extra challenges.
The goal isn’t to plow through and pretend it’s not winter, but instead embrace the seasonal rhythms and pay attention to our body’s changing needs. Here’s a roundup of different products and recipes I rely on this time of year to keep me healthy, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Of course, I don’t do all of these all the time, but feel free to pick and choose what makes the most sense for you to come up with your own winter wellness routine.
Winter Skincare
Cold air, windy days, and snow translates to chapped, dry skin. I try to get outside every single day, several times a day, including winter. This helps my hormonal rhythms stay on track and helps with the winter blues. Add to that indoor heating and skin can really take a beating.
Here are some of my favorite lotions and balms to keep skin happy this winter. You’ll find both DIY recipes and ready made products for when you’re short on time.
Lotions and Balms
- Toups & Co Organics – I love everything by Toups because it’s such great quality and feels great on my skin. Their tallow balms and lip balms are perfect for skin anytime of year, but especially in winter.
- DIY Lotion Bars – Create customized lotion bars for thirsty winter skin. They’re an easy and convenient way to use lotion. Don’t want to make it? Made On sells clean lotion bars that meet my standards.
- Homemade Lotion – This lotion recipe is more of a balm consistency. It combines ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax to deeply moisturize skin.
- Calming Sleep Lotion – This bedtime lotion is great to help unwind and relax in the evenings. It also hydrates skin as it calms.
- Aloe Vera Lotion – Aloe is rich in nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. It helps skin create hyaluronic acid and boosts collagen production.
- Frankincense Face Cream – Not only does it smell amazing, but frankincense is very calming and grounding. My face always feels so good after I use this!
- Tallow Balm – Tallow is making a comeback when it comes to skincare. It’s very close to our skin’s natural oils so many people love how it feels. You can use it as a lotion, face cream, and even baby balm.
- Shea Butter Lotion Bar Stick – These convenient lotion bar sticks can be customized with your favorite skin loving essential oils. Shea butter is also known to boost hydration, prevent moisture loss, and improve skin barrier function.
- Men’s Lotion – Don’t be fooled by the name! This pumpable lotion recipe is a blend of water and oil based ingredients for a more typical lotion feel. While this one is a more masculine scent, you can use any skin-safe essential oils you prefer.
- Winter Bliss Lotion Bars – One of my favorites, these lotion bars smell like cozy winter days.
- Whipped Body Butter – Body butters are extra moisturizing for those hard to soften spots, like elbows, knees, and feet.
Lip Balms and Soothing Salves
- Tallow Lip Balm – Similar to tallow balm, this firmer version is perfect for thirsty lips.
- Homemade Lip Balm – Rich cocoa butter and nourishing shea butter combine to protect delicate lips.
- Healing Lip Salve – For damaged lips that need more love and attention, this herbal infused lip salve is so soothing.
- Sore Nose Balm – You know that feeling when you’re blowing your nose non-stop and it gets irritated, red, and painful? Well now you don’t have to with this soothing sore nose balm.
Warming Drinks
There’s something so cozy about sipping a steaming mug of something on a chilly day. While coffee is a constant favorite, here are some other drinks to try with a variety of health benefits. Don’t forget to stir in a scoop of collagen protein to better support hair, skin, nails, and gut health!
- Cacao Calm – Currently my favorite part of my night routine! An adaptogenic blend made with reishi and cacao to help calm the mind and support relaxation. It’s like a mug of hot chocolate that helps your body unwind.
- Four Sigmatic – One of my favorite ways to get functional mushrooms in daily! From coffee to cocoa, their blends support energy, focus, and immune health without the jitters.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte – A real-food version of the fall favorite! Made with nourishing ingredients like pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and warm spices for cozy, natural flavor.
- Elderberry Mulled Cider – The perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spiced. Elderberries add an immune-supporting boost to this festive, warming cider.
- Sip Herbals – A rich, roasted coffee alternative made from chicory, dandelion, and carob. It’s naturally caffeine-free and supports liver and digestive health.
- Golden Milk – This soothing drink combines turmeric, ginger, and coconut milk for a creamy, anti-inflammatory latte that’s great before bed.
- Pique Tea – These crystalized teas make it easy to enjoy high-quality, organic tea anywhere. They’re triple-screened for toxins and crafted for better gut and skin health.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate – Rich, chocolatey, and lightly spiced with cinnamon and a hint of cayenne. A cozy way to enjoy antioxidants and a mood boost!
- Dairy Free Eggnog – A creamy, holiday favorite without the dairy or refined sugar. Made with coconut milk, eggs, and natural spices for a delicious seasonal treat.
Immune Supporting Cold and Flu Remedies
Whether you feel a cold coming on or you’re just trying to keep your immune system in shape, these are the products and recipes that are a staple in my winter wellness cabinet.
- Elderberry Gummies – These gummies make it easy (and fun) for kids and adults alike to get a daily boost, especially during cold season.
- Propolis Throat Spray – Make your own DIY throat spray or get it pre-made from Beekeeper’s Naturals. Not only are they great for sore throats, but they help keep the immune system strong to ward off unwanted germs.
- Ginger Syrup – Ginger supports digestion, eases nausea, and helps calm inflammation. Great for winter wellness or after you’ve indulged a little too much at the snack table.
- Elderberry Tea – A cozy, immune-boosting tea that’s easy to make. It’s rich in antioxidants and perfect for sipping during cooler months to help the body stay strong.
- Fire Cider – This spicy, tangy tonic is a longtime herbal favorite. Made with apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, horseradish, ginger, and a kick of cayenne, it helps support circulation and the immune system.
- Herbal Cough Syrup – Made with herbs like thyme, marshmallow root, and licorice, this syrup soothes dry throats and helps calm coughs naturally.
- Elderberry Syrup – A popular favorite around here! Elderberry syrup is delicious, packed with antioxidants, and easy to make at home. It’s a go-to for families during the fall and winter months.
- Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup – Wild cherry bark has been used for generations to soothe coughs. Combined with honey and other herbs, it helps calm the throat and promote restful breathing.
- Sore Throat Tea – A comforting tea blend made with herbs like marshmallow root, licorice, and slippery elm to coat and soothe a scratchy throat. Perfect with a spoonful of honey.
- Homemade Vapor Rub – Skip the store-bought stuff and make your own with natural oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and coconut oil. It helps open up the airways and ease congestion when colds hit.
- Elderberry Marshmallows – A fun twist on a classic treat! These fluffy, immune-boosting marshmallows combine the benefits of elderberry syrup with real gelatin for a sweet that supports wellness.
- Throat Soothing Lollipops – These honey-based lollipops from Beekeeper’s Naturals are made with propolis and other natural ingredients to calm irritated throats. A great option for kids (and adults!) who need a little extra relief.
Health Hacks to Boost Mood and Immune Health
Here are a variety of wellness tools I use all year long, but they have specific health benefits for winter too. Since we’re spending more time indoors, creating a healthy, cozy home environment is essential. Plus, it helps boost the mood during the darker days!
- Red Light Panel – Red light therapy can help support skin health, reduce inflammation, and improve energy. A favorite for daily wellness routines and to boost the mood.
- UVB Lamp – A great way to help support natural vitamin D production during the darker months when sunlight is limited.
- Air Filter – I put this on the list twice, because clean air is a top priority! With more time spent indoors, and depending on your area, wildfires or autumn leaf burning, an air filter is essential. This is another great option.
- Fontana Candles – Not an essential per se, but I love how cozy these make my home feel. Plus they have some great, non-toxic wintery scents.
- Diffuser Recipes – These winter essential oil diffuser blend recipes set the mood, uplift the spirits, and have antimicrobial benefits to help ward off winter illness.
Prioritize Sleep
With shorter days and more evening activities, it’s easy for our nighttime rhythms to become disrupted. Over the years this is an area I’ve really honed in on and tried a lot of things for. Here are some of the ways I make sure to get quality sleep (or at least try with lots of kids!). Something you won’t find on this list? A nightlight. Here’s why.
- Mattress – It all starts with a good quality mattress. Our family uses several different natural mattresses that I like. Here’s my review of all of them.
- Sleep mask – While I use blackout curtains in my bedroom, I still use a sleep mask for times when some light slips through. They’re also great for travel.
- Blackout curtains – These blackout curtains help drastically cut down on hormone disrupting light while you sleep.
- Winding Down – Bedtime for me starts with sunset, aligning my rhythms, and getting in a calmer mindset. Tools like journaling or meditation are helpful for this.
- Air Filter – Since we’re asleep for about a third of our lives, I make sure the air in my bedroom is clean. I also have air filters in our main living areas too. These reduce overall environmental toxins for better mood and more resilience. Use code wellnessmama for a discount.
- Air Humidifier – With drier winter air my skin loves having a humidifier on at night while I sleep. This one from Canopy is a favorite. It uses a multi-stage filter and has sleep settings on it.
- Books – Need something to read for inspiration or before bed? Here are some of my favorite recommended books. You’ll find a variety of topics that focus on mental, emotional, and physical health.
Seasonal Eating
When autumn hits, it’s officially soup season! Traditionally our bodies were used to different foods during the colder months. This helps give our body the unique nourishment it needs during this season. You can read more about seasonal eating here, but here are some ideas to get you started.
- Indoor Herb Garden – Fresh herbs are a great way to add antimicrobial and immune boosting benefits to your meals. If it’s too cold outside to grow them, grow them inside with this cute little garden bed.
- Stews and Soups – You’ll find plenty of different soup and stew recipes here on the blog. Some are more summer themed, but the vast majority feature produce that’s seasonal during cooler months. Like sweet potatoes and carrots that last in cool storage.
- Broth – Yes, it’s technically a form of soup, but broth deserves its own category! Full of collagen for gut, hair, skin and nail health, broth is a superfood. Don’t have time to make it? This brand is as good as homemade and easy to use.
Final Thoughts on Winter Wellness
Don’t feel like you need to incorporate all of these ideas at once, or even all the time. Start with small steps and prioritize what’s most important for you. I love having a variety of wellness tools at my disposal, and many of them are one and done to set up.
For example, once the air filters are in place, I don’t have to worry about setting up clean air every single day. Automate what you can, and have fun with the rest!
What are some ways you stay healthy in the winter? Leave a comment and let us know!
Howard’s Pumpkin Displays in Chicago
Happy Friday GPODers!
And Happy Halloween! We’ve made it to the end of our three festive days of decor, and we’re ending it off with some spectacular displays from a frequent contributor. Howard Nemeroff, the owner of Plant Parenting in Chicago, has shared his incredible container designs several times on the blog before (Check out some of his previous submissions here: New Container Creations from Howard, Howard’s Spring Container Displays, Celebrating Summer and Welcoming Fall, New Creations From a Window Box Expert, and One Window Box, Four Seasons), but today he’s showcasing a different side to his designs—pumpkins! Along with the incredible fall container displays he creates for his clients, he also builds festive pumpkin arrangements. Here are some of his designs from this year, and be sure to check him out on Instagram to see more: @plant_parenting
There are so many elements to play with when designing with pumpkins, and Howard utilizes them all to perfection. Creating captivating color combinations is an obvious choice and some have ridges and bumps that provide excellent texture, but their exciting shapes and forms shouldn’t be ignored. This design plays with color while juxtaposing short and squat varieties with the three tall pumpkins drawing the eye up to the front door.
Shape, texture, and color are all on prominent display in this festive concoction! For a gardener who wants a little bit of everything, Howard piles a fantastic mix of pumpkins, gourds, foliage and berries. And just like his containers, he is able to perfectly mix and combine many elements to create a cohesive design.
However, even simpler designs can be captivating when constructed with Howard’s eye. From this angle, it looks like this massive pile of pumpkins is growing from a vine out of those lush, green containers at the top of the stairs.
With all of the variation out there, a simple stack of pumpkins is all you need for some fun fall decor. However, Howard always takes his designs to the next level. Some dark heuchera scattered throughout and a swirl of burgundy branches gives the display a moodier vibe while clusters of berries add more pops of orange.
Lastly, this classic combination of ornamental cabbage and white mums gets a hair-raising twist with two plastic skeletons tangled up in a trellis of vines. While goth gardening is a trend that has grown in popularity over recent years, you don’t need to plant up special plants to celebrate the spooky season in the garden!
Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous creations with us again, Howard! It’s inspiring to see how you develop new designs every year and for every season.
As we creep further into fall and the growing season continues to wind down, what activities do you take up to keep the plant magic alive? Do you build beautiful wreaths for the holidays? Does your attention turn to houseplants? Are you already planning the seeds you’ll be starting in winter? Let us know in the comments below, or consider sharing your indoor garden and plant crafts with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
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Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars with Chocolate Chips
Ready in just 30 minutes, these peanut butter banana oat bars studded with chocolate chips are soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Kid-friendly, gluten-free, and easy to make, they are the perfect healthy grab-n-go or bedtime snack!
This blog post is sponsored by Terry Naturally®. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible. As always, opinions are my own.
This recipe is a family fav. Here’s Why!
I don’t know about you but in my household with two wild little boys, we need grab-n-go nourishing snacks that are quick and easy to make.
I’m definitely not opposed to buying bars from the grocery store but IMO they taste so much better when we make them at home (like my gingerbread granola bars!). And my four year old is much more likely to try a new food if he helps make it!
This healthy snack recipe can be made in just 30 minutes and only 5 minutes of hands-on prep time. It’s packed with kid-friendly flavor (who doesn’t love a peanut butter, banana and chocolate combo?!) and is easy to pack to bring with you for a car ride / trip to the playground, etc (kinda like my almond butter protein balls).
The registered dietitian in me loves that this snack is full of plant-based protein, healthy fat, fiber, and carbs. When combined together, all of these nutrients help with satiety, blood sugar control, and long-lasting energy.
These delicious homemade bars always help hold me over until my next meal, and if eaten before bedtime, help me get a good night sleep (keep reading for more on the science behind that)!
I hope you and your family enjoy these bars (that double as breakfast or dessert!) as much as we do!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Notes on Ingredients
rolled oats: oats are naturally gluten-free but can be processed in a facility that manufactures gluten. If you have Celiac disease (gluten allergy, not sensitivity), be sure to look for certified gluten-free oats if you want these bars to be gluten-free!
bananas: use ripe / browned bananas – this will help add sweetness and softness to the bars!
peanut butter: I use creamy, unsalted peanut butter but if you’re a crunchy PB girlie, go for it!
maple syrup: adds sweetness; can substitute with your sweetener of choice!
Greek yogurt: helps add moisture and protein to the bars
vanilla: adds warm, sweet flavor
baking powder: gives bars a lighter, less dense texture
chia seeds: adds nutritional punch of omega 3s, fiber, protein and fat
salt: enhances flavor
chocolate chips: adds sweetness (and fun!); easy to omit if you prefer, but WHY would you :). Choose dark chocolate chips for extra antioxidants!
The perfect nutrition for a bedtime snack
I’m obsessed with these bars as an evening snack – I swear they help me fall asleep. And this is not just a random anecdote. Let this registered dietitian geek out on some nutritional science with ya’ll.
I’m sure you’re familiar with melatonin, the hormone your body produces at nighttime to help regulate your circadian rhythm (or sleep cycle), helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.
But DYK that there are certain foods that naturally contain melatonin and even more foods that contain the precursors to melatonin?!
Ever heard of tryptophan? You know, that word you only hear on Thanksgiving when people explain why you’re passed out on the couch after eating a bunch of turkey. What about serotonin? The neurotransmitter that helps keep you happy.
Well, both of these are precursors to melatonin. Tryptophan, an amino acid found in the diet, helps make serotonin in the body, and serotonin helps make melatonin.
And you guessed it, these bars contain ingredients that provide tryptophan, serotonin, as well as minerals that support relaxation like potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Let’s break it down!
- Bananas: contain tryptophan and potassium
- Yogurt: contains tryptophan and calcium
- Rolled oats: contain tryptophan, calcium and magnesium
- Chocolate: contains serotonin (and dark chocolate contains even higher amounts of it!)
- Chia: contain calcium and magnesium
So if you’re looking for a sweet bedtime snack that contains the nutrition to help support a good night sleep, these are it!
And when I need a little extra support in the sleep department (having two little ones will definitely do a number on your sleep!), I like taking a melatonin supplement, like Terry Naturally’s Melatonin EP120™ to help support deep, sound sleep.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars
- Mash! Mash bananas in a medium to large mixing bowl.
- Add wet ingredients. Whisk in maple syrup, yogurt and vanilla until combined.
- Add dry ingredients. Stir in rolled oats, baking powder, chia and salt until combined.
- You just fold it in! Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake, baby! Transfer mixture to a square pan and bake until set, about 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely and cut into squares.
Equipment You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Square baking pan
Expert Tips
- To make this a baby led weaning friendly bar recipe, omit the maple syrup, salt and chocolate. Add cinnamon for extra flavor and sweetness.
- These bars are freezer-friendly if you happen to have any leftovers!
- These bars are easily adaptable – dairy free? Omit the yogurt. Peanut allergy? Use almond butter instead.
Preparation and Storage
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
For freezer storage, individually wrap squares in plastic wrap and store together in an airtight container or bag for up to three months.
Recipes That Pair Well
For more banana inspiration, check out my other recipes below!
Whole Wheat Butternut Squash Banana Bread
Tahini Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Peanut Butter Banana Kefir Pancakes
If you like this recipe, please be sure to comment and give it a 5 star rating below. If you make it, share it on Instagram and tag me @karalydonrd and I’ll re-share it with my followers! If you want to save this recipe for later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest!
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Description
Ready in just 30 minutes, these peanut butter banana oat bars studded with chocolate chips are soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Kid-friendly, gluten-free, and easy to make, they are the perfect healthy grab-n-go snack!
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 1/4 cups mashed)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2.5 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line 9×9 square pan with parchment paper.
- Using the back of a fork, mash bananas in a medium to large mixing bowl.
- Add peanut butter, syrup, Greek yogurt, vanilla, and whisk to combine.
- Stir in oats, baking powder, chia and salt.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Transfer mixture to a parchment lined 9×9 square pan.
- Bake until set, about 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until cooled completely. Cut into squares to serve.
Notes
- To make this recipe for baby led weaning, omit the syrup, chocolate chips and salt. Add cinnamon for extra flavor and sweetness.
- Adapt this recipe for your needs! Dairy-free? Omit the yogurt. Peanut allergy? Use almond butter instead.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American