Snuggle up by the fireplace or Christmas tree and enjoy this delicious hot chocolate! Also pictured are amazingly easy and yummy breakfast cookies.

Dairy Free, Sugar Free Healthy Hot Chocolate

1 C. coconut milk (canned is best)
1 1/2 C. unsweetened almond milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
10 – 12 drops of flavored stevia 
1 tsp. Pure maple syrup (+/- to taste, optional)
1/8 tsp of sea salt

The post P3 Dairy Free, Sugar Free Healthy Hot Chocolate appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

It’s that time of year where hydration is so important! We all know we need to drink water throughout the day, but water can be boring! Am I right? Here’s a few tips on how you can make water taste better so you drink more of it!

I often start with a little fresh lemon juice and then add in the bonus ingredients as desired. Whenever possible use fresh lemons, not artificial lemon juice. I freshly squeeze them and freeze the juice in small ice cube trays. It makes it easy to pop one in my water throughout the day.

Drinking lemon water consistently throughout the day, is one of the best things you can do for your body. Lemons are high in Vitamin C which aids the immune system but it will help with hydration, digestion, detoxification, and supports weight loss.

Your water choices matter!

Whenever possible, use a quality bottled water or in-home filtration system. (Fiji is best).

Spring water comes from an underground source and has been filtered by the earth in ways we do not completely understand and far exceeds the purifying process than any man invented.

Purified water is water that comes from any source, but has been processed to remove any chemicals or contaminants—which has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are that potentially harmful chemicals may be taken out but the disadvantage is that the beneficial minerals that fresh water offers may be taken out as well.

These “add-ons” help us drink more water AND detox our body at the same time!

• A splash of unsweetened cranberry juice
• Ginger, Lemon and raw honey (Recipe)
• A splash of Acai juice or other 100 percent fruit juice (no added sugar)
• Slices of citrus fruit – oranges, limes and lemons
• Muddle sprigs of mint or other herbs (lemon balm, basil, etc)
• Fresh or frozen berries – strawberries, blueberries, etc.
• Slices of cucumber
• Pineapple chunks or slices (best when soaked for over 2 hours)
• Orange slices or juice from an orange
• Frozen clementine slices
• Flavored ice cubes (made from watermelon, orange, lime, coffee, berries, etc.)
• 1/8 tsp. sea salt and/or a few drips of Trace Mineral Drops will help your adrenals and increase hydration
• Tea – brew black, green, white, or flavored (i.e. passion fruit) then chill or serve over ice. I love to mix tea and Aha Peach for a delicious ice peach ice tea.
• Lemonade Stevia or other stevia flavor of choice
• Make it bubbly by adding some sparkling water

It’s so easy to establish a great water intake routine! Have your favorite items handy so you can enjoy water and stay hydrated! We would love to know your ideas! Post them in the comments below!

The post 15 Tricks to Add Flavor to Your Water  appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

These tasty berries are more than a holiday must-have. They are a superfood that should be consumed all year long!! 

Thought that the only function that cranberries have is to prevent UTI? Cranberries give more benefits than you think! 

Cranberries are full with vitamins including C and E and gives rich anti-oxidant properties.

These amazing berries also cleanses accumulated wastes from the lymphatic system, and helps to clean up cellulite. As it cleans toxins out of the liver, it flushes out the stored fat cells. BAM!

Yes! May reasons to consume cranberries:

* Reduces inflammation
* Detoxes the liver
* Helps reduce body mass index  
* Eliminates water retention
* Flushes stored fat cells
* Reduces cellulite
* Boosts immunity
* Improves digestion
* Supports collagen production 
* Slows down cancer progression
* Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
* Good fiber intake

The best way to consume cranberries daily is make a big pitcher of cranberry water. Make sure you consumer juice without added sugars. Here are our recommended brands. RJ Knudsen and Lakewood.

Cranberry Water

• 56 oz. filtered water
• 8 oz. cranberry juice (unsweetened)
• 3/4 c. fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 c. fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Mix, chill, and drink throughout the day.

Gluten-free & Dairy-free Blueberry Cranberry Muffins

• 2 cups almond flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup cranberries

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and oil. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Gently fold the berries into the batter. 

Spoon the batter into the muffin tins until each is 3/4 full.

Bake at 350 for20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and you can insert a toothpick into the center and have it come out clean.

Cranberry Almond Breakfast Quinoa 

Perfect for cool mornings of Fall and Winter!

1  cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup fresh ricotta (optional)

In a small saucepan, cover the quinoa with the water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat until the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender; about 15 minutes. Lightly fluff the quinoa with a fork and cover it again.

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the almonds and cook over moderate heat, stirring a few times, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest and cinnamon and stir well until heated through.

Add the quinoa to the skillet and stir gently to incorporate the almonds and cranberries. Top each portion of quinoa with a tablespoon of ricotta and serve.

The post The Year-Round Reason to Consume Cranberries appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Ginger and lemons are some of the most important tools God gave us from His garden to help our bodies heal and thrive.

Ginger’s antispasmodic properties come from its more than 60 trace minerals, well over 30 amino acids and more than 500 enzymes and coenzymes all working together. It’s so amazing!!

Lemons are ultra hydrating and electrolyte-producing and are considered a top source of mineral salts and trace mineral salts. They are loaded with vitamin C and creates alkalinity in the body to help prevent the growth of any kind of cancer. Lemons are also amazing cleansers to the liver, which is why we include it in our natural cleansing plan.

Begin your day with this drink to help flush out the toxins in the liver, our main fat- burning organ as well as give your body the hydration it needs to begin your day.

Drink as an afternoon pick-me-up or sip throughout the day!

Lemon Ginger Water

• 1-2 inches fresh ginger
• 2 Cups water
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Stevia, to taste

Peel and grate the ginger. Add to the water and let it steep for at least 15 minutes. (I like to do longer, and often refrigerate them in the water overnight.)

Here are a few ideas on how to prepare your ginger:

• Put your ginger in a garlic press – it’s like a little mini juicer.
• Thinly slice ginger and add to a pot of boiling water. Turn off heat and let it steep for at least one hour, overnight, if possible. Strain to remove ginger chunks and put any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. (I use a Mason jar.)

The post P2 Refreshing, Hydrating and Cleansing Water appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Although beet juice is not commonly found on restaurant menus, it’s fast becoming a beverage that should be part of our daily menus. Beets are a dynamic little plant stuffed with nutrients.

Beet juice has a number of benefits and can boost your energy levels. full of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fiber.

I’m not a huge fan as I feel it has an “earthy” flavor, but I have found a number of ways to add it into my daily diet, which I write about – Read Post.

Beet Juice: one little thing you can do to make a difference!

First let’s cover the why we should drink it every day:

Beetroot juice is one of the richest dietary sources of antioxidants and naturally occurring nitrates. It also:

• Detoxes the liver – our main fat burning organ
• Boosts the immune system
• Boosts our energy levels
• Increases brain blood flow
• Fights inflammation
• Helps to cleans out our colon
• Improves our blood flow
• Lowers our blood pressure
• Gives you healthy and glowing skin
• Wage war against cancer cell growth, especially colon, pancreatic, breast and prostate cancer
• Balances oxygen use and increase stamina while working out

That that you know why, here’s how: Read Post.

The post Beet juice benefits and why YOU should drink every day! appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Green tea alone is very beneficial and offers a wide range of health benefits. Adding ginger & lemon increases healthy benefits, helps boost the Immune System and helps you lose weight.

Green tea – contains polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins, which function as powerful antioxidants in our body. Studies show green tea can boost the metabolic rate and increase fat burning in our body.

Ginger –  helps ease indigestion as well as reduce gas and bloating. The spicy component of ginger can also rev up your internal fire along with upping your metabolism.

Lemon – contains phytochemicals which help stabilize the catechins. This will help restore the good enzymes that drinking green tea may destroy.

Ginger Lemon Green Tea

• 2 cups water
• 2 green tea bags
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp honey

In a pot over medium heat bring the water, green tea bags, lemon juiced, chopped ginger, cinnamon, tumeric and honey to a boil. Once boiling turn down to a simmer for 4-5 minutes.

The post Ginger Lemon Green Tea for Weight Loss appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Apple Cider Vinegar improves digestion and adds soluble fiber, which assists in the reduction of excess weight. It can also help eat up the starches when you eat grains and helps block the absorption of calories.

There are a number of flavored variations on the market but make sure you check the ingredient list and use organic. Drink 1 ounce 20 minutes before each meal.

Regular Apple Cider Vinegar all by itself may be less than desirable but now you can drink it on a regular basis in this yummy recipe.

Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink

• 8-10 oz. water
• 2 tsp. Raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1-2 tsp. freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. ground Ceylon cinnamon
• 8-10 drops of liquid stevia, to taste

Serve hot or cold.

Variations: Ceylon cinnamon is one of the best spices for balancing blood sugar and is highly recommended but you can also use cloves, nutmeg, allspice, pumpkin pie or apple pie seasonings.

Cayenne pepper has been shown to drop blood pressure and increase metabolism but be careful not to do too much, especially if you have gastrointestinal issues.

Flavored Stevias make this beverage extra yummy. Try Lemonade or Pumpkin Spice.

The post Apple Cider Detox Drink for Detoxing and Weight Loss! appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

The Lemongrass plant is often used in foods and beverages and has amazing benefits. I had some room in my garden this year, so I thought I’d give it a try. I have yet to make a wonderful Asian dish with the plant, but I have made delicious tea.

Lemongrass is an abundant source of vitamins including A and C, folate, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese; with minute traces of the B vitamins.

Cleanse your body and lose weight with Lemongrass

The anti-oxidant, anti-septic, and diuretic effects of lemongrass make it an important ingredient of any detox diet. It will help cleanse and purify the liver, kidneys, bladder, pancreas, and increases blood circulation.

Lemongrass contains polyphenols that have been known to increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Can I get an amen? It is also a great morning detox tea, because it destroys bad bacteria and parasites, and also repopulates the good bacteria in the colon. It also kickstarts your metabolism and why I usually drink it in the morning. I often mix it with my green tea leaves. Lemongrass tea is a natural diuretic, and drinking enough of it can help you drop some water weight. Sipping it during the day can also stop you from overeating.

Make your own (see below) or buy your lemongrass tea in leaves or bags.

Here are 20 reasons I love Lemongrass Tea and Oil

1. Kick-starts your metabolism and help you lose weight.
2. Anti-inflammatory benefits.
3. Cleanses the pancreas and improve its functionality.
4. Cleanses the colon and kidneys.
5. Regulates blood pressure.
6. Promotes deep sleep.
7. Alleviates anxiety and depression symptoms.
8. Boosts immunity.
9. Treats headaches.
10. A known diuretic – helps flush your body of excess fluid and sodium. 
11. Relieves abdominal issues and digestive problems.
12. Aids in regulating cholesterol levels.
13. Help lower blood sugar.
14. Contains several antioxidants to help fight diseases.
15. Helps to treat oral infections and cavities.
16. Heals sore throats.
17. Relieves symptoms of PMS.
18. Lessons hot flushes.
19. Boosts the health of your skin and hair.
20. Aids in healing urinary tract infections.

Lemongrass Tea

The process is quite simple. I usually just toss some dried leaves in my tea strainer and steep for 4-5 minutes. It is also great cold, with some added lemon juice.

• 4 cups of water
• 2 cups of chopped lemongrass stalks

It can be served sweetened, unsweetened, hot or cold.

The post P2 Lemongrass Tea for Cleansing & Weight Loss appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Ginger Lemon Green Tea

• 2 cups water
• 2 green tea bags
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp honey

In a pot over medium heat bring the water, green tea bags, lemon juiced, chopped ginger, cinnamon, tumeric and honey to a boil. Once boiling turn down to a simmer for 4-5 minutes.

The post Immune-Boosting Ginger Lemon Green Tea appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Green tea contains flavonoids, which may reduce the risk of a cold and strengthen the immune system. Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant, and all-important in combatting COVID as well as other colds.

Green tea is a good source of L-theanine, an amino acid that may aid in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T cells.

Grab a nice warm mug of green tea and help combat COVID!

COVID Tea (Prevention and Control)

This special tea rebuilds your immune system and is a great anti-inflammatory remedy. It is effective for coughs, sore throats and colds, fever, and flu-like symptoms..

• 3 cups distilled water
• 12 large pieces of organic turmeric root, sliced thin (skin on)
• 3 inches ginger root, sliced thin (skin on)
• 1 bulb garlic clove, peeled and crushed
• 1/2 cup calamansi juice or lemons juice

Boil water and add turmeric, ginger, and garlic. Turn off the heat and add the calamansi or lemon juice. Cover and steep for at least 15 minutes. Let it cool.

The post P2 Tea to Help Combat Colds and Reduce Inflammation appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Since the COVID-19 breakout, we’ve been helping our readers make little choices to help boost up the immune system and fight the virus. (or any virus for that matter!) We’ve given you little choices and all our immunity posts here.

This recipe takes about 4 weeks for the flavors to infuse so it’s best to make this recipe now to have on hand for later. If you can find a fire cider in your local health food store, drink up sooner than later while your batch is “brewing!”

The standard base ingredients are onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers, but there are plenty of other immune-boosting herbs that can be thrown in for added flavor. Take by the spoonful or mix in your other morning beverages for an added twist. (See added twists below recipe.)

Fire Cider

• 1 medium white onion 
• 4–5 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped 
• 4 TBSP freshly grated ginger root 
• 3–4 TBSP freshly grated horseradish root 
• raw apple cider vinegar 
• 1/4 cup of raw, local honey, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp. organic cayenne powder

1. Combine the onion, garlic, ginger, and horseradish in a wide-mouthed glass quart jar and fill the jar with enough warmed apple cider vinegar* to cover the herbs. 
2. Place the jar in a warm spot in your house, ideally near a sunny window, and let sit for 3-4 weeks. 
3. Strain; then discard the spent herbs. 
4. Add the honey and cayenne pepper to taste; this is where you can make the fire cider more or less kid-friendly. 

*Warming the apple cider vinegar allows it to actively draw out the constituents of the herbs from the get-go. That’s a Win-Win!

Take 1 Tablespoon a day and if you need a little extra immunity-boosting powers have some more!

Added Twists:

• Zest and juice from 1 organic lemon
• Zest and juice from 1 organic orange
• 1 Tbsp. organic turmeric powder
• 2 tsp. black pepper
• Mix in your lemon water
• Add to Kombucha

The post Easy Fire Cider Health Tonic Recipe with a Twist appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

To create this tasty treat, you’ll want to grab:

-A handful of strawberries
-4 cups of ice
-Desired amount of vanilla stevia

Throw all of these ingredients into a blender and mix it until the ice is good and crushed. You can decide if you need more vanilla stevia after you taste it. (I like to use just a little bit and it does foam some, so add a little at a time).

Another alternative – if you have difficulty getting in enough leafy greens, you could add a handful of spinach to this drink and use regular stevia. You can’t even taste the spinach!

The post P2 Cool Off with a Frozen Strawberry Treat! appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.