I often get asked for snack ideas or items that are good for on-the-go. I travel a lot and trail mix is a very healthy snack to take with you or even to snack on at your desk. I also keep a ziploc bag full in my car for times that I am gone longer than expected. Make your own so you can avoid the sugar and hydrogenated oils that are in many ready made mixes. If you do decide to add fruit such as cranberries or dried banana chips, make sure they are unsweetened.

Healthy Trail Mix
4 c. raw nuts of choice
1 c. raisins
1/2 c. unsweetened coconut flakes
1/8 c. pepitas (Pumkin seeds) and/or sunflower seeds
Unsweetened fruit (optional)

Mix together and enjoy!

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In our post on the detox bath we discussed using baking soda and Epsom salt to help cleanse the skin and body of toxins.  This article covers a variety of ways that baking soda can be used for personal health and beauty, that can be used while on the diet:

Squeaky clean hair: Add a teaspoon of baking soda to your usual shampoo bottle to help remove buildup from conditioners, mousses, and sprays, and to improve manageability.

In emergencies, use baking soda as a dry shampoo on oily hair. Sprinkle on your hair and comb through, then fluff with a blow dryer.

Chlorine remover: Rinse hair with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1 pint water to remove the dullness or discoloration caused by chlorinated pools.

Combs and brushes: Hair spray and oil buildup on combs and brushes can be removed by soaking them in a sink of warm water and adding 3 tablespoons baking soda and 3 tablespoons bleach.

Hands: Remove fish, onion, or garlic odor from hands with a solution of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or liquid soap. Rub mixture in your hands, and rinse off.

Elbows: Rub a baking-soda paste onto your elbows to smooth away rough skin.

Feet: Soak tired feet in a basin of warm water with 3 tablespoons baking soda.

Add 4 tablespoons baking soda to 1 quart warm water, and soak feet for 10 minutes to relieve foot itch.

Smooth rough and hardened calluses and heels by massaging them with a paste of 3 parts baking soda per 1 part water.

Soothe minor mishaps: For sunburn pain, saturate a washcloth with a solution of 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart water. Apply to affected area.

Ease windburn or poison ivy irritation with a paste of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Do not use on broken skin.

Relaxing baths: Baking soda added to the bathwater has a softening effect on the skin. Add 1/2 cup to a full bath.

Make bubbling bath salts with 21/2 cups baking soda, 2 cups cream of tartar, and 1/2 cup cornstarch. Mix them together, and store in a covered container. Use 1/4 cup per bath.

Relieve itchy winter skin in a bath with 1 cup baking soda and 11/4 cups baby oil in the water.

Sponge bath: Freshen up with a washcloth dipped in a solution of 4 tablespoons baking soda to 1 quart water.

Deodorant: Apply cornstarch to your underarms with a powder puff first, then apply the baking soda.

Nail care: Clean fingernails and toenails by scrubbing them with a nailbrush dipped in baking soda. This also softens cuticles.

Toothpaste: Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part salt. Add 3 teaspoons of glycerin. Add 10 to 20 drops of flavoring (peppermint, wintergreen, anise, or cinnamon) and enough water to make a paste. Spoon into a small, refillable squeeze bottle.

Sprinkle baking soda into your palm, dip a damp toothbrush into it, and brush your teeth.

Refreshing mouthwash: To freshen breath, use 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 glass of water, swish the solution through your teeth, and rinse.

Dentures and other dental appliances: Soak dentures in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in warm water.

• Use baking soda to soak athletic mouth guards, retainers, or other oral appliances.
• Scrub dentures, mouth guards, and retainers with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda.
• Soak toothbrushes in a baking-soda solution overnight.

Facial Care

Baking soda can also do wonders for your face.

Exfoliating: Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, and use as a gentle, exfoliating facial scrub after washing with soap and water. Rinse your face clean.

Mix baking soda with oatmeal in your blender; it makes a great facial scrub.

Shaving: Men with sensitive skin may find that a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda in 1 cup water makes a great preshave treatment or a soothing aftershave rinse.

For instant relief of razor burn, dab on a baking-soda solution.

The original article can be read here.

The post Baking Soda’s for All Phases! appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

2 Tbs coconut oil
1 c. Cauliflower flowerets
1/2 c. green and red bell pepper pieces
1/4 c. onion pieces
1/4 c. Jicama pieces
3-4  oz steak
1-2 Tbs. Bragg Ginger & Sesame Salad Dressing
1-2 Tbs. Bragg Liquid Aminos
Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat coconut oil in skillet over medium heat. Add steak and cook for 2-3 minutes then add veggies and stir until cooked but not mushy. (cooked steak can also be added at the same time as veggies) Add pepper, salt, salad dressing and liquid aminos and stir for 1-2 minutes.

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