'Tis the season ... for viral illnesses! But don't fret—I have the perfect homemade solution: My Anti-Viral Garlic Infused Olive Oil!

Just as the name suggests, it's infused with herbs and spices known to contain anti-viral compounds. Plus, it's absolutely delicious!

So, what ingredients provide the anti-viral benefits in this garlic infused olive oil? Let’s take a look!

First, this recipe calls for eight to 10 cloves of garlic. And as you may recall, garlic contains anti-microbial properties.

According to a 2020 review, garlic and its active organosulfur compounds displayed anti-viral activity against multiple viral strains in humans, animals, and plants. [1] Specifically, the garlic inhibited entry of the virus into the hosts’ cells.

Meanwhile, this garlic infused olive oil also contains fresh ginger, which has also been shown to display anti-viral potential.

According to a 2013 study, fresh ginger inhibited plaque formation of human respiratory syncytial virus. Researchers found that consuming 300 μg/ml of fresh ginger decreased plaque counts by over 80 percent. [2]

Moreover, consuming the ginger before viral exposure was found to reduce plaque counts by an astonishing 87.1 percent!

Finally, this garlic infused olive oil features powerful anti-viral herbs. For example, the oregano has been shown to help shorten the duration of viral illnesses such as the common cold and the flu and even decrease the severity of symptoms associated with these illnesses. [3]

Meanwhile, rosemary has been shown to be effective against the virus that causes cold sores. [4]

As you can see, this anti-viral garlic infused olive oil contains show powerful properties. But it’s also delicious to use for cooking and with your meals. So, let’s dive into the recipe!

Anti-Viral Garlic Infused Olive Oil

Makes: 1 cup

Time: 10 minutes (+ 2 hours cooling)

Ingredients

8-10 garlic cloves

One 1-inch knob ginger, sliced

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

2 sprigs fresh oregano

1 tablespoon fennel seeds

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions

1. With a mortar and pestle, crush garlic, ginger, rosemary, oregano, and fennel seeds.

2. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients over low heat on the smallest burner. Simmer 10 minutes. Do not boil.

3. Remove mixture from heat and cover. Let sit 2 to 4 hours.

4. Strain solids through a strainer.

5. Strain oil a second time through a fine mesh strainer into a bottle.

6. Drizzle on everything. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Life is stressful and when you’ve had a particularly hard day, you may be in need of a little pick-me up. That’s where this DIY Mood Booster Roller Pen recipe comes into play.

Featuring uplifting essential oils, this DIY mood booster will do just the trick to help brighten your spirits. Plus, it’s easy to keep on hand either in your medicine cabinet, handbag, or even in your desk drawer.

So, how does this this DIY Mood Booster Roller Pen recipe boost your mood? It’s all through the power of essential oils!

This recipe features tangerine, rosemary, and ylang ylang essential oils, so let’s take a look at what the research has to say about each

According to one study, ylang ylang essential oil is highly effective for fighting anxiety by promoting feelings of calm.

In the study, 144 volunteers were randomly exposed to the aromas of ylang ylang, peppermint, or no aroma. The researchers found that while peppermint enhanced memory and alertness, ylang ylang significantly increased calmness. [1]

Meanwhile, recent studies have found that tangerine oil has a relaxing, sedative effect. [2]

Finally, in a 2013 study, 20 people inhaled rosemary oil and reported having more energy and feeling “fresher.” [3] Personally, I like to use rosemary oil to help fight the effects of stress.

Now that you know more about why this DIY Mood Booster Roller Pen recipe is so effective, let’s dive into the actual recipe. It’s so simple and only takes a few minutes to put it together

This recipe makes three DIY Mood Booster Roller Pens, meaning you’ll have extras, so try to keep one with you when you travel so that it’s always handy.

DIY Mood Booster Roller Pen

Makes: 3

Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons sweet almond oil

15 drops tangerine essential oil

10 drops rosemary essential oil

5 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients.

2. Use a funnel to divide the mixture between 3 roller balls.

3. Shake before use, then apply to pulse points such as temples or inner wrists.

Who says being festive has to mean being unhealthy? Check out my newest creation: The Healthy Shamrock Shake.

It's a fun twist on a not-so-healthy fast food treat that's delicious yet still good for you! Intrigued? Keep reading to learn what makes this recipe so unique!

First, in place of inflammatory dairy, I used full-fat coconut milk. It provides the creaminess you expect from a shake without the inflammatory proteins and phlegm that none of us likes.

Then, I made sure to fill it with healthy plants, such as baby spinach and avocado. First, the avocado brings a rich creaminess but also offers a variety of health benefits, from promoting satiety to supporting nutrient absorption to aiding digestion.

For example, in a 2019 study, researchers found that when participants ate either a half or whole avocado with their meals, they reported feeling more satisfied than those who didn’t eat the avocado. [1]

Meanwhile, the spinach contains membrane proteins called thylakoids, which is known to induce satiety and therefore reduce feelings of hunger. [2]

Finally, the banana and dates offer some sweetness to round out this Healthy Shamrock Shake. So, not only are you avoiding inflammatory sugar, but you're also getting some incredible health benefits from theses ingredients

A great example of this is the fact that bananas are full of potassium, with one banana containing roughly 422 milligrams, or 12 percent of the daily recommended value.

This is important because potassium offers many benefits, such as reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by regulating circulation and lowering blood pressure.

In fact, Sstudies have shown that increased intake of potassium should be recommended as a treatment for hypertension and vascular diseases. [3, 4]

But don't let the health profile of this shake deceive you—it's also incredibly delicious! It's sweet, minty, and oh-so-refreshing! So, what are you waiting for?! You're just five minutes away from your new favorite St. Patrick's Day treat: the best Healthy Shamrock Shake ever!

Healthy Shamrock Shake

Makes: 2

Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup full-fat unsweetened coconut milk

2 cups baby spinach

2 tablespoons mint leaves

2 medjool dates, pitted

½ cup frozen avocado

1 frozen banana

1 dropper chlorophyll

Optional toppings:

½ cup whipped cream

1 tablespoon natural sprinkles

2 fresh cherries

Directions

1. In a high-speed blender, combine the ingredients in the order listed. Process until smooth.

2. Divide the mixture between 2 glasses. Top with whipped cream, natural sprinkles, and fresh cherries, if using. Enjoy immediately.

We're in the dead of winter, meaning most of the country is experiencing cold weather. While this time is usually associated with warm soups and stews, I love to incorporate hearty salads for dinner during the winter months.

They're not only filling but a great way to make sure you're getting all the nutrients your body needs to function optimally. Plus, it's nice to break up those heavier meals with something a bit more refreshing yet still filling!

Need some ideas? Check out my top seven hearty salads for dinner. Trust me—you won’t be disappointed!

7 Wintertime Hearty Salads for Dinner

Here are some incredibly filling and tasty salads to get you through those winter months.

1. Vegan Kale Caesar Salad ‘

This Vegan Kale Caesar Salad is rich in both nutrients and flavor. By using kale as the base of the salad, it not only helps to slow age-related cognitive decline but also contains vitamins A, C, and K. [1, 2, 3]

Moreover, cruciferous vegetables like kale also contain minerals such as folate and phytonutrients, which help lower inflammation and, in turn, help prevent harmful diseases.

2. Asian Chopped Cabbage Salad

A spin on Asian cabbage slaw, this recipe is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, radishes, and oranges and features a sweet and spicy dressing made with maple syrup and sriracha.

But that’s not all that makes this one of my top hearty salads for dinner. It features great health benefits, too!

According to a 2014 study on over 1,000 women, those who ate more cruciferous vegetables had up to 24 percent less inflammation in their bodies than those who ate less of these healthy vegetables, according to their inflammatory markers. [4]

3. Warm and Roasted Winter Salad Bowl

When it comes to hearty salad for dinner during the winter months, I love to turn to this salad bowl. It’s served warm and features filling ingredients such as potatoes, quinoa, and kale.

It’s topped with pepitas (roasted pumpkin seeds), which is an excellent source of zinc. As you may recall, zinc is a trace mineral that is known to help cut the duration of a cold almost in half!

According to a 2011 study, using a minimum of 75 mg each day of zinc lozenges reduced cold duration by up to 42 percent! Interestingly, the study found that using zinc lozenges in daily dosages of less than 75 mg had no effect. [5]

4. Pear Salad with Balsamic and Walnuts

Another one of my go-to hearty salads for dinner is this Pear Salad with Balsamic and Walnuts. I love the crunch of the nuts in this dish along with the natural sweetness of the pears.

Plus, pears are a great source of B vitamins, which are known to help support your body’s stress response and support every single metabolic process in your body—from your mood to your ability to absorb the nutrients from your food. [6, 7]

Just consider leaving off the cheese, since dairy often fuels inflammation.

5. Hearty Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad

I can’t have a list of top hearty salads for dinner without mentioning this incredible dish featuring butternut squash and apples! It’s an absolute favorite for both fall and winter.

Not only does it contain these flavorful ingredients but also features arugula (one of my favorite leafy greens) and maple-cinnamon pecans.

Personally, I like to make this recipe gluten-free by using quinoa in place of wheat berries to really make it gut-friendly!

6. Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad

This filling salad features roasted vegetables that provide some amazing flavor, which is why it’s one of my favorite hearty salads for dinner. I love the simplicity of this dish and how it all comes together with the use of fresh basil, coriander, and parsley.

In terms of health benefits, this winter salad contains butternut squash and arugula in addition to parsnips and carrots. And, as you may recall, carrots have been shown to fight aging as well as support healthy weight management, digestion, and heart health.

I recommend leaving off the feta to avoid any inflammatory dairy and consider replacing it with nuts or seeds of your choosing.

7. Vegan Sweet Potato Winter Salad with Toasted Pecans

Finally, the last of my top hearty salads for dinner features one of my absolute favorite vegetables: sweet potatoes! And that’s why this Vegan Sweet Potato Winter Salad with Toasted Pecans was chosen to round out this list.

If you choose to make the homemade croutons, be sure to use gluten-free bread. Or you can include toasted nuts as an alternative.

Looking for a decadent chocolate dessert to make for Valentine's Day? Check out this incredible Vegan Fudge Pie, named for its delicious, fudge consistency.

You can dress it up with colorful berries or enjoy it as shown here. Regardless, you're bound to have a hit on your hands!

So, what makes this Vegan Fudge Pie recipe a healthier alternative to other chocolate pies? First, it uses dates in place of white sugar, the latter of which is known to contribute to inflammation.

Alternatively, dates are rich in fiber, offering 8 grams of fiber in 100 grams of dates. [1] As a result, they’re known to support digestive health.

In fact, according to a 2015 study, eating 7 dates each day for three weeks significantly increased both bowel movements and stool frequency. Based on their findings, th researchers also surmised that consuming dates could even reduce the risk of colon cancer. [2]

This Vegan Fudge Pie also features plant-based protein in the form of walnuts in the crust and cashews in the filling.

As you may recall, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to promote slower aging, reduced levels of inflammation, and even reduced episodes of anxiety and depression. [3]

But that’s not all. Consuming walnuts has also been linked to healthy weight management.

According to a 2017 study, eating 30 grams of walnuts daily not only supported weight loss efforts but also helped people improve their food choices and eat less junk food.

Plus, they were more successful at maintaining their weight loss compared to those who didn’t eat walnuts daily. [4]

Meanwhile, the cashews in the filling are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which are known to support satiety and the health of your heart, blood sugar levels, immune system, and bones.

As you can see, this Vegan Fudge Pie is full of nutrients and health benefits that you won’t find in other chocolate pies. So, it’s one you can eat with confidence yet never miss the original sugar-filled recipe!

Keep scrolling to get the recipe, which only takes 10 minutes of active prep time!

Vegan Fudge Pie

Makes: 8 servings

Time: 10 minutes (+ 2 hours cooling)

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 cup pitted medjool dates

¾ cup raw walnuts

½ cup raw pecans

¼ teaspoon sea salt

For the filling:

1½ cup cashews, soaked overnight then drained

¾ cup maple syrup

⅓ cup coconut oil, melted then slightly cooled

½ cup raw cacao powder

¼ cup vegan dark chocolate chips, melted then slightly cooled

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. To make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the dates, walnuts, pecans, and salt until well-combined. The mixture should hold when pinched.

2. Transfer the mixture to a tart pan and press firmly into the bottom and sides.

3. To make the filling: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, maple syrup, coconut oil, cacao powder, melted chocolate, balsamic, and vanilla extract. Process until smooth.

4. Transfer the mixture to a pie crust and spread into an even layer. Lightly tap the pan on the countertop to get rid of excess air bubbles.

5. Transfer the pie to the freezer for 2 hours, or until set. Store in the refrigerator.

One of the best ways to eat a healthy dinner on a weeknight is to meal prep in advance and utilize your oven or slow cooker to do the work for you. That’s exactly what inspired this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe.

Known as a freezer dump recipe (because you simply dump the contents into a large freezer bag and store in the freezer until you’re ready to cool it), it’s simple and easy yet filling. Plus, it’s easily adapted if you want something animal-free!

So, let’s take a quick look at some of the health-promoting ingredients.

First, this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken includes eight garlic cloves. As you may recall, garlic contains the organosulfur compounds allicin and diallyl disulfide, which are primarily responsible for its health benefits.

Garlic is known to support heart health, aid liver detoxification, support healthy blood sugar levels, and more.

For example, studies show that 600 to 900 mg of garlic powder supplements significantly lowered cholesterol. [1, 2]

And another study found that regularly consuming garlic can help people with diabetes manage high blood sugar levels. People with diabetes who supplemented their Metformin treatment with garlic had lower fasting blood sugar than people who only took Metformin. [3]

As noted in the name, this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken also features lemon, which is known to help fight infections, inflammation, aging, cancer, and more!

According to one study, the bioactive compounds in lemon contain antibacterial properties. The study found that lemon juice extract was effective against the following bacteria: Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Specifically, the researchers found that lemon juice extract was most effective against Staphylococcus aureus, at a rate of 115 percent! [4]

Now, let’s take a moment and discuss one final detail of the ingredients—the fact that it contains chicken. If you’re vegan or you’re looking for an animal-free recipe for any reason, consider substituting the chicken with white beans for a protein-rich, nutritional alternative.

Well, there you have it! Keep scrolling to get the recipe for this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken—a dish your whole family will love!

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken (Freezer Dump Recipe)

Makes: 4 servings

Time: 10 minutes (+ 6 hours in slow cooker)

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 2 inch cubes

¼ cup olive oil

8 garlic cloves, minced

⅓ cup marinated artichoke quarters, drained

⅓ cup capers, drained

2 lemons, cut in half

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon pepper

Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

1. In a large freezer bag, combine the diced chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, artichoke, capers, lemon halves, balsamic vinegar, lemon pepper, and salt and pepper. Seal and shake to thoroughly coat. Open the bag, press excess air out, seal, and label. Freeze until ready to use.

2. Defrost the bag in the refrigerator at least 8 hours before use. Once defrosted, empty the contents into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

3. Serve warm, garnished with cooked lemons and parsley.

Note: You can make this recipe vegan by substituting the chicken with white beans.