Raphael Stevens

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif make their second public appearance

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and Saudi Arabia’s Rajwa Khalid Al-Saif marked their second official public appearance together since their engagement.
    The couple visited a workshop at Darat Suhei by artist Suheil Baqaeen in Jabal Luweibdeh in Amman to delve more on the creative works of students with certain disabilities. Overall,l the ‘Fragrance of Colours’ initiative was launched to teach the blind and visually impaired to draw by identifying colours through the sense of smell.

    Crown Prince Hussein on his Instagram post said, “Rajwa and I were truly privileged today to meet with a group of inspiring young artists who have conquered their visual disability through their exceptional talents and artistic sensitivities.”
    “It was heartwarming to witness their insightful and immense creativity firsthand,” he shared.
    First public appearance

    The royals made their first public appearance together at the Royal Hashemite Court in Amman in October 2022, to view a series of exhibits detailing the country’s Hashemite history. The pair were accompanied by Prince Hussein’s uncle, Prince El Hassab bin Talal, the brother of the late King Hussein and uncle of King Abdullah II.
    The official wedding date confirmed
    The lavish nuptials for the couple were officially confirmed at the beginning of this year. After the couple was engaged in August last year, the news later released of the duo to officially tie the knot on June 1, 2023.
    This specific date was chosen as it holds sentimental value to the Crown Prince’s family as its few days prior to the royals, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @alhusseinjo More

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    in health and weelbeing

    If You Do One Type of Workout in 2023, Experts Say It Should Be This

    Ever noticed how babies and four-legged furry friends instinctually crawl, climb, and jump their way around? They don’t need a trainer, routine, or Youtube video to tell them how to move–they just do. It turns out we can learn a thing or two from the way they work their muscles, and fitness trends are taking notice. According to the Pinterest Predicts 2023 report, primal movement–or moving our bodies in the manner they were built to–is the fitness trend of the year. Known as primal movement or primal fitness, the back-to-basics approach to getting your heart pumping focuses on movement patterns we’ve naturally been doing for hundreds of thousands of years.
    The end goal? To feel your best and improve strength, cardiovascular health, and endurance in the way your body was actually meant to. With WFH life staying put (looking at you, tech neck) and diet culture (and the draining fitness fads that come with it) finally making its exit, it’s no wonder we’re following our instincts and going back to what naturally feels good, making the expert what it should’ve been all along: our own bodies. Read on to learn the ins and outs of primal movement and how to get in on the workout.
     

    In this article

     
    What is primal movement?
    Forget fancy workouts with complicated exercises that you’d never do in everyday life. Primal movement encourages moving away from the sedentary life we’ve become accustomed to by practicing fundamental movements the way our ancestors did to improve our physical function. “Primal movements are the foundation for any movement that occurs in the body and are essential to building and maintaining, a strong, resilient, and pain-free body,” explained Hollis Tuttle, a lululemon studio trainer, lululemon ambassador, and marathoner.
    “Primal movement is how we bend, rotate, push, pull, and walk in the most intuitive way,” conveyed Thea Hughes, a strength training coach and Founder of Max Effort Training. “They are the movements that we practice daily, subconsciously. When translated to exercise, primal movement patterns become a pull, push, squat, lunge, hinge, rotation, and walking. Each incorporating a need for stability, adequate mobility to move through the range of motion with ease, and strength.” 
    In other words, the workout method is no new concept. It’s the OG way we were designed to move. “The human body is wired to move in basic patterns,” said Dr. Richard Joseph, a certified personal trainer and Chief Medical Officer at Restore Hyper Wellness. “We’re born to do these movements naturally. We see kids do them with ease, but as we age they can become more difficult to do. These movement patterns can become restrictive in certain ways over time, and if they aren’t done properly, there’s a higher risk of injury.”
     
    What are the benefits?
    Don’t let the simplicity of primal movement fool you: It targets your full body, while helping your body run more smoothly, akin to your car after getting a tune-up. The workout directly translates to activities outside the gym, giving you a leg up in better and more easily performing everyday actions you don’t think twice about: sitting, walking up and down stairs, lifting an object off the floor, or pushing open a door. “Primal movements are particularly great at improving mobility, strength, coordination, and movement patterns,”described Louis Chandler, an Alo Moves instructor and Alo Wellness Club Head Trainer. “They’re able to do all these things simultaneously, creating a deep mind-body connection.” 
    But it doesn’t stop there. By mimicking how your body moves IRL and training muscles to efficiently work together in your workouts, you increase your awareness of how your body moves, teaching you how to move safely and purposefully. “There’s a decreased chance of injury with proper primal movement,” Dr. Joseph expressed. “You’ll also see an improvement in your exercises, workouts, and what your body can withstand when training. Therefore, increasing your strength overall.” 

    How do you practice it?

    As with starting any new wellness trend, talk with your doctor if you’re unsure primal movement is safe for you, and start slow. “The best way to start practicing primal movement is to improve the mechanics and ease of getting up and down from the floor or low positions,” Hughes spelled out. “Starting with squats. Squats turn into lunges, into walking lunges. Then, try inchworms that walk out into a long plank, push up, walk back in and roll up, or any exercises that move you through rotation, flexion, stabilization. Most importantly, have fun.” 

    The best part about working out the primal way? You don’t have to hit the pavement or go all-out in HIIT classes on the reg. There’s no shortage of modalities to carry primal movement out: Take your pick from a shorter, more intense strength training sesh to a 3-hour long hike. Tuttle provided examples of functional movement exercises based on the seven movement patterns the body is meant to do. Add a variety of exercises from each movement pattern into your routine to reap the benefits of primal movement.
    Squat: bodyweight squat, kettlebell goblet squat, dumbbell front squat, barbell back squat
    Lunge: forward lunge, reverse lunge, lateral lunge, step up (bodyweight or with load)
    Push (vertical and horizontal): dumbbell strict press (vertical), push-up (horizontal)
    Pull (vertical and horizontal): pull-up (vertical), kettlebell gorilla row (horizontal)
    Twist (rotational and anti-rotational): medicine ball throws (rotational when standing sideways to the wall), plank with alternating shoulder taps (anti-rotational)
    Hinge (also referred to as bending): barbell deadlift, kettlebell single-leg Romanian deadlift
    Gait (also referred to as locomotion): walking, hiking, or running More

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    3 Crucial Tips That Helped Me Find Better Work-Life Balance

    I don’t know about you, but I’m always considering how to set better boundaries in all areas of my life, especially in the workplace. Hustle culture tells us we should give our all to our work. We should show up early and stay late, perform above expectations, and do what it takes to reach the next level, no matter how tired or burnt out we feel.
    I’ll admit it: I love to work. I’ve spent the early part of my career finding roles and opportunities that fit my strengths and desires, so I genuinely enjoy a lot of my work. On top of a 9-to-5, I’m a freelance writer and work for a small handful of clients. And on top of that, I spend some time volunteering (which I count as additional unpaid work), so you get the point.
    But I believe we should pursue all parts of our lives with moderation, intentionality, and healthy boundaries, so we don’t live in a constant state of overdrive. So when a dear coworker recommended Melissa Urban’s The Book of Boundaries to me, I didn’t hesitate to snag it and skip right ahead to the work-related section.
    Chapter three is titled “The Real Work/Life Balance.” Rest assured; if this is ever something you’ve struggled with, this chapter is for you. Here’s how Urban’s book is helping me set better boundaries and cultivate a better work-life balance.

    Melissa Urban
    The Book of Boundaries: Set the Limits That Will Set You Free
    End resentment, burnout, and anxiety — and reclaim your time, energy, health, and relationships. As the co-founder of the Whole30, Melissa Urban helped millions of people transform their relationship with food. Now, in this powerful and practical guide to setting boundaries, she shows you how to prioritize your needs and revolutionize your relationships.

    1. I’m more mindful of what I sign myself up for and the precedent I set.
    No matter how many times I’ve heard it when I am in the moment, I often forget that how we show up sets a precedent for how others will perceive us and what they will expect from us in the future.
    Urban said it best, “Whether you’re working from home or going into an office, serving customers or managing a job site, have a boss or are your own boss, the biggest lesson I learned when I first entered the workforce is that people will take as much as you are willing to give.”
    It’s my nature to raise my hand to help, respond quickly, and be a team player. These traits also lead to me accepting work that others don’t want, operating under a constant sense of urgency, and overexerting myself at the expense of not feeling like a good team member if I don’t.
    While I won’t ever eliminate the effort I give to my work, I am more mindful of how much I give and when I can tackle something.
    For example, if a new project comes up at my 9-to-5 that I want to assist with but don’t have available bandwidth, I’ve moved away from biting off more than I can chew and instead saying something along the lines of, “I’d love to help out with this new project! My schedule is packed this week. Are you open to connecting next week to chat more about it and what role I can play to help us get this done?”
    This helps me avoid creating unreasonable to-do lists but allows me to get involved where it makes sense or feels like a good fit. The same goes for my freelancing work. I pause before accepting last-minute duties with short turnaround times, and I’m working on not responding to emails right away.
    How others see us directly reflects how we show up and present ourselves. You can be a helpful team player who responds in reasonable amounts of time without setting unrealistic expectations.

    2. I control my time and energy where I can.
    I don’t know about you, but I still struggle with the virtual meeting culture even after three years of Google Meet (or Zoom, Slack videos, Microsoft Teams, etc.) meetings. I work remotely, and my 9-to-5, freelance gigs, and volunteer roles require meetings. When virtual meetings are our only way to connect and collaborate, it’s not surprising that meetings run over the allotted time.
    At the same time, all it takes is one meeting to run over before a full domino effect of late starts, and extended discussions take over our calendars, saving little time to do independent work. Before I know it, sometimes a workday ends, and my to-do list looks the same as it did that morning.
    I always thought it would be rude or inconsiderate to leave a meeting that was running over. What will my coworkers think? What will I miss if I leave early? Who am I to decide that I am *too important* to stay on this call?
    But the truth is, setting boundaries when it comes to meetings signifies that we respect our time (and helps us stick to our schedules). Urban shares great scripts for setting boundaries around meeting times in her book (page 77):

    GREEN: (before the meeting) ‘We only have an hour for today’s meeting, so if someone could distribute the agenda ahead of time, that would be helpful.’
    YELLOW:(five minutes before the meeting is scheduled to end) ‘I see we only have five minutes left, Bill. Are there final action items we need to cover?’
    RED: ‘I have a hard stop now. I’ll look for next steps via email.’ Leave the meeting.

    When I’m stuck in a meeting that’s likely going to or is running over, I say, “I want to ensure we are respecting everyone’s time today. We are almost out/out of time, so let’s take a minute to determine any immediate action items and the next steps.”
    Spoiler alert: Most people appreciate someone paying attention to the clock.

    3. I preserve time for breaks while I’m working (and take the time).
    When I worked in the office, it was easy to get up and ask a coworker if they wanted to run out, grab a coffee, and take a walk. Or I’d leave for lunch, grab a salad, and bring a book in my purse to read after lunch. I didn’t struggle to create space for breaks; they almost naturally fit into the workday.
    Working remotely, things are different. Before, when I had a busy, meeting-packed morning, sometimes four or five hours would fly by before I realized I’d only had coffee, had maybe gotten up to go to the bathroom once, and my Apple Watch had been screaming at me to stand up and move around.
    While this was a simple tip in Urban’s book, I think many forget to do it (or, more likely, follow through with): preserve break and lunch times.
    I have a 30-minute lunch on my calendar every day sometime between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. I have a 4:00 pm hold to start winding down for the day, giving me time to prepare for my evening workouts. And some mornings, I schedule a quick 15-minute coffee break so I can make a coffee (or not) and step onto my patio for some fresh air.
    I’ve adopted this trick in my freelancing world too. It’s not uncommon for me to do freelance work in the evenings during the workweek, but I always take a break before starting to work out and/or eat dinner. If I need to work for a couple of hours, I’ll schedule a break, play with my cats, chat with my husband, or simply move around and stretch.
    If you struggle with work boundaries, don’t beat yourself up over it. There’s no time like today to start improving and implementing better limits so you can enjoy life outside of work, too.

    7 Tech Hacks to Help You Find Work-Life Balance More

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    Find out how much it costs to advertise on the world’s tallest building

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    If you want an advertisement on one of the most-loved landmarks in Dubai it comes at a cost.
    From baby shower announcements to brand advertisements, the world’s tallest tower has seen it all. Whether it’s a new collection launch or a message to shed light on any important cause, the Burj Khalifa acts as any XL advertising platform.

    Per Arabian Business, movie teasers or a message on the face of the Burj Khalifa start from a cool Dhs250,000 and that will only get you three minutes’ air time.
    For an extended two three-minute impression between 8pm and 10pm, the price is increased to Dhs500,000 and for five three-minute impressions any night between 7pm until midnight, the price is Dhs1 million.
    To add life to any display, music and sound can also complement the advertisement for an immersive experience, making it memorable for the audience to witness.
    In October 2022, a three-minute advertisement with the Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan was also on display, after an announcement about him being part of the Burjeel Holdings family was made.

    Happy to join the @BurjeelHoldings family as their compassion drives world-class healthcare in the UAE. @drshamsheervp #BurjeelHoldings pic.twitter.com/kPhfGLtnQt
    — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) September 30, 2022

    However, knowing the prices is only the first step of the process. An initial request with MullenLowe must be made before getting final approval from the owner of Burj Khalifa, Emaar.
    After approval, a detailed creative concept is finalized four weeks prior to the advertisement with upfront payment before it goes live.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Feature Image: Instagram @miro.px More

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    in health and weelbeing

    New Research Shows Where Women Carry Fat Could Protect Them From Brain Disease

    When it comes to protecting from brain disease, we know a few rules that’ll help us age gracefully: exercise regularly and go easy on the sugar and fats. But a new study has linked the natural fat deposits in female bodies as a key protector against brain disease.

    Not all fat is bad

    Like avocados, not all fats are bad. We know this to be true when looking at our diets: high-fat diets that include pizza and excess animal fats tend to have higher negative outcomes than a diet high in olive oil, fatty seeds and nuts and other plant-based fats.

    But a new study shows that the propensity for women to collect fat in places like their hips, butt and backs of the arms (called subcutaneous fat), could protect against brain disease like dementia and stroke. Males, on the other hand, store fat around major organs in the abdominal region, called visceral adiposity, which promotes inflammation.

    Before, the differences in immune response to brain disease were thought to be down to hormonal discrepancies, but this study offers a new perspective. In ScienceDaily, Alexis M. Stranahan, PhD, neuroscientist in the Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, said that “When people think about protection in women, their first thought is oestrogen. But we need to get beyond the kind of simplistic idea that every sex difference involves hormone differences and hormone exposure.”

    READ MORE: A New Study Shows That Nightmares Are A Good Predictor Of Future Dementia

    Where you store fat matters

    The study scientists started by inducing obesity in rats, then observing the differences in fat distribution around the body in the males and females. They then noticed that where female rats stored fat correlated with protection against inflammation. They also performed liposuction on the rats before inducing obesity, and were then studied after taking on a high-fat diet, which is known to cause inflammation in the body. The elimination of the fat meant that the rats had less protection against inflammation.

    “When we took subcutaneous fat (fat stored under the skin) out of the equation, all of a sudden the females’ brains start to exhibit inflammation the way that male brains do, and the females gained more visceral fat (fat around the abdominal area),” Stranahan says. “It kind of shunted everything toward that other storage location.” It turns out where the female rats stored fat correlated with a higher level of protection against inflammation, particularly where brain disease is concerned, author’s noted.

    READ MORE: 7 Reasons Your Period Might Be Late — Other Than Pregnancy

    So, what are the implications for your health?

    Without the liposuction surgery, female rats on a high-fat diet only displayed inflammation similar to the level of male rats after menopause, showing that the fat storage was protective in females before this period. It’s notable that even after liposuction, a high-fat diet still correlated with high levels of inflammation, so stick to a whole foods diet.  

    Stranahan notes that this likely has implications for using the BMI as a benchmark for overall health. “We can’t just say obesity. We have to start talking about where the fat is. That is the critical element here,” Stranahan says. A more accurate reading? Looking at the hip to waist ratio, she says.

    READ MORE: 7 Ways To Meditate For Anxiety Relief That Are *Actually* Easy To Do

    The bottom line: where fat is stored links to inflammation in the brain. Visceral fat promotes inflammation while subcutaneous fat acts as protection, and high-fat diets are not a good idea to take on (kinda, sorta duh), since they promote inflammation. More

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    The Incredibly Simple Swap That Can Optimize Your Overall Health

    Smack dab in the middle of last year, I was spending my evening as I normally do: ignoring the dishes in the kitchen sink, being berated by my cat for more pets, and scrolling TikTok for a bit longer than originally planned. All was as expected until I came across one singular TikTok about what is lurking in our water. My jaw was on the floor, I froze in my tracks, and I’ve never looked at tap water the same since. It’s an ongoing goal of mine to drink more water but if I’m ingesting boatloads of heavy metals, microplastics, and even parasites, what’s the point?
    Unlike most TikToks I come across, this one offered up a solution that I knew I needed to try STAT. Enter the LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher which is shockingly… stunning? It’s rare to find a water filter pitcher that works well, let alone one that is so aesthetically pleasing, so I knew I had to get my paws on it. After using it enough times to get the hype, I’m here to spill the tea on whether it’s the one wellness item you’re missing out on.

    7-Cup Filter Pitcher
    Use code EVERYGIRL to get 20% off on any LifeStraw Home purchase today!
    7 colors available

    How it works:
    I used to operate on the theory that ignorance is bliss, when it came to my health. But after a year of dealing with some health issues (albeit minor in the grand scheme of things), I realized that ignoring my bad habits, stressors, and the environmental hazards around me was probably not the move when it came to setting myself up for optimal wellness. If I wanted to live a present life without brain fog, stomach issues, bladder problems, and general fatigue, I had to take action. And one of the earliest habits I adopted was to up my water intake.
    But with increased tap water intake comes an increased likelihood of coming across the 320 toxic substances that have been detected in U.S. drinking water (lead, arsenic, and “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, just to name a few). With this knowledge, I had two choices. Either A) return to a withered, constant state of dehydration or B) buckle up and find a solution. Introducing: the LifeStraw Home water filter pitcher that I won’t shut up about.
    Thanks to its dual filter technology, this pitcher removes 30+ contaminants. I’m talking bacteria, parasites, PFAS, pesticides, and microplastics—you know, all of those things you don’t want to consume if you can help it. And beyond filtering out contaminants, it also reduces chlorine and bad odors for improved taste which is music to my ears. Since I’ve owned one for myself, the verdict is in. Here’s why I’m recommending it to anyone who will listen:

    Why I love it:
    Top of the line technology without breaking the bank
    Considering this is the only water filter pitcher that removes bacteria and parasites in addition to microplastics and 30+ other contaminants, I closed one eye and braced myself when opening up my web browser. But to my surprise, my entire body relaxed when I saw that the price of the 7-Cup BPA-free Pitcher was just $44.95, with the glass version being $64.95. For what it does, how it looks, and the fact that it makes my water taste dramatically better, it feels like an absolute steal.

    A design that’s as sleek as it is functional
    I mean look at this thing. Despite the fact that I live with a man who insists on having a surplus of Star Wars-branded mugs in our cabinets, I really try to keep my home aesthetically pleasing which does more for my zen than I care to admit. With three new to-die-for colors between the BPA-free plastic and handblown glass options, this is a pitcher that doubles as decor and for that, I’m an automatic fan.
    I love that it fits seamlessly in my fridge without taking up too much space, is lightweight which makes filling it up a breeze, and that it has an easy-fill lid that’s about as hands-free as it gets.

    Sustainability that helps me do my part
    Removal of contaminants from my water is an obvious win for me, but I also love that this BPA-free plastic water filter pitcher is good for the planet. I’m always taking small steps towards becoming more Earth-friendly and with one pitcher saving over 2,000 single-use plastic water bottles per year, I feel like I’m doing my part to keep our parks, oceans, and communities clean.

    A brand mission that you can feel good about
    I first heard about LifeStraw a few years ago when I learned about their origin story. If you don’t already know, LifeStraw has a deep history of global humanitarian and sustainability work and their mission is a simple one: to provide equitable access to safe drinking water.
    LifeStraw has been a partner in the fight for the eradication of Guinea worm for 25 years and they actively respond to emergencies across the globe. Plus, for every product sold, a child in need receives access to safe water for an entire year. A brand that fights every single day for good is a rare find so when I lay eyes on one, I’m a forever fan.

    7-Cup Filter Pitcher
    Use code EVERYGIRL to get 20% off on any LifeStraw Home purchase today!
    7 colors available

    Other home products from LifeStraw:
    I have the 7-Cup BPA-free water filter pitcher and while I love it, this filter is truly jus the tip of the iceberg when it comes to LifeStraw products to fit your space and needs. Here are some others our team members our eyeing right now… use code EVERYGIRL to get 20% off of LifeStraw Home products now!

    Winter Wellness Upgrades Your Body Will Thank You For

    This post is sponsored by LifeStraw but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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    13 celebrities who attended the VIP event at Atlantis The Royal this weekend

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 mins ago

    This weekend was nothing short of memorable at Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal.
    For its grand preview weekend, the 795-room mega-hotel on Palm Jumeirah witnessed an exclusive weekend of VIP guests, celebrities and media personnel before the expansive property officially opened its doors to the public on February 11, 2023.
    With Queen B marking her first private concert since 2016, many A-listers flew down, especially for the event and made a special appearance on the red carpet in their stand-out silhouettes.
    As we attended the event and even brushed shoulders with some celebrities, there was no shortage of stars to celebrate the lavish property’s grand opening.
    Swipe through the gallery below to see stars who walked the blue carpet.
    Beyoncé

    Kendall Jenner

    Rochelle and Marvin Humes

    Ellen Pompeo

    Melissa Wood Tepperberg

    Gauri Khan

    Jwana Karim

    Shanaya Kapoor

    Mariam Amin

    Leonie Hanne

    Ashley Park

    Loujain Adada

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram  More

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    in health and weelbeing

    Every Product Your Kitchen Needs To Make Healthy Eating Easy (and Delicious)

    The real secret to successfully eating healthier (while still staying sane) is truly cooking at home more often. And the secret to cooking healthy at home more often is stocking your kitchen with items that make healthy cooking easier, and stocking your pantry with more nutritious versions of all your favorite foods. When a craving hits, you won’t have to ignore it. Instead, you’ll be prepared to DIY a meal that tastes as good as it is good for you. Stock up on these kitchen essentials that make healthy eating a breeze, and get ready for a happier, healthier you.

    In this article

     
    Equipment

    Beast Health
    Blender
    Compact, sleek, and functional, this blender serves up the smoothest smoothies, dressings, soups, nut milks—you name it—hands down. Did I mention you can conveniently take it to-go?
    Available in two colors.

    Always Pan
    Braise, sear, steam, strain, sauté, fry, boil, serve, store—there’s essentiallynothing this pan can’t do. Plus, it’s non-stick and non-toxic, so all you have to worry about is what you’re going to dish out.
    Available in nine colors.

    Automatic Nut Milk Maker
    If you’re a real health nut, you might be having oat milk with your coffee and almond milk in your smoothies. But many of the packaged kinds are processed and full of added chemicals. Make DIYing your own plant-based milk a piece of (dairy-free) cake with this easy-to-use nut milk maker.
    Available in two colors.

    Good Grips
    Salad Spinner
    Greens need to be washed at home (all the dirt, pesticides, touching… yuck!), but can get soggy after washing if you use a plain ol’ strainer. The salad spinner dries your greens quickly, leaving you with clean, crisp, and ready-to-use veggies.

    Indoor Grill
    If you haven’t jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet or you’re in the market for a new one, look no further. This time-saver is not only an air fryer, but it also grills, roasts, bakes, and dehydrates. And it’s on sale!

    Menu Denmark
    Bottle Grinders
    Not your average salt and pepper shakers, these chic bottles grind more than just S + P. They also grind herbs, spices, grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for more nutritious and tasty meals. Their pretty design is just icing on the cake.
    Available in two colors.

    Instant Pot
    Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker
    Say hello to your other must-have, all-purpose gadget to make your weeknight dinners a pinch. Throw ingredients in the pot and set a timer for an easy-to-use and easy-to-clean way to make everything from soups and steamed veggies to pasta and ribs and even cheesecake (yes, you read that right!).

    Crate & Barrel
    4-Piece Place Setting
    There’s no denying we also eat with our eyes, so why not romanticize and zhuzh up your meals with an aesthetically-pleasing dinner set? This find sets an impressive table for dinner—whether a casual supper for one (or two) or a more formal gathering.
    Available in two colors.

    Organization

    Glass Lunch Bowl Container
    Get rid of those plastic containers that are as bad for your body as they are for the environment. Instead, try out these microwave and dishwasher-safe glass storage containers that will not only keep your fridge tidy (and pretty), but also won’t leak toxins into your food.
    Available in five colors.

    Bee’s Wrap
    Reusable Beeswax Food Wrap
    Wrap up leftovers or on-the-go meals or snacks with good-for-the-environment wrap instead of single-use plastic wrap. You probably get it by now: A healthy kitchen means healthy for you AND our planet.

    Reusable Sandwich Bag
    Make plastic storage bags a thing of the past with this reusable silicone and easy-to-store alternative. Whether you use it to pack up lunch, store leftovers, or steam veggies, you won’t miss your old Ziploc bags. Oh, and this gem is freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher-safe.
    Available in multiple sizes and colors.

    Onion, Garlic, Lemon, Tomato, Lemon, and Avocado Keepers
    No more half eaten avocado, tomato, lemon, garlic, or onion that ends up in the trash, thanks to these finds. The BPA-free keepers extend the shelf life of your favorite produce while keeping your fridge organized.

    Lazy Susan Organizer
    With this organizer, you can easily find and grab what you need—be it snacks, sauces, produce, or supplements—with a quick turn. The clear, BPA-free bins are removable, making refills and clean-up a cinch.

    5-Piece Container Set
    A healthy kitchen starts with always having good-for-you pantry staples on hand that you can use to easily and quickly whip up nutritious meals. Well, this dishwasher-safe, BPA-free, and stackable set will keep your dry foods fresh and your pantry in order.

    Cord Organizer for Kitchen Appliances
    Your kitchen countertops will be free of messy, annoying power cords with these cord keepers. Simply attach them to the back of your small kitchen appliances (think: blender, coffee machine, air fryer, toaster) for a well-kept kitchen.

     
    Cookbooks

    Kathryne Taylor
    Love Real Food
    Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or meat-eater, this cookbook has something for everyone. Loaded with 100 approachable and delicious meatless recipes made with fresh, wholesome, sustainable food, it takes the guesswork out of weeknight dinners.

    Kristin Cavallari
    True Comfort
    Channel Kristin Cavallari in your own kitchen when you recreate her favorite healthy, gluten and refined sugar-free comfort food recipes. What’s more, she let us in on her tips and tricks to putting together a well-stocked pantry, fridge, and freezer.

    America’s Test Kitchen
    Bowls: Vibrant Recipes with Endless Possibilities
    There’s something about bowls that makes its contents that much more appetizing. With 75 bowl recipes and mix-and-match bases, toppings, and sauces, this cookbook ensures there will be no shortage of bowl nights. Seared Tuna Poke Bowl, anyone?

    Toby Amidor
    The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook: Easy and Wholesome Meals to Cook, Prep, Grab, and Go
    There’s no denying that meal prep saves time and money, but let’s face it: When we do get around to it, we often stick with the same ol’, uninspired meals. Enter: The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook. Packed with wholesome grab-n-go options for breakfast and lunch as well as quick dinners, consider your meals for the week ahead cooked and ready to serve.

    Jeanine Donofrio
    Love and Lemons Every Day: More than 100 Bright, Plant-Forward Recipes for Every Meal
    Known for her food blog featuring fresh recipes with seasonal fruits and vegetables as the main ingredients, Donofrio dishes out more than 100 new vegetarian recipes in Love & Lemons Every Day. Leave it to Donofrio to turn butternut squash into the tastiest creamy queso you’ve ever had and transform sweet potato into a smooth chocolate frosting. And ever wonder what to do with those unused vegetable parts (looking at you, broccoli stalks)? You better believe she’s got a clever solution or two for that.

    Ina Garten
    Modern Comfort Food: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
    No one does soul-satisfying dishes like Ms. Ina Garten. Sometimes you just need a hearty cheddar and chutney grilledcheese sandwich with a side of creamy tomato bisque to warm your insides. From whipping up special weekend breakfasts and quick weeknight dinners to cocktails and dessert, it’s the closest thing to having Ina cooking alongside you IRL.

     
    Pantry Staples

    Verve Coffee Roasters
    Fair Trade Organic Coffee
    If you’re drinking a cup (or three) of coffee a day, you should know where it comes from and that it’s full of all the good antioxidants sans pesticides, added chemicals, etc. This java is fair trade, organic, and made in California, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

    Noble Made
    Classic BBQ Sauce
    Don’t mistake this essential pantry staple for the standard sugar-laden version. The Noble Made rendition is made with all-natural, clean ingredients (think: water, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and spices) and gets its slightly sweet kick from pineapple juice. Taco Tuesday, Meatless Monday, and your BBQs just got a major upgrade.

    Simple Mills
    Farmhouse Cheddar Crackers
    When it comes to snacks, there’s nothing more classic than cheese crackers. But these cleaner Simple Mills cheddar crackers get an “A” for the nutrient boost they deliver on, thanks to their flour blend of almonds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds, not to mention organic cheese. A winning combo of carbs, protein, and fat, what’s not to love?

    Hearts of Palm Pasta
    Your pasta night just got a whole lot more nutritious and exciting. This low-carb, high-fiber linguine pasta made out of hearts of palm may be veggie-based, but it tastes and looks like the real deal.

    Sea Salt Tortilla Chips
    Got a serious guacamole addiction? Same. Try these non-GMO, grain-free tortilla chips that are made with avocado oil and contain more fiber and protein than your typical chips for guilt-free snacking.

    Base Culture
    Sourdough Bread
    The best thing since sliced bread is, well, this sliced bread, and for good reason. Made with zero artificial ingredients and a solid mix of carbs, protein, and fiber, you can’t go wrong making toasts and sandwiches with this bread.

    Marinara Sauce
    Slow-cooked sweet Italian tomatoes, olive oil, onions, salt, garlic, basil, black pepper, and oregano (read: fresh, whole ingredients) come together to create this no-sugar-added, classic marinara sauce. Top off the aforementioned linguine pasta, spaghetti squash lasagna, or pizza crust with it for a clean, authentic Italian meal (insert chef’s kiss).

    Navitas Organics
    Chia Seeds
    Instantly give your smoothie, oatmeal, stir fry, salad, and baked goods (I could go on and on) a protein and fiber boost with this organic, nutrient-dense superfood.

    Chosen Foods
    Avocado Oil Spray
    PSA: Many store-bought foods and restaurant dishes are cooked with genetically-modified vegetable oils (think: canola or sunflower oil). The good news? When you have this 100% pure Avocado Oil Spray that is free of chemicals, emulsifiers, and propellant as your kitchen sidekick, you can cook, sauté, bake, dress, or broil worry-free.

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