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Chocolate_Covered_Raspberries

Bite Size Chocolate Covered Raspberry Bites

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Valentine’s Day is a day where many of us take the opportunity to tell our loved ones how much we appreciate them. Whether that’s a significant other, the ladies in your Galentine’s group, or your kids, these chocolate covered raspberry bites are a great way to do that. 

They’re a healthy treat that are delicious anytime of the year!

Chocolate Covered Raspberries Get an Upgrade

Chocolate covered fruit is a favorite in our house. I’ll make this dark chocolate fondue on certain occasions to dip fruit and homemade marshmallows in. While chocolate covered fruit can be a healthy treat, it can be tricky to get it to work sometimes. 

If you’ve ever made your own chocolate covered raspberries or other fruit you might have experienced this. Gloppy chocolate that falls off and looks anything but appetizing. These chocolate covered raspberry bites have the same flavor, but even better.

Chocolate Covered Raspberry Bites

I make these in some cute heart molds that are perfect for Valentine’s Day. You can really use any silicone molds you want though that make chunky shapes. And instead of simply dipping raspberries in chocolate, we’re making a raspberry filling first. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and thickened with chia seeds. 

Research shows that maple syrup isn’t just sugar, but a unique array of minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, but they have a whole lot of other benefits. These include supporting healthy blood pressure and digestion, reducing inflammation, and even helping improve anxiety and depression symptoms by nurturing the gut. 

Then there are the juicy raspberries with their vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. These chocolate covered raspberry bites are naturally colorful, fun to decorate, and great for any little helpers in the kitchen. My younger kids had no problem helping make these. Plus, they were gone by that afternoon!

 Tips and Tricks

You can use a different mold, but I chose a heart mold for these. If you don’t have a good silicone mold on hand, then you can also make them without one. Simply spoon small jam mounds onto parchment, freeze, and then dip in chocolate to make rustic bites. 

Start with a smaller amount of maple syrup, taste, and adjust to your preference. I prefer mine to be more on the tart side. These store well in the fridge for up to a week. You can also keep them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Fair warning: if you want any leftover for the freezer you may need to double the batch!

Here’s how to make delicious, festive, and nutritious chocolate covered raspberry bites.

Chocolate Covered Raspberry Bites

They taste like chocolate-covered raspberry jam… but better.

Optional Topping

  • 2 TBSP freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries (crushed)

  • In a bowl, mash raspberries with maple syrup, chia seeds, and vanilla until thick and jam-like. Let rest 5–10 minutes so the chia thickens.

  • Spoon the mixture evenly into 10 large 2-inch silicone heart cavities, filling nearly to the top and smoothing the surface.

  • Freeze at least 4 hours or overnight until fully firm.

  • Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil gently until smooth.

  • Remove frozen hearts from molds and dip into chocolate until fully coated.

  • Sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried berries if desired.

  • Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and freeze for 10–15 minutes until hardened.

  • Serve straight from the freezer or allow to soften slightly before eating.

Nutrition Facts

Chocolate Covered Raspberry Bites

Amount Per Serving (1 heart)

Calories 135
Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Trans Fat 0.01g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 0.4mg0%

Sodium 4mg0%

Potassium 180mg5%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 12IU0%

Vitamin C 41mg50%

Calcium 34mg3%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

If the molds you use are bigger or smaller than mine, then the nutrition data will be a little different per serving. 

More Chocolatey Treats

Looking for more ways to treat yourself and family? Here are some of our favorite scrumptious desserts!

What are some of your favorite fruity desserts to make? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Homestead Blog Hop - Homestead tips, ideas, animal care, and recipes every Wednesday

Homestead Blog Hop 584 – Make Valentines Crafts and Sliders

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Welcome to Homestead Blog Hop, a weekly gathering for homesteaders and simple living enthusiasts to share DIY projects, from-scratch recipes, and creative inspiration. This week’s hop features cozy homesteading tips, along with practical ideas that celebrate handmade living and self-sufficiency.

Whether you’re looking for seasonal crafts, homemade treats, or encouragement on your homesteading journey, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to carry into the new year. Grab a cup of tea, explore the featured posts, and join us in sharing your own homestead creations.

Meet Your Homesteading Hosts

We’re Kelly from Simple Life Mom, Liz from The Cape Coop, Natasha from Houseful of Nicholes, and Laurie from Ridgehaven Homestead. Together, we’re passionate about from-scratch living, simple ingredients, frugal habits, and intentional homesteading. We’re delighted to host the Homestead Blog Hop, where you can find fresh inspiration each week for DIY projects, homemade recipes, and practical simple living ideas.

Follow Us for More Homestead Inspiration

Natasha – Houseful of Nicholes
Facebook | Pinterest | X | Instagram

Laurie – Ridge Haven Homestead
Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Liz – The Cape Coop
Facebook | Pinterest | X | Instagram

Kelly – Simple Life Mom
Facebook | Pinterest | X | Instagram

FEATURED POSTS from the Last Homestead Blog Hop

Each week, we take turns selecting three featured posts from the Homestead Blog Hop. These features are shared across all of our social media platforms, helping spotlight the creativity and hard work of our fellow homesteaders. Here are the featured posts from last week’s hop:

1. Best Pull Apart Pizza Sliders from Organized Island

2. How to Make a Paper Cone Valentine Heart from Sonata Home Design

3. Coffee Filter Hearts Valentine Craft for Kids from Darcy and Brian

Congrats! Feel free to grab the featured on button for your post.

Just right click and ‘save image as…‘

Guidelines for the Homestead Blog Hop

  1. Click the “Add Your Link” button below and upload a clear, eye-catching image from your project or recipe. Please link directly to the family-friendly post itself, not your blog’s homepage.
  2. You may link up up to three posts each week.
  3. Take time to visit a few other blogs in the hop and leave a thoughtful comment to let them know you stopped by. Community support makes this hop special!
  4. Please include a link back to the Homestead Blog Hop in your post. Posts without a backlink are not eligible to be featured. All featured posts are shared across all hosts’ social media channels.
  5. Share posts that haven’t been linked to the hop before. Older posts are welcome as long as they are new to the hop.
  6. By joining the Homestead Blog Hop, you grant the hosts permission to use one image from your post, with a link back to your site, if your post is selected as a feature next week.
  7. This is a family-friendly link-up designed to encourage, inspire, and support the homesteader in all of us.

Let the Party Begin!

Which project are you excited to try this week? Leave a comment below.

Join Our Homestead Blog Hop Pinterest Board

Follow all of your hosts on Pinterest and send a message if you’d like to be added to our Homestead Blog Hop group board. This board is a great place to share your DIY projects, crafts, and from-scratch recipes with the homesteading community.

Guideline: Only pin posts that you’ve linked up to the Homestead Blog Hop.

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healthy eating kids

Why My Kids (Mostly) Eat Whatever They Want

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Parents ask me about food more than almost anything else. After all, I’m the natural health lady, so of course my kids are always drinking kale smoothies (not really). When health dogmas and real life collide, at the end of the day what do I feed my kids? And more importantly, how do I help them make healthy eating choices? 

Food can feel like high-stakes parenting, and it’s easy to worry that one wrong move will set kids up for unhealthy habits. You might be surprised to learn that I actually don’t micromanage what my kids eat. 

Over years of parenting, research, and personal trial and error, I’ve learned that tightly managing food often backfires. Instead, I focus on providing nourishing options, modeling good habits, and trusting my kids to listen to their bodies. This approach isn’t about throwing out all structure, but building autonomy and a healthier relationship with food.

Why Food Control Often Backfires

One of the biggest shifts in my thinking came from understanding how restriction affects desire. There’s a growing body of research showing that when we tightly control food, especially foods labeled as “junk” or “bad,” it can actually make us want them more. 

A study in Appetite found that children who had restricted access to certain foods were more likely to overeat those foods when they became available. In contrast, children who weren’t restricted tended to eat less of those foods. Plus, they were more in tune with their hunger cues.

If you’ve ever dieted, you may have noticed the same thing. The more forbidden a food becomes, the more power it holds.

Psychologically, this makes sense. Restriction creates tension. It frames food as something to be resisted rather than understood. Over time, that tension can override internal signals like hunger and fullness, replacing them with external rules and emotional responses.

There’s also evidence that pressuring kids to eat certain foods, like insisting they finish vegetables, can have long-term consequences. Research from the Journal of Nutrition Education found that children who were pressured to eat vegetables were actually less likely to eat them later in life. What starts as a well-intentioned push for health can quietly backfire.

Children Are Born With Self-Regulation Skills

One of the most fascinating pieces of research in this area focuses on self-regulation, especially in young children. Studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine observed that toddlers naturally adjust their calorie intake over time. If they eat more at one meal, they often eat less at later meals. If they undereat one day, they compensate the next.

In other words, children are born knowing how to regulate intake. That is, if we don’t override that system.

When food choices are heavily managed or restricted, children can lose touch with these internal cues. Instead of asking, Am I hungry? Am I full? they learn to ask, Is this allowed? Will I get in trouble? Over time, external control replaces internal awareness.

This matters not just for physical health, but for their long-term relationship with food. The ability to notice hunger, fullness, cravings, and satisfaction is a skill we can carry into adulthood. Once it’s lost, it takes intentional work to rebuild.

The Problem With “Good” and “Bad” Food Labels

Another subtle but powerful factor is how we talk about food. When foods are labeled as “good” or “bad,” morality gets attached to eating. Eating something “bad” can lead to guilt or shame, while eating something “good” can feel like a moral win.

There’s evidence that this moral framing may contribute to disordered eating patterns later in life. A review in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found links between controlling eating and a higher risk of disordered eating in adults.

I’ve seen this play out personally. Growing up, certain foods were framed as off-limits or unhealthy, largely due to budget constraints. When I gained independence as a teenager, those foods felt irresistible. Not because they made me feel good, but because they had been forbidden. It took years to separate actual enjoyment and physical response from psychological attraction.

Helping Kids Understand Food Choices

On the flip side, when I first started trying to eat healthy I had some harsh things to say about certain foods. And while I still don’t think highly processed foods need to be in anyone’s kitchen, I’m more focused on the positive now. Instead, I’m focusing on helping my kids (and other adults) understand what foods do in the body. 

With my kids, I try to avoid ranking foods. Instead of labeling something as “bad,” we talk about what it does in the body. Protein helps build and repair tissue. Minerals support electrical signaling. Carbohydrates provide energy and hormone support. This kind of information gives kids context without attaching judgment.

Autonomy as a Core Parenting Principle

At the heart of this approach is a broader belief. My children are infinite autonomous human beings, each with their own paths. My role isn’t to control them, but to guide them toward becoming capable, healthy adults who trust themselves.

Food is one of the earliest and most tangible ways children experience autonomy. What they put into their bodies matters, not just nutritionally, but psychologically. Respecting their agency in this area reinforces the deeper message that they’re allowed (and encouraged) to listen to their body.  

This doesn’t mean a lack of structure. It means choosing structure that supports autonomy rather than undermines it.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Having principles and standards is one thing, but actually putting them into practice is another. So what does this actually look like in our home?

Food Isn’t a Reward or a Punishment

I don’t use food as leverage. There’s no “eat this to earn dessert” or “skip dinner and eat it for breakfast.” These systems can disconnect eating from hunger and turn food into a currency.

When kids choose to eat nutrient-dense foods on their own, that choice carries more weight than when it’s coerced. Over time, voluntary choices are more likely to stick.

I Provide, They Decide

I don’t stock the pantry with ultra-processed foods, but I also don’t micromanage what they eat or how much. The house is filled with whole foods, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and leftovers they can get on their own as needed. 

I cook one family meal and that’s what’s offered as the option. My kids are free to eat it… or not. If they’re still hungry later, they can make eggs, fruit, or leftovers. I’m not a short-order cook, but I’m also not a food enforcer.

Modeling Over Rules

I quickly learned as a mom that our children learn far more from what we do than what we say. When they see me eat a wide variety of foods, their curiosity naturally grows. Foods they once avoided often become familiar over time, without pressure. 

When my kids were babies and trying new foods that they thought looked suspicious, I ate it in front of them. This helped them decide it was ok for them too. 

Teaching Without Controlling

When kids are interested, I explain how food works in the body. Not lectures, just conversations. We talk about why minerals matter, how protein supports muscles, and what electrolytes do. When they’re open to learning they’ll soak it in like a sponge. 

Knowledge empowers choice. When kids understand why certain foods feel better, they’re more likely to choose them.

Eating Outside the Home

When my kids are at restaurants or friends’ houses, I don’t comment on their food choices. I don’t restrict or even ask. Occasional exposure to foods I wouldn’t serve at home isn’t harmful, especially in the context of an otherwise nutrient-dense diet.

Resilience matters more than perfection. In most cases, the dose makes the poison. I feel like this helps take the pressure off when they might get a little bit of something (like vegetable oil) at a friend’s house. 

Why This Approach Works Long-Term

Research supports a balance known as authoritative parenting, a combination of structure and autonomy. A 2020 review found this approach led to healthier eating patterns than rigid, authoritarian control.

By stepping back as the external regulator, kids strengthen their internal regulation. They learn responsibility, trust, and body awareness. And they do it without food battles.

Addressing Common Concerns

I’m sure many of you reading this are going to have some questions and concerns about my method. And honestly, I’m not even trying to tell you that you should approach eating the same way I do. This is just what I’ve found works for my kids and why we do it. But here are some of the top FAQs I hear from moms when I share my approach.

“Won’t they just eat sugar all day?”

In my experience, the novelty wears off, especially when foods aren’t forbidden. Children may test boundaries initially, but self-regulation can reemerge surprisingly quickly. In fact, some studies show that kids who had fewer food restrictions ate fewer cookies when given the chance compared to kids with tigher food rules.

“What about nutrients?”

This is where parental responsibility still matters. Providing nutrient-dense options, variety, and education creates a strong foundation. From there, kids often make balanced choices. If all they have to eat at home are healthier options, then that’s what they’ll have to choose from. 

“Doesn’t this create chaos?”

Quite the opposite. Without power struggles, meals are calmer. Structure remains, but tension fades.

Final Thoughts on Kids and Food Choices

Strict control often backfires, especially when it comes to food. Instead, trust, modeling, and connection tend to win over time.

My goal isn’t to raise kids who clean their plates or avoid every “unhealthy” food. Honestly my views on what’s healthy and what isn’t (like grains) have changed over time. Instead, my goal is to raise adults who trust their bodies, understand nourishment, and feel confident making choices long after I’m no longer there to guide them.

When children are respected, informed, and given real autonomy, they often rise to the occasion. I’ve seen this play out with my own kids and I’m continually surprised by how capable and creative they are when given the opportunity. 

How do you handle food in your home? Do you have any food rules or ways to encourage healthy eating? Let us know in the comments!

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junk food uses

Creative and Practical Uses For Junk Food

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When I made the switch to eating whole foods over a decade ago, I realized I had a lot of food I no longer wanted to eat lurking in the pantry. If you’re making the switch or need to clean things out, here are some creative uses for junk food!

I compiled a list of ways to use these for other household purposes. I hate to waste as much as the next person, but I finally had to realize that my body is not a garbage can. And I refused to use things just to finish what’s in the house. 

When we switched to a real food diet, I donated all of the unopened non-perishables. That still left all of the opened packages of flour, sugar, oil, etc. to deal with. Instead of just pitching it, we used it for some fun projects and around the house.

The kids had a blast (and I got pampered) while we used up the rest of our “junk food.” I’ve divided them up by categories, but some of the recipes use up several different ingredients. These were my solutions:

1. All-Purpose Enriched Flour

I’ve certainly changed my stance and outlook on things over the years, especially when it comes to grains. I avoided them completely for many years while I was healing my autoimmune disease. Now I’ll eat certain grains, like white rice and organic flour (especially sourdough) in moderation. 

One thing you’re not going to find in my pantry though (at least not anymore!) is bleached, enriched, white flour. Here are some ways to use it up.

Make Play Dough

A win-win situation. You get to spend quality time with your kids and use up the leftover flour in your pantry. If you don’t have kids, this could be fun for grown-ups too… consider it stress relief. And if you need a gluten-free playdough version, I have one here. 

This playdough uses up flour, vegetable oil, Koolaid or food dye, and iodized table salt. 

Playdough Recipe

A basic playdough recipe that uses ingredients from your pantry for endless fun.

Author: Katie Wells

  • Combine water and salt in a large pot and heat over low heat until the salt is dissolved.

  • Stir in the flour until well combined.

  • Add the vegetable oil and cream of tartar, mixing well.

  • Keep stirring over low heat until it thickens and pulls away from the sides into a ball. If it’s too sticky, keep stirring over low heat until it thickens.

  • Remove from the heat and let it cool until you can handle it.

  • Add the Kool-aid or food dye for color.

You can also add some essential oils to give your dough a nice scent and some aromatherapy benefits. 

Have some more food dye you want to use up? Mix it with some yogurt for finger paint. Just be sure to take a picture of your kid’s art project before throwing it away! 

Paper Mache Paste With Flour

Mix equal parts of white flour and water to make a glue-like paste. Let your kids use their hands and some old pieces of newspaper to make creations. Once it dries, it’s much like a sculpture. 

As kids, we used to blow up balloons and put paper mache over them. When they dried, we popped the balloons, cut them in half and painted them to make masks.

Polish Stainless Steel

Oh the fingerprints! Stainless steel shows smudges… a lot. After normal cleaning, pour or rub some all-purpose flour onto the stainless to make it shine and remove fingerprints or water spots. 

The oils and fiber in the flour buffs the tiny grooves in the steel. It also helps pull out dirt and grime that a regular cleaning cloth can’t. 

2. Sugar

I’ve written a lot about sugar over the years and why I ditched it. While I’ll still have natural sweeteners in moderation, I quit bleached, white sugar. Sugar is a humectant that makes for a great skin scrub though! Here are several different sugar scrub recipes to try. 

You can even use a sugar syrup to wax body hair. Here are instructions for how to make and use a sugar wax.

Kill Unwanted Ants

For many of us, warmer seasons can mean ants in the house. Instead of using noxious pesticides, you can easily tackle the problem with a little sweetness. Humans and ants alike both love sugar.

To make a simple ant trap:

  • Mix 2 parts sugar with 1 part borax (which is great to have on hand for cleaning).
  • Put it in a little container or jar that ants can crawl in and out of. Make sure your kids can’t get to it.

Borax is poisonous to ants, but they can’t resist sugar. It won’t kill them immediately, but they’ll take it back to their nest where it will eventually kill all of them. I’ve used this twice to get rid of ants in our house. Killing ants=good use for sugar!

3. Vegetable Oil 

You might have noticed more conversations around seed oils and vegetable oils lately, even from mainstream sources. Vegetable oils are high in inflammatory omega-6 fats and are linked with a whole host of health issues. These include corn, canola, and soy. 

Here are some ways to use up the rest of the vegetable oil in your home. 

Clean Your Wood Naturally

There are natural ways to clean any type of floor, and that vegetable oil lurking in your pantry makes an awesome hardwood floor cleaner.  Rather than letting it skew your Omega-3 and 6 ratios, use it to make your floors shine. 

Mix 1 cup of vinegar OR lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Use this mixture to clean your floors. Be sure to patch test an area first. You’ll have less inflammation, and your floors will have a nice shine!

You can also mix vegetable oil with vinegar to make a DIY dusting spray for wooden furniture. 

Canola Oil in the Garden

Some sources say canola oil can work well as an insecticide and fungicide in the garden. It kills bugs by suffocating them and helps prevent powdery mildew by providing a barrier between the plant and fungi.

To use it, add 1 tablespoon of canola oil and 1 tablespoon liquid soap to 1 gallon of water. Spray on plants to kill bugs and prevent powdery mildew. Just be sure to try and avoid the good bugs!

4. Use Up Rice

Rice is one of the foods that I ditched for years that I’m now fine with on occasion. You might be surprised to hear that I opt for white rice instead of brown rice though and here’s why. If you have non-organic enriched rice or are avoiding it for gut healing purposes, here are some ways to use it up. 

Dry Out Wet Electronics

Electronics and water don’t mix, or at least they’re not supposed to! My kids dropped 3 of our cell phones in water by mistake (and one I dropped myself). Three out of the four were saved by rice. 

Keep a jar of rice on hand and when an electronic gets wet, put it in the jar and close the lid tightly. The rice will absorb the moisture and pull it out of the gadget. Unless there’s structural damage, this usually works. It can take a few days or even a couple weeks, so be patient.

Rice Water For Healthier Hair

Asian cultures have used rice water for luxurious locks for many years. Rice is full of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, protein, and other nutrients that are great for hair health. Here’s how to make and use rice water for softer, stronger, and shinier hair. 

5. Oatmeal For Skin Health

Oatmeal can cause blood sugar spikes for many, and it’s often contaminated with glyphosate. Here’s how to use up some of that extra conventional rolled oats in your pantry.

For a relaxing facial, powder oatmeal in a blender or food processor and add warm milk to make a paste. Rub it on your face, let it dry, then wash off. It tightens pores, removes blackheads and moisturizes.

6. Coke For Serious Cleaning

I swapped out my coke and other sodas for healthier (and tastier in my opinion) fermented drinks. If you have some still sitting around, coke makes a great cleaner for tough messes. It contains phosphoric acid that breaks down rust and hard water and softens burnt food. And the citric acid is great for soap scum and grease. 

It can even take the rust off of a car bumper. Imagine what it does to the intestines??

Clean Your Toilet

Toilet dirty? I’m sure yours isn’t, but mine sometimes is. Pour a can of coke in a toilet and let it sit for an hour. Use a brush to remove the stains and flush for a shiny clean. 

I even tried this on a 30-40 year old toilet in a house I remodeled. It worked (and that toilet probably hadn’t been cleaned in 30-40 years). Here are some more ways to use coke for cleaning. 

  • Remove gum from hair- Soak hair in it for 10 minutes and gum comes right out. 
  • Unclog drains –  just pour in the coke and wait.
  • Clean car batteries – Pour coke on a gunky car battery or use a cloth soaked in coke to clean it with. 
  • Clean grout – soak a sponge in it and use to clean grout stains. 
  • Remove grease stains – Soak grease-stained clothes in coke, then wash as usual. 
  • Oil stains on floor – Remove oil stains from your garage floor or concrete driveways. 
  • Clean pots and pans – Soak burnt pans in coke to dissolve stuck on food. 
  • Shine metal jewelry – Soak metal jewelry briefly in coke to clean. Do not do this for jewelry with precious stones.  
  • Banish rust – Coke removes rust from everything from bathroom fixtures to car parts. 

7. Table Salt

I’m actually a big fan of salt and consume a lot of it everyday. I’m not a big fan of regular, iodized table salt though for several reasons. If you have table salt that needs used, here are some ways to do that. 

Weed Killer

Make a weed killer for driveways and sidewalk areas. For every 1 gallon of white vinegar add 1 cup of salt and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Fill a spray bottle or pump sprayer to use on weeds. Be careful not to spray in areas (like a garden) where you want some plants to grow. 

Salt Cleaning Hacks

Salt also makes a great natural cleaning scrub. 

  • Use salt to clean cast iron skillets, pots, and pans (double check the manufacturer cleaning instructions for any non-stick pans)
  • Add salt to a coffee stained mug to help remove the dark stains
  • Massage salt and lemon juice into a wooden cutting board to freshen it. Rinse and air dry.

And for a fun project with the kids, try these 3 ingredient salt dough ornaments! The recipe is similar to play-dough, but they dry hard and you can paint the finished creations. 

Final Thoughts 

I hope this gave you some alternate ideas for that junk food that might still be lurking in your pantry. If you haven’t already, consider swapping them out for whole foods. Ingredients like organic flour, grain-free flours (like almond and coconut), grass-fed butter, olive oil, raw honey, and natural maple syrup are some delicious alternatives.

Do you have any other ideas for ingredients like these? Tell us about them below!

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Homestead Blog Hop - Homestead tips, ideas, animal care, and recipes every Wednesday

Homestead Blog Hop 583 – Make Granola and Popcorn Gifts

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Welcome to Homestead Blog Hop, a weekly gathering for homesteaders and simple living enthusiasts to share DIY projects, from-scratch recipes, and creative inspiration. This week’s hop features cozy homesteading tips, along with practical ideas that celebrate handmade living and self-sufficiency.

Whether you’re looking for seasonal crafts, homemade treats, or encouragement on your homesteading journey, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to carry into the new year. Grab a cup of tea, explore the featured posts, and join us in sharing your own homestead creations.

Meet Your Homesteading Hosts

We’re Kelly from Simple Life Mom, Liz from The Cape Coop, Natasha from Houseful of Nicholes, and Laurie from Ridgehaven Homestead. Together, we’re passionate about from-scratch living, simple ingredients, frugal habits, and intentional homesteading. We’re delighted to host the Homestead Blog Hop, where you can find fresh inspiration each week for DIY projects, homemade recipes, and practical simple living ideas.

Follow Us for More Homestead Inspiration

Natasha – Houseful of Nicholes
Facebook | Pinterest | X | Instagram

Laurie – Ridge Haven Homestead
Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Liz – The Cape Coop
Facebook | Pinterest | X | Instagram

Kelly – Simple Life Mom
Facebook | Pinterest | X | Instagram

FEATURED POSTS from the Last Homestead Blog Hop

Each week, we take turns selecting three featured posts from the Homestead Blog Hop. These features are shared across all of our social media platforms, helping spotlight the creativity and hard work of our fellow homesteaders. Here are the featured posts from last week’s hop:

1. Popcorn Recipes in Mason Jars for National Popcorn Day from Mason Jar Crafts

2. How to Roast Garlic in the Air Fryer from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

3. Honey Almond Granola Bites from Scratch Made Food

Congrats! Feel free to grab the featured on button for your post.

Just right click and ‘save image as…‘

Guidelines for the Homestead Blog Hop

  1. Click the “Add Your Link” button below and upload a clear, eye-catching image from your project or recipe. Please link directly to the family-friendly post itself, not your blog’s homepage.
  2. You may link up up to three posts each week.
  3. Take time to visit a few other blogs in the hop and leave a thoughtful comment to let them know you stopped by. Community support makes this hop special!
  4. Please include a link back to the Homestead Blog Hop in your post. Posts without a backlink are not eligible to be featured. All featured posts are shared across all hosts’ social media channels.
  5. Share posts that haven’t been linked to the hop before. Older posts are welcome as long as they are new to the hop.
  6. By joining the Homestead Blog Hop, you grant the hosts permission to use one image from your post, with a link back to your site, if your post is selected as a feature next week.
  7. This is a family-friendly link-up designed to encourage, inspire, and support the homesteader in all of us.

Let the Party Begin!

Which project are you excited to try this week? Leave a comment below.

Join Our Homestead Blog Hop Pinterest Board

Follow all of your hosts on Pinterest and send a message if you’d like to be added to our Homestead Blog Hop group board. This board is a great place to share your DIY projects, crafts, and from-scratch recipes with the homesteading community.

Guideline: Only pin posts that you’ve linked up to the Homestead Blog Hop.

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Is Bamboo Viscose Sustainable?

Is Bamboo Viscose Sustainable?

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While researching non-toxic clothing, you’ve probably come across descriptions like “organic bamboo viscose” and “rayon made from bamboo.” The first one sounds more natural than the second, but they’re usually describing the exact same thing.

So what is bamboo fabric, and is it a good option for clothing?

The answer, friends, is . . . it’s complicated.

A few years ago, the Federal Trade Commission fined several major retailers – including Amazon, Macy’s, and Sears – for falsely labeling products as various vague forms of “bamboo” when they were actually rayon. (1)

Some were labeled “100% Organic Bamboo” and “100% knit bamboo,” while others were just “bamboo fiber.” 

Bamboo’s controversial reputation as a textile comes down to two things:

First, the bamboo plant is famous for growing fast and thriving without pesticides, fertilizers or irrigation. Second, while the plant itself is sustainable, the process used to turn it into fabric usually isn’t.

There are exceptions, though, so let’s dive in.

How Bamboo Becomes Fabric (And Why It Matters)

There are two main ways to turn bamboo into fabric: mechanical and chemical.

The mechanical method is the cleanest and most traditional. The stalks are crushed, the fibers are naturally softened using enzymes, and then spun into a yarn similar to linen. The result – sometimes called bamboo linen – is durable and fully natural. However, the process is time-intensive expensive, and not super soft, so it only represents a tiny fraction of the “bamboo” products on the market. (2)

Most bamboo fabric is made using the chemical method. In this process, bamboo is reduced to pulp and dissolved in a mix of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and carbon disulfide. The resulting solution is pushed through a spinneret (a kind of showerhead for fibers), creating filaments that are later spun into yarn.

The result is a cellulosic fiber that’s in the rayon family of fabrics.

Rayon is considered a semi-synthetic material because it doesn’t fit neatly into the “natural” or “synthetic:” categories. Instead being made from a natural material that requires minimal processing (like cotton) or a synthetic plastic like polyester, it’s made from natural materials using a man-made chemical process.

How that processing is handled makes all the difference – both for our health and for the world we’re leaving to our kids.

Here’s why: You might recognize sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as lye, which is the compound that transforms fats and oils into natural soap through a process called saponification. During soapmaking, it reacts completely with fatty acids so that – when done correctly, no free lye remains in the final product. Soapmakers have used it safely for centuries.

In other words, sodium hydroxide isn’t a “villian,” but when it’s used in huge industrial quantities and then disposed of without neutralization, it can kill aquatic life and damage soil and waterways.

Carbon disulfide, on the other hand, is neurotoxic (linked to nerve damage, mood changes, Parkinson-like symptoms), volatile (easily released into the air), and can build up in workplaces over time. It’s often considered the main toxic driver behind rayon production. (3) (4) (5)

Even though most residues are removed before the final fabric reaches consumers, the impact of manufacturing is often far from safe. These chemicals can – and do – contaminate rivers, harm wildlife, and threaten nearby communities that depend on those waters.

Better Alternatives: Lyocell and TENCEL™

Most clothing brands still use conventionally produced bamboo viscose fabric (and are probably hoping you don’t ask too many questions), but there are now better ways to turn plant pulp into soft, durable fabric.

The lyocell process is the most well-known way to make safer semi-synthetics. Instead of using carbon disulfide, lyocell dissolves plant pulp (from bamboo, eucalyptus, or beech trees) in a non-toxic solvent within a closed-loop system. This means 99% of the non-toxic solvent and water are captured, purified, and reused, making it a much safer method for workers and our environment.

Lenzing’s TENCEL™ lyocell is the most widely recognized lyocell fiber, known for its silky texture, breathability, moisture-wicking properties and strength. It’s biodegradable, gentle on sensitive skin, and often blended with organic cotton or wool for softness and durability.

However, there are other closed-loop processes out there, so even if a brand doesn’t use TENCEL™ it’s possible they still might be worth considering. As a starting point, I recommend checking whether the brand mentions closed-loop manufacturing.

The Real Sustainability Question Isn’t Bamboo – It’s Processing

Bamboo itself is an amazing, renewable plant – but much of the “bamboo” clothing out there isn’t what companies claim. The difference between an eco-friendly fiber and an environmental problem comes down to how it’s made.

If you love the idea of plant-based clothing, TENCEL™ and other responsibly made lyocell fabrics are some of the best modern alternatives. They offer the softness people love about bamboo viscose – without the environmental impact.

For more on choosing safer, sustainable textiles, check out:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TENCEL™ lyocell the same thing as TENCEL™ modal?

No. TENCEL™ modal is a modified version of the traditional viscose rayon process that uses different chemicals. It has a higher chemical recovery rate than conventional processes, but I think the lyocell fabric is the better option.

Is bamboo fabric antimicrobial?

Bamboo has some natural antimicrobial properties, but they are not retained when it is processed into fabric.

Does LENZING™ Lyocell shed microplastics?

No. Bamboo lyocell is a cellulose-based fabric and does not contain plastic.

Sources

  1. Federal Trade Commission. (2013, January). Four national retailers agree to pay penalties totaling $1.26 million for allegedly falsely labeling textiles. FTC Press Release.
  2. Carter, K. (2008, August 12). Pandering to the green consumer: Bamboo is touted as a super-sustainable fabric, but do its ethical credentials hold water? The Guardian.
  3. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (US). (2025). Toxicological profile for carbon disulfide. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  4. Medbery, C., & Therriault, C. (2025). Carbon disulfide toxicity. StatPearls Publishing. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  5. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2025). Toxicological profile for carbon disulfide. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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face steam with herbs

Rejuvenating Herbal Face Steam

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I’ve been known for my unconventional skincare methods. They often involve herbs or essential oils and sometimes rubbing ice or even mud on my face. There are so many plants in nature that provide a wide variety of skin benefits. This herbal face steam is a great way to get some of those benefits!

I’ve done steams before, mainly for congestion or upper respiratory support. An herbal face steam makes for a wonderful all natural facial. It’s really simple to do and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.

You can even pick and choose which herbs you want to use. Just use one, or use a combination of whatever you have on hand that will work. 

The Best Herbs For a Face Steam

There are lots of different plants that work well in a face steam and you probably already have some in your pantry. Feel free to mix and match from this list or use something completely different. Just be sure it’s not something that will irritate your skin. 

Here are some of my favorite herbs to use in herbal face steams.

  • Rose petals – Rose has long been used for glowing, more youthful skin. The fragrant petals also have potent aromatherapy benefits that soothe heartache. A 2015 study noted rose helped improve skin elasticity, moisture, and reduced wrinkles. 
  • Lavender flowers – Soothing and calming to skin, lavender is a skincare favorite. It’s naturally anti-inflammatory and helps repair damaged skin. 
  • Mint leaves – Refreshing and invigorating, hot mint relaxes arteries and stimulates circulation for faster healing. It’s also a rich source of vitamins and minerals that thirsty skin craves!
  • Calendula flowers – Anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, calendula has a wide and long history of use for healing wounds and damaged skin. 
  • Chamomile – The flowers and leaves have a floral, apple-like scent that’s calming and relaxing. It has the same effect on skin and is great for soothing irritation and damaged skin. 
  • Comfrey – This plant is another favorite of mine for skincare. Both the flowers and leaves are very efficient at healing damaged skin and even bone. It stimulates tissue repair and cell proliferation. 
  • Echinacea – People use the flowers or leaves topically for a variety of skin complaints, including damaged skin, eczema, varicose veins. Echinacea is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-viral so it’s also helpful for acne. 
  • Helichrysum –  This herb has cheery yellow flowers with potent skin benefits. It’s drying, warm, and astringent, so pair it with a demulcent herb like violet or marshmallow if you have really dry skin. A 2020 study looked at a nightcream that contained helichrysum and found it significantly improved wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and UV spots
  • Horsetail – A wonder herb that is full of micronutrients, including silica for more resilient skin. It’s also anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial and is traditionally used for improving wrinkles, acne, and moisturizing the skin. 
  • Lemon – Not just for lemonade, lemon has so many uses for skin too. The juice is high in vitamin C and acids, while the peel has volatile essential oils that uplift the mood and brightens dull and damaged skin. A 2013 study found lemon juice was even more effective for acne than the conventional option tested. 

How to Do an Herbal Face Steam

I prefer to use herbs that are more gentle on the skin and don’t have strong volatile oils that can irritate my skin or eyes. Cinnamon and oregano come to mind! 

You might have seen some of the face steamer machines in stores or online. Companies usually use plastic to make facial steamers, so you’re getting steam heated in plastic directly on your pores. A pot on the stove isn’t as fancy, but sometimes simpler is better (and cheaper!). 

You also can’t add herbs into the face steamer tank or it can cause damage. Again, another win for doing it the old fashioned way. 

Step by Step Face Steam Directions

  1. Simply place the herbs you’re using in a pot of very hot, filtered or distilled water. Be sure it’s not boiling hard or you could burn yourself.
  2. Turn the stove off and/or move the pot to a countertop. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the steam. 
  3. You want to be close enough for the steam to wash over your face, but not so close you get a steam burn. 

If you’re looking for a more specific recipe, here’s one to start with.

Rejuvenating Herbal Face Steam

A relaxing way to open pores, moisturize skin, and improve blemishes and signs of aging.

Prep Time3 minutes

Steam Time10 minutes

Total Time13 minutes

Yield: 1 face steam

Author: Katie Wells

  • Place the water, lemon, and herbs in a clean pot and gently bring it to a boil with the lid on. This helps preserve more of the volatile oils.

  • Turn the heat off and lean over the pot with your eyes closed. Be sure not to get too close or you’ll get a steam burn! I’ve found that as the water cools I’ll edge closer. You can also drape a towel over your head to trap more of the steam in.

  • Once the pot is done steaming, compost your herbal face steam.

The herbs I used here can be mixed and matched with any skincare friendly herbs. Just aim for about 1/3 cup of herbs total.

You can save some time and mix the herbs up in bulk for later. Just add 1/4 cup of each (or however much you want) and store in a large glass jar. Scoop out 1/3 cup when you’re ready to use. Then you’ll just need to add the freshly sliced lemon and water to make your face steam!

What are some of your favorite herbs to use for skincare? Have you done a steam before? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Homemade_Chili-Lime_Seasoning

Chili Lime Seasoning Recipe

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Chili lime seasoning is one of those things I didn’t think much about until it became something we used all the time. It’s simple, easy to make, and somehow works with a wide range of foods. Once it’s in the pantry, it tends to get sprinkled on everything.

I started making a homemade chili lime seasoning after noticing how often we reached for it. Store-bought versions can be convenient, but many include added ingredients I’d rather skip. Making it at home takes just a few minutes and (mostly) uses ingredients I already keep on hand.

Why Chili Lime Seasoning Works

There’s a reason chili and lime show up together in so many traditional foods. The warming heat of chili and cayenne wake up the taste buds and stimulate digestion. The lime adds some tang and brightness, while salt ties it all together.

This balance is what makes lime and chili seasoning so useful. It adds flavor without covering up the food itself. It works just as well on fresh produce as it does on cooked dishes.

One Seasoning, Lots of Uses

We’ve been sprinkling it on pretty much everything. Fruit like mango, watermelon, and pineapple is an easy favorite. The contrast of sweet, salty, and spicy makes even simple fruit feel more interesting. It’s a great way to get some more variety, especially for picky kids!

I’ve also been adding it to avocado and eggs, and even roasted sweet potatoes. I’ll mix a little into olive oil for taco bowls or roasted veggies, and it’s become our go-to popcorn topping for movie nights. I’ve even been throwing a pinch on cucumber slices after sports. It’s oddly refreshing and a simple way to make sliced veggies more appealing.

Skip the Fillers

One of the reasons I like this homemade chili lime seasoning is how straightforward it is. There’s no long ingredient list and nothing extra added in.

Some popular store-bought blends, including Tajín, contain silicon dioxide. It’s naturally found in sand and quartz as silica. In food, it’s used as an anti-caking agent to keep powders from clumping and to extend shelf life.

While silicon dioxide is widely used in packaged foods, it’s not really necessary in a homemade seasoning blend. When you’re mixing small batches and storing them properly, clumping usually isn’t an issue. Skipping it is an easy way to keep the ingredient list simple and focused on flavor, not fillers.

This chili lime seasoning recipe uses just four ingredients: salt, lime powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (to taste). The chili powder adds warmth without overwhelming heat. And if your family is like mine and likes a little heat, then add some cayenne. Lime powder gives it a citrus flavor without the moisture of lime juice, and salt brings out the flavor in everything.

How to Make Chili Lime Seasoning

Making DIY chili lime seasoning is more about adjusting to taste than following exact measurements. Start with the chili and lime powder as the base, then add salt to taste. If you like a little more heat, then add cayenne slowly, tasting as you go.

Once it’s mixed, taste and adjust. A little more lime powder adds more tang. A pinch more cayenne increases the heat. Store the finished seasoning in a glass jar away from heat and light, and it will keep well for months. If it does start to clump up, just give it a good shake or break it up with a fork. 

Everyday Ways to Use Lime and Chili Seasoning

This is one of those blends that’s earned a place on my spice shelf because it actually gets used. It adds flavor without needing sauces, marinades, or extra prep. Even though I still like whipping up a good sauce now and then. 

Sprinkle it on fruit or vegetables, use it on eggs or potatoes, or stir it into olive oil for a quick dressing. It’s an easy way to make simple, real foods more enjoyable, especially on busy days when complicated recipes just aren’t happening.

Here’s how to make it!

Homemade Chili-Lime Seasoning

This tangy and spicy seasoning is perfect for fruit, popcorn, and everything else. Quick and easy without any unecessary additives.

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix until well combined.

  • Taste the blend on a piece of fruit or cucumber and add more salt, lime, or chili powder as desired.

  • Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Chili-Lime Seasoning

Amount Per Serving (0.5 tsp)

Calories 2
Calories from Fat 1

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.1g0%

Saturated Fat 0.01g0%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.04g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.02g

Sodium 241mg10%

Potassium 11mg0%

Carbohydrates 0.3g0%

Fiber 0.2g1%

Sugar 0.05g0%

Protein 0.1g0%

Vitamin A 162IU3%

Vitamin C 0.1mg0%

Calcium 2mg0%

Iron 0.1mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

  • Store the seasoning in an airtight container or a glass jar. Storing it properly prevents clumping and maintains freshness for up to several months.

Do you use chili lime seasoning? What are your favorite ways to use it? Leave a comment and let us know!

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How to Make 5 All-Natural Facial Cleansers for Every Skin Type

How to Make 5 All-Natural Facial Cleansers for Every Skin Type

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Making your own natural facial cleansers is a simple, affordable way to care for your skin without unhealthy ingredients. These homemade facial cleanser recipes use gentle, natural ingredients to cleanse effectively while supporting healthy, balanced skin. Whether you have sensitive, dry, or oily skin, these DIY natural face wash recipes are easy to make and perfect for a simple, non-toxic skincare routine.

I’ve used natural facial cleansers in my own skincare routine for years, especially simple ingredients like honey, oils, and oats. These recipes are ones I’ve personally tested and rotated depending on the season and my skin’s needs.

What Are Natural Facial Cleansers?

A natural facial cleanser is a face wash made with natural, organic, and healthy ingredients that clean the skin without synthetic fragrances, sulfates, or harsh chemicals. Homemade facial cleansers are also customizable. Whether you have oily, combination, or dry skin, you can customize your cleanser recipe for your specific needs and know that you are using healthy ingredients.

Why Choose Natural Homemade Facial Cleansers?

There are a lot of facial cleansers out there with lots of dangerous ingredients like petroleum, artificial dyes and fragrances, and propylparaben (which mimics estrogen and messes up your hormone balance whether you are male or female).  Making sure you use natural cleansers, makes sure you know exactly what your skin is absorbing.

Benefits of Using Homemade Natural Facial Cleansers

  1. Avoids harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances
  2. Gentle on sensitive and acne-prone skin
  3. Affordable and easy to make at home
  4. Customizable for dry, oily, or combination skin
  5. Supports a simple, natural skincare routine

5 DIY Natural Facial Cleansers

I sell 2 liquid facial cleansers in my shop: Anti-Aging & Acne Facial Cleansers. They are similar in ingredients, except vary by what essential oils I use in them. But if you would like to make your own, then you want to look for ingredients that will cleanse your skin without stripping it completely of its natural oils.  Here are a few recipes and methods to get you going.

Oil Cleansing Method for Dry Skin

Try oil based facial scrubs to exfoliate and cleanse your skin while deeply nourishing at the same time.  Oils are also great for removing makeup.

Using oil as a cleanser is an age old method that does not clog pores. Instead, it beautifully enters pores and pulls out all impurities. You can also try these 21 amazing beauty recipes with coconut oil.

Lemon and Rosemary Facial Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Mix the ingredients together and store in a glass jar.
  2. To use, place 1 Tbsp in your hand and massage onto your face.
  3. Rinse and pat dry.

Gentle Castile Soap Face Wash

I did not put the recipes for cold processing here, since it is a large process for those who have never made soap before. However, Castile soaps are often made from 90-100% Olive oils instead of a mixture of fats like other soaps.  This makes the soap softer, but very gentle on the skin.  A great soap to try as a beginner and wonderful for the skin.

Another Homemade Soap that is gentle on the skin is a shampoo bar, due to the great nourishing oils within the recipe and because it usually has more readily available oils that were not converted to soap by the lye.  I know many people who use shampoo bars as a shaving bar.

Also find these shampoo bars in my SHOP

Honey Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Raw Honey is very hydrating, kills bacteria, and nourishes skin, replenishing moisture and vitamins. That’s why you will often see it being used in natural beauty recipes. Here is a simple recipe using honey to help cleanse pores.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Combine ingredients and keep in a sterile container and use a clean utensil each time.
  2. Wet face with warm water.
  3. Rub 1 tsp. between fingers and massage into face to loosen dirt and makeup.
  4. Rinse.

Oatmeal Facial Cleanser for Irritated Skin

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup yogurt
  • 1/4 cup pulverized oats

Directions:

  1. Pulverized oats in blender (optional).
  2. Mix yogurt and oats together.
  3. Keeps in fridge for one week, depending on how sterile you keep it.
  4. To use: wet face with warm water.  Rub 1 Tbsp between fingers and massage into face to loosen dirt and makeup.  Rinse.

Clay Cleanser for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

I really like this cleanser, but some people are sensitive to using baking soda directly on their skin.  I know of a few people who cannot use homemade deodorant because of this.  So, like with every recipe on my site, test on a small area and make sure you have no reaction. Use it with just bentonite clay if needed.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Mix all three ingredients together and massage into face to remove dirt and makeup, staying away from eyes.
  2. Rinse.

Always patch test new skincare products. If you have skin conditions or allergies, consult a qualified professional before trying new skincare products. Remember, you can become allergic to literally anything as your body changes over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Facial Cleansers

  • Are homemade facial cleansers effective?
    • Yes! They work just as well as store bought cleansers but can be even more tailored to your specific needs.
  • Can natural facial cleansers work for acne?
    • Yes, frankincense is very anti-inflammatory, while other essential oils like rosemary, carrot, and tea tree can benefit the skin in powerful ways. Knowing your ingredients puts the power of homemade skincare in your own hands.
  • How long do DIY facial cleansers last?
    • It’s important to use water-based cleansers within a few days. Bacteria will grow quickly. Oil based cleansers can last 2-3 months, depending on how sterile they are kept.
  • Are homemade face washes safe for sensitive skin?
    • Yes, you can use gentle ingredients like honey, clays, aloe, and oils to cleanse pores. These are gentle, cleansing, and hydrating ingredients that are great for sensitive skin.

Follow up with one of 4 Herbal Skin Toners and Homemade Lotion and Anti-Wrinkle Serum. Click the links to get the recipes or go to my shop to try them before you make them.

For a full simplified skincare routine, see these Best Homemade Skincare Recipes for Healthy Skin.

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green juice

Refreshing Green Juice Recipe

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Green juice has become more popular in recent years, especially during fasting or detox. It’s one of those wellness trends people either swear by or completely write off. For some it’s a daily habit that brings energy, while others just notice blood sugar spikes and get hangry (hungry + angry). 

I’ve experimented with green juice for years. And while they’re not a magical cure all, they can have some very real benefits. It depends on how you use it, what you put in it, and when you drink it. 

Instead of framing it as simply a detox or a meal replacement, I look at green juice as a healthy addition. When used intentionally as a nutrient boost (not a nutritional crutch) it can be a really helpful addition to a whole-foods lifestyle.

Green Juice as a Meal Replacement

One of the most common ways people use green juice is as a breakfast replacement or as part of a juice fast. It sounds great: flood the body with vitamins and give your digestion a “break.” But in reality, that approach can backfire.

Juicing removes most of the insoluble fiber from fruits and vegetables. Fiber plays an important role in slowing down sugar absorption, feeding beneficial gut bacteria, and helping us feel full. Without it, juices, especially fruit juice, can quickly raise blood sugar. Sugary juice for breakfast means higher cortisol levels, energy crashes, sugar cravings later in the day, and disrupted hunger hormones. 

This is why I’m not a huge fan of drinking only juice for breakfast. I like to front-load my hydration and protein early in the day to stabilize blood sugar and support hormones. Research consistently shows that higher-protein breakfasts keep us feeling fuller longer. They also help with insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health compared to carbohydrate-heavy ones. Starting the day with juice alone doesn’t offer those benefits.

That said, a green juice doesn’t have to be sugary or metabolically disruptive.

Green Juice as a Nutrient Boost

I prefer to think of green juice as concentrated nourishment. A well-made green juice is naturally lower in sugar than most juicing recipes. Plus you get a large amount of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that are easily absorbed.

According to the CDC, about 90% of Americans don’t eat enough veggies. Even with the best intentions, getting several cups of leafy greens, herbs, and hydrating vegetables into meals every single day is a challenge. Green juice is an easy way to get more veggie nutrition without all of that chewing. 

Another benefit is hydration. Green juices contain potassium, magnesium, sodium, and trace minerals that help water actually move into cells. This is why many people find green juice more hydrating than plain water alone. Proper hydration isn’t just about fluid, it’s about electrolytes, and vegetables naturally provide them in balanced amounts. 

Of course, eating whole fruits and veggies is still important!

Juicing vs. Smoothies: Why Both Have a Place

I love smoothies, especially ones that combine fruit, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. They’re filling, support healthy blood sugar, and taste refreshing. Sometimes drinking a thick smoothie feels like too much though. It can be heavy, especially if digestion is sluggish or appetite is low. Juicing is a great alternative.

By removing most of the insoluble fiber, you’re able to get the nutrients without getting full so fast. Vitamins and antioxidants are absorbed quickly in liquid form since our body doesn’t have to work as hard to digest them. For someone recovering from illness, dealing with low appetite, or just looking for an easy nutrient boost, juicing can be incredibly helpful.

Juicing isn’t better than blending, it’s just different. Smoothies are more complete and filling. Juices are lighter and more concentrated. Having both tools gives you flexibility instead of forcing one approach to fit every situation. 

Hydration at the Cellular Level

Hydration is about more than drinking enough water. Our cells need minerals for proper fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle function. When we don’t have enough minerals, water doesn’t hydrate as effectively.

Vegetables like celery and cucumber are naturally rich in electrolytes, especially potassium and sodium. Coconut water adds additional potassium and small amounts of magnesium. Together, these ingredients support cellular hydration.

Studies on electrolyte balance show that fluids with minerals are retained better than plain water, especially during physical activity or periods of stress. While green juice isn’t a replacement for water, it can be a meaningful complement to hydration. Especially for anyone struggling to drink enough fluids throughout the day.

The Benefits of Green Juice Ingredients

I’ll get to the actual recipe in just a second, but first I wanted to explain why I chose these ingredients. You’ll notice there’s a whole lot of veggies and not a lot of fruit here. And the fruits I do use are naturally very low in sugar. This combination offers hydration, micronutrients, antioxidants, and gentle digestive support.

Celery

I’m a big fan of celery juice even by itself. Celery is high in water, potassium, and sodium, which is great for hydration and electrolyte balance. Unlike conventional sports drinks, celery provides these minerals in a whole-food form our body recognizes and uses more efficiently. It’s great for anyone who feels dehydrated despite drinking water. 

Celery also has antioxidant flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin, which have been studied for their anti-inflammatory effects. You’ll also get vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and iron with celery. 

Cucumber

Next to celery, cucumbers are one of the most hydrating vegetables, with over 95% water content. They also provide small but meaningful amounts of potassium and vitamin K to support fluid balance and normal blood clotting. Their high water content also helps dilute some of the stronger flavors in green juice.

Beyond hydration, cucumbers have antioxidants like cucurbitacins and flavonoids. Researchers have found that the compounds in cucumbers have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects. Plus, cucumber is just so refreshing. 

Green Apple

Green apples add just enough natural sweetness to balance out the bitter greens without adding too much sugar. Compared to sweeter apple varieties, green apples are lower in fructose and have a more gradual impact on blood sugar when used in small amounts.

They also have polyphenols like quercetin, an antioxidant that helps support the immune system. Not only does quercetin show anti-cancer activity, but it’s also antiviral and supports healthy blood vessels. And with potassium, B vitamins, and vitamin K, it’s a delicious and healthy addition to green juice. 

Kale

Most green juice recipes feature leafy greens like spinach, kale, or chard. Kale is really nutrient-dense, providing vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate and manganese. These nutrients support immune function, collagen production, and normal blood clotting, all of which are essential for overall health.

More importantly, kale is low in oxalates compared to greens like spinach and Swiss chard. It also has calcium, which can bind to oxalates in the digestive tract and reduce absorption. Not everyone has issues with high oxalate foods, but over time, especially in large amounts, they can cause problems. 

Lemon Juice

Lemon adds brightness and some tang from vitamin C, a key nutrient for immune health and collagen synthesis. Vitamin C also enhances the absorption of certain minerals, including non-heme iron from plant foods. Lemon stimulates digestion and can help green juice feel lighter, especially when combined with mineral-rich vegetables. 

Some recipes call for adding a peeled lemon to the juicer, but I don’t want to bother with peeling a lemon. Instead, I just cut it in half and squeeze the lemon juice in. It’s also great for grip strength!

Ginger

Ginger has been used for thousands of years to support digestion, circulation, and immune health. Modern researchers have looked at its active compounds for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ginger can help calm nausea and move food from the stomach into the intestines for better digestion. 

It’s warming and I love the bit of a spicy kick it adds.

Parsley

When you think of parsley, garnishes on restaurant plates and hospital food may come to mind. In reality though, parsley is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in vitamins C and K and chlorophyll to support immune function, detox, and blood health.

Parsley also has apigenin, a flavonoid known for its antioxidant and cell-protecting properties. Traditionally, parsley has been used to support kidney and urinary health.

Coconut Water

Optional, but I like adding this sometimes for more electrolytes. Coconut water naturally contains potassium, magnesium, and sodium to support electrolyte balance and hydration. These minerals are vital for regulating nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and fluid movement into cells.

When used in moderation, coconut water gives the green juice an extra hydration boost without overdoing it on the sugar. Be sure to look for coconut water without added sugar!

Oxalates, Greens, and Context 

Oxalates are naturally occurring and found in many plant foods. They often get labeled as bad, but it’s not so simple. We only absorb about 2–5% of oxalates in our food. When we eat high-oxalate foods on an empty stomach or in large amounts (especially in liquid form) absorption can increase to around 10–12%.

Too many oxalates can irritate the kidneys and contribute to kidney stones for some people. It’s also important to note that only about 20% of our oxalates come from food. The rest are produced in our bodies naturally through metabolism and other factors.

This is one reason I prefer kale over spinach in green juice. Kale is low in oxalates and also contains calcium. Oxalates carry a negative charge and readily bind to positively charged minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. When we eat oxalate-rich foods alongside calcium, it reduces the absorption.

Who Should Drink Green Juice?

Green juice can be especially helpful for people who:

  • Struggle to eat enough vegetables 
  • Have low appetite or difficulty digesting large meals
  • Need extra hydration and electrolytes
  • Want a light, nutrient-dense snack between meals
  • Want a nutrition boost

Green juice that’s heavy on fruit isn’t ideal for anyone with unstable blood sugar or as a meal replacement. Like most wellness tools, it’s about using it intentionally.

Green Juice Recipe

This delicious green juice has a pleasant earthy taste with a sour twist from the lemon.

  • 4 stalks celery (leaves removed)
  • 1 green apple (cut in quarters)
  • 1 cucumber
  • 6 leaves kale
  • 2 inches fresh ginger
  • ½ cup fresh parsley
  • ½ lemon
  • ¼ cup coconut water (optional)

  • Add all of the ingredients except lemon and coconut water to the juicer.

  • Once the juice is pressed, squeeze in the lemon juice and add the coconut water if desired.

  • Keep in the fridge for up to 72 hours.

Nutrition Facts

Green Juice Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 113
Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 0.2g1%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g

Sodium 127mg6%

Potassium 849mg24%

Carbohydrates 25g8%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 15g17%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 5083IU102%

Vitamin C 78mg95%

Calcium 178mg18%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

  • Opt for organic produce as much as possible.
  • Add more or less of certain ingredients to suit your tastes.
  • With my juicer, I found it worked best to add the leafy greens first before adding the other veggies. 

How To Make Green Juice Without a Blender

If you don’t have a juicer, you can still make green juice. Add all of the ingredients to your blender and add just enough water or coconut water to get the mixture to blend. After you’ve blended it to a smooth consistency, use a fine mesh strainer to remove the fiber.

How Long Does Fresh Green Juice Last?

I’m a big fan of bulk meal prepping whenever I can for faster meals. Juicing doesn’t always work well with that strategy though. Low-acid green juices (like this recipe) will last for 24-72 hours in the fridge before they start to go bad. I like to drink it fresh as soon as I make it, but you can make a few days’ worth at a time if you prefer.

Final Thoughts on Green Juice

While green juice does help our bodies detox and function better, you don’t need to go on a full green juice cleanse. It is however a great way to pack in some extra nutrition from fruits and veggies. When used thoughtfully, it can support hydration, boost nutrition, and overall vitality without sabotaging blood sugar. 

Using green juice alongside real food and prioritizing protein and healthy fats helps support the body rather than overwhelm it. Play with the ingredients and the amounts to suit your tastes! 

Are you a fan of green juice? What are some of your favorite ways to use it? Leave a comment and let us know!

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