Spread the Love | A SIMPLE, HEALTHY HUMMUS RECIPE (GUARANTEED TO IMPRESS)

By Katie Galeotti

It's safe to say that in the project: CLEAN FOOD household, we're hummus fanatics. And why not? It's full of protein, fiber, and vitamins – making it one of the healthier dip options. But, as much as we love to eat it, a thought struck me: what would it be like to make it from scratch rather than buy it pre-packaged? So, yesterday, as I prepared Mother's Day dinner, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to make my own hummus for the first time (which is actually a little risky, now that I think about it). The result? I was pleasantly surprised to find that the preparation was simple and the taste was rich, creamy, and delicious.  Whether you decide to make it for yourself, for friends, or to impress your mother, we're sharing our recipe – guaranteed to wow.

Rinse & Repeat | THE SAFE, NON-TOXIC WAY TO MAKE YOUR LAUNDRY SOFT & STATIC-FREE

By Katie G.

Laundry is probably one of my least favorite chores. I get it, some people love it – the peaceful monotony of folding coupled with the smell of fresh clothes – but not me. For as long as I can remember, I have gladly left laundry in the very capable hands of my laundromat and never thought twice about it. Well, that was before I ended up at the dermatologist's office a few weeks ago, with a full-body allergic reaction. As she looked at me, she said, without hesitation, "this is an allergy to fabric softener. I just know it." Now, I am allergic to a lot of things, but fabric softener was never one of them. But, as I scanned my body, I knew that I had to change something. And luckily, through trial and research, I found a pretty incredible alternative to fabric softener that is safe, non-toxic, and most likely in abundance in your home.

Abundant Energy | FOUR WAYS TO LIVE A FULLER LIFE AND BEAT FATIGUE

By Katie G.

Recently, I had the good fortune of being invited to an IVY Connect panel discussion with Dr. Holly Phillips, a contributor to CBS News and author of the new book The Exhaustion Breakthrough. I have  always been intrigued by the idea of energy in the body: where it comes from and how it affects our everyday lives. During this event, I had an a-ha moment. I realized that many of the behaviors viewed as "normal" are actually telltale signs that we need to take a step back and be honest with ourselves. For example, do you find yourself yawning uncontrollably at 3:00 pm when you're in the umpteenth meeting of the day? Do you make excuses not to exercise or socialize because you're just not feeling up to it? Are you nodding out every night on the couch at 9:00 pm? Do you just wish you had a little extra oomph? Do you feel like you're in a fog when you wake up in the morning? Are you drinking more than one cup of coffee and/or eating sugary foods to keep your energy "up?"

If the answer is yes to any one of these questions, then you, my friend, need to read on.  The secret to energy isn't found solely in sleep (although don't get me wrong, it's important), but in various lifestyle choices and patterns that you can control.

The Final Countdown | THREE QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU FEEL HAPPIER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE FULFILLED IN THE NEW YEAR

By Dominick H. & Katie G.

Art by @honschar

It’s that time of year again. You know, the time of year where we're supposed to reflect on the past 365 days and make promises to ourselves for the future. We resolve to be happier and healthier. We resolve to take the steps to exercise, diet, go for a new job, find a fulfilling relationship, or maybe even take up a new hobby. But, after the month is finished and the excitement of the new year starts to wind down, we suddenly find ourselves back in our old patterns. Hmm, sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone. We’ve been there – and apparently only 8% of people who set resolutions actually achieve them, so we know you’ve been there too.  But, despite the statistics, we're committed to a happier, healthier, more fulfilling 2016. And, to get there, we're doing things a little differently.

Black Mass | WHY ACTIVATED CHARCOAL MIGHT BE THE SECRET TO BETTER HEALTH & SKIN

By Katie G.

You might see it in your juices and you might see it in your skincare products. You might even see it in your teeth whiteners. As of late, activated charcoal seems to be everywhere. Its gritty texture gives juices a tint of blackish-grey and turns skin coal-black when used as a face mask. You might wonder how something that looks so off-putting can be good for you. But, after doing some research (and much first-hand trial), it turns out that activated charcoal is less of something that's a passing fad and more of something that has real long-term health and beauty benefits. So, how does it actually work?

Side Dish | GIVE THANKS WITH THREE RECIPES THAT ARE DAIRY-FREE, GLUTEN-FREE, AND OH-SO-DELICIOUS

by Katie G.

I always look forward to Thanksgiving; it's one of my absolute favorite holidays of the year. Not only is it a time to gather with family and friends, but it's the ideal moment to reflect on what it is we're truly grateful for. It's also the holiday that's most intrinsically linked to food. Our forefathers celebrated a successful harvest with a feast, inviting both Pilgrims and Native Americans to break bread together. It's actually a beautiful sentiment when you think about it. Today, we mark the holiday with a feast of our own – whether it's Friendsgiving or an all-out family meal.

With a feast, comes indulgence. I'm sure our forefathers were happy with a little corn and fowl. But these days, in a time of abundance, just think of that buttered-up turkey or those biscuits with gravy, or, if you're like me, my mom's "gut-buster" stuffing. And don't get me started on the pecan and pumpkin pies. This holiday is pretty much defined by butter, oil, and sugar. 

However, this year, I'm determined to do things a little differently. I've discovered (and taste-tested) three super-delicious recipes that are savory, easy to make – oh, and did I mention, vegan? Go ahead, give them a try.  They won't disappoint.

Swimsuit Standards | FOUR BEACH FOODS TO EAT THAT WON'T SCREW UP YOUR SEXY

Judging? Who's judging? You can eat whatever you want at the beach. You can drink and enjoy anything you want at the beach. Just keep in mind that some things will make you look like a fatty. Some things make you look like a health nut and work-out junky. Some things make you look silly. Some things make you look desirable. Some things will make you look like you just don't give a damn. Yes, such is life: it is what it is. But, what if you want to maintain that sexy? What if you've worked out, exercised, toned up, and lost all this wonderful amount of weight that you are now ready to show off at the beach? What if you are ready to show of that über sick body of yours in that new bikini, or in those new trunks (never speedos boys. Well, if you're from Europe, I guess it's ok). 

BE ABSOLUTELY BETTER THAN YESTER-YEAR | project: CLEAN FOOD's TOP TEN RESOLUTIONS

Start getting them in your mind now!! Start thinking about what you wanna bring into the new year, and what you wanna leave behind.  And of course, count on us here to help you out a tad bit!

Here's the top ten resolutions to think about for the upcoming new year. Let the abundance starting flowing into your life today!

1. Cleaner and balanced eating habits
Find some sort of eating regimen that works for you and stick to it!

2. Cut back on all vices ~ (no need to list: I know you know what they are)
Because they drain you and because they attract the wrong sort of people in your life

3. Healthier, more positive people around you 
You want to be around people that bring out the best in you in each and every moment

4. Daily, balanced, and healthy exercise
Not only is it good for the body, but also for maintaining strength, and lookin' damn good!

5. More personal time ~ (for creativity, wellness, relaxation, for fun, etc)
Because, hey, you deserve it. Work hard, and balance stress out with good, chill time

6. More patience with everything and everyone (Try, dammit)
Um.  Yea. Practice patience. Key word: practice

7. Love your enemies, just keep some distance
To expend energy hating someone is a complete waste of time. Love them, and move on. The. End.

8. Read/Watch more quality material
Nothing wrong with a little crappy media stimulation: just don't let it be the story of your life. Visit a new section of the book store

9. Be nicer, and more compassionate
Because you'll go a lot further: in business, in your love life, in your personal life.

10. Be better than yesterday
Every moment is an opportunity to learn more, and grow more. Expand your horizons. Be more open to experience. Be receptive.

...and...

BONUS - (for you New Year's resolutions junkies...)

Eat my favorite meal once a week!

Happy New Year, 2013!