5 Ways to Keep Your Energy Up Without Caffeine

If you’re trying to cut back on caffeine but aren’t sure how you’ll function without it, here are 5 all-natural ways to boost your energy without coffee, tea, or caffeine.

It often seems like we’re a nation addicted to caffeine. With a Starbucks or boutique tea shop on every corner, grabbing your caffeine boost is easy and convenient, and can often feel like a necessity. We have meetings over coffee, we work remotely at cafes, and the choices can often feel endless. When it comes to coffee, there’s drip, Chemex, cold brew, latte art, and so much more. Then there is tea: herbal and herbaceous, floral, matcha, with various styles of tea bags and even pretty tea flowers that “bloom” in your cup. It’s clear that we’re a society which values our high-test needs.

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While caffeine has some medicinal benefits, sometimes our bodies need a detox or reset from too much caffeine in our system. When we get in the habit of consuming too much caffeine, our systems tend to get out of whack, which can lead to feeling jittery, restless, irritable, or even anxious. Many people attribute caffeine to restless nights of sleep or even hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Health and Wellness Coach Emily Whipple of Aspen Elevated Health, based in Aspen, Colorado, shares: “While I am not completely against caffeine—nor do I feel it has to be eliminated from your diet—I do feel that there are other healthy, alternative foods and beverages to consume, other than caffeine, that will get you out of bed in the morning and help you feel refreshed, energized, and motivated throughout the day.” Whipple resides in the Colorado mountains, at peak altitude, where hydration is key. “I often choose to consume food and beverages that give me the pick-up I need without stripping my body of hydration, while simultaneously fueling my body naturally.”

Whipple has outlined 5 of her favorite eating and drinking habits to sustain and keep energy up throughout the day without running to grab that expensive nitro brew or macadamia nut green tea matcha latte.

1. Start Your Morning with Lemon Water and Ginger

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Whipple loves to start her day by adding fresh lemon juice to hot water first thing in the morning. Your body has been in resting mode while you slept during the night, and by introducing warm water and lemon first thing in the morning, it gently jump starts your day and signals your body to naturally wake up, to feel refreshed, and get your insides moving. The lemon helps to make that first glass of water taste better, and also floods your body with vitamin C, which can improve the quality of your skin; it re-hydrates you after a night’s sleep, aids in digestion, and supports weight loss.

For an added boost of energy, try adding freshly grated ginger with lemon water. Some studies show that ginger can reduce fatigue by improving blood circulation and blood sugar levels. Plus, as a natural antibacterial agent, it can boost your immune system and help keep you healthy all year round.

2. Eat More Chia Seeds

OatmealStories / RooM / Getty Images

Chia seeds, aka the “little miracle” seeds, have earned the “superfood” title for all the right reasons. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, these tiny seeds offer a long list of important nutrients including: fiber, protein, manganese, zinc, B1, B3, antioxidants, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help to promote healthy skin, balance blood sugar, boost energy, and can even aid in weight loss. Chia seeds are low in calories and easy to incorporate into a healthy diet. Whipple shares her favorite, easy-to-make recipe for Chia Seed Pudding, which will keep you satiated all morning.

Everyday Chia Seed Pudding

This simple, made-overnight, chia seed pudding is perfect for those mornings when you’re feeling a little sluggish and need a pick-me-up at home or at work. Loaded with omega-3s, protein, and fiber, it is also gluten-free, paleo, and vegan if you use nut milk.

Emily Whipple's Everyday Chia Seed Pudding

Prep Time: 15 minMakes: 1-2 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk of choice (I like to use unsweetened almond, coconut or cashew milk)
• 2-3 tablespoons chia seeds (the more seeds you use, the thicker the pudding)
• 1/2 tablespoon sweetener of choice (pure maple syrup or raw honey are my favorites; add more or less for desired sweetness)
• 1 scoop of protein powder of choice (I prefer the plant protein powder by Garden of Life and sometimes use chocolate to add more flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dash of cinnamon
• Optional toppings & ingredients: chopped nuts, mixed berries, granola, shredded coconut, nut butter

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together everything but the chia seeds. Mix well.
2. Add the chia seeds and continue to whisk. You might have to add a little more milk if the pudding becomes too thick.
3. Place in a sealable container or mason jar. Store in fridge and let chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight, to enjoy the next morning. Top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Anthony's Organic Chia Seeds, $12.74 on Amazon

These well-reviewed chia seeds come in a two and a half pound bag, so they'll last you a while.

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Related Reading: 7 Healthy Chia Seeds That Go Beyond Pudding

3. Swap Out your Morning Coffee for Raw Cacao

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“Raw cacao is a recent discovery of mine and now a part of my daily morning routine,” Whipple shares. “I’ve recently swapped out my black coffee for this smooth, chocolatey tasting beverage.” Cacao is a nutrient-dense food, with high amounts of minerals, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. Cacao also contains theobromine, a compound closely related to caffeine but which provides a smoother, crash-free boost of energy. Brewed the same way you would make coffee in a French press (add hot water to the ground cacao beans, stir, and press), the cacao helps you stay alert and awake, without the unavoidable caffeine crash. Whipple is partial to Crio Bru available on Amazon.

Crio Bru French Roast Cacao Drink, $10.94 on Amazon

An interesting coffee alternative to try.

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4. Stay Hydrated

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You may remember that silly “Zoolander” quote with an eye roll, “Water is the essence of wetness…and wetness is the essence of beauty,” but it’s pretty true. We have all heard about the importance of water for our overall health, diet, and skin, but staying hydrated can also naturally boost your energy levels without the need for caffeine. Whipple adds, “A good rule of thumb, drink half your weight in ounces every day. Mild dehydration can affect your concentration, mood, and even your ability to do simple, ordinary tasks. If you start to feel that low energy creep up throughout the day, try swapping out that afternoon ice cold latte for a big glass of water and a short walk around the office to wake you up and get your body moving again.”

Related Reading: How to Infuse Water and Stay Hydrated

Whipple suggests investing in a large reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day. “I just recently purchased a new water bottle by Xtremeglas. The time marks on the glass are an easy reminder to keep me drinking water throughout the day.” Additionally, a reusable water bottle cuts down on environmental waste and plastic, and by investing in a bottle that you like, you’re more likely to drink out of it.

Xtremeglas 32-Ounce Glass Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve, $24.99 on Amazon

Stylish and practical.

Buy Now

Related Reading: You Need to Clean Your Water Bottle Way More Often | Eco-Friendly Straws That Don’t Suck

5. Eat More Fiber!

Chowhound

Getting more fiber into your diet is a sure way to help you feel more full and energized throughout the day. When we eat foods that are rich in fiber (think leafy greens, whole grains, beans) we tend to feel full quicker, which helps us eat less, and ultimately keeps us more energized and less sluggish. Think of food as fuel—the more nutrient-dense foods we put into our bodies, the better everything works! Fiber plays a major role in your digestion by keeping your digestive tract healthy and moving.

Some of the best high fiber foods are: dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, broccoli, peppers, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, and even fruits such as bananas, apples, mangoes, and berries. Try to eat at least 5-7 servings of vegetables a day and focus on whole grains (quinoa, wild rice, barley). Favorite rule of thumb: Eat the rainbow!

For a fiber-rich sweet snack, Whipple shares her favorite Energizing Nut Butter Balls (or her sneaky favorite title, Dirty Balls).

Energizing Nut Butter Balls 

These are my favorite way to get more fiber into my diet. They taste great, are easy to store and grab when you need a quick boost of energy, and often replace dessert or afternoon coffee.

Emily Whipple's Energizing Nut Butter Balls

Prep Time: 30-40 minsMakes: 10-15 balls, depending on size

Ingredients

• 1/2 - 1 cup nut butter of choice (I tend to use almond butter or a mix of almond and cashew nut butters)
• 1 tablespoon hemp heart seeds (these are my go-to: Manitoba Hemp Hearts)
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon flax seeds (ground or whole seeds)
• 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract depending on taste
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
• 7-10 pitted fresh medjool dates, chopped (add more or less for desired sweetness)
• Cinnamon to taste
• Optional: Shredded unsweetened coconut or dark chocolate chips to either add into the mix or to cover each bite

Instructions

1. Add nut butter, hemp hearts, seeds, and vanilla extract to a medium mixing bowl. Stir together.
2. Add in the dates, oats, and cinnamon and mix together until a dough-like consistency. If too sticky, either add more oats or cinnamon. If too dry, add more vanilla or nut butter.
3. Use your hand or spoon to roll into bite-size balls.
4. Optional: roll balls into unsweetened shredded coconut to coat the outside or drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
5. Place on a sheet tray and freeze for 10-15 mins. Remove from tray and store in a sealable container in either freezer or fridge.

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts, $10.45 on Amazon

Whipple's favorite, and a #1 best seller on Amazon too.

Buy Now

Related Reading: Why You Should Eat More Hemp Seeds | How to Make No-Bake Energy Balls

This post was written by Marisa Olsen in collaboration with Emily Whipple, Health and Wellness Coach.

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Pinot, Ribs, and the Country’s Freshest Produce: Your Perfect Weekend in Sonoma

“What grows together, goes together,” quotes Karissa Kruse, president of Sonoma County Winegrowers. The saying—widespread among the region’s farmers—applies to the abundance of local produce that can actually take on the characteristics of fruit and vegetables that are completely different in their genetic makeup and composition. Due to similar terroir, a vine-ripened tomato, for example, may acquire the tastes and physical properties of a nearby chardonnay grape. It’s nature at its—for lack of a better term—coolest.

After a visit to Sonoma (courtesy of the Sonoma County Winegrowers—thank you!), I am convinced, however, that the clever expression can also be applied to the county and its resolute inhabitants. Nearly two years after a wildfire devastated the community, claiming the lives of 22 people and leaving thousands homeless, residents have found a way to come together, grow together, and rebuild to a point where it almost seems like nothing ever happened (at least to an outsider like me). It’s a true testament to their courage, compassion, and entrepreneurial spirit, with every bottle of wine now being a symbol of a region that continues to flourish and persevere, despite suffering from one of the most unpredictable of hardships.

I’d be lying if I said that my perception of the area wasn’t challenged, as I fully expected to see skeletons of destruction and a once beautiful town cloaked in pessimism and defeat. I couldn’t have been more wrong. After a trip with my mom for an extended weekend, we soaked up everything Sonoma County had to offer. And while there are plenty of fabulous, picturesque places to explore, sip, and dine, these were the highlights.

Sonoma Vineyards and Wineries

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

These are the mountain views that define Sonoma and have brides-to-be falling in love with what must certainly make the most perfect wedding venue ever. The tasting lunch itself was an experience to remember with a menu that was dictated by the wine and wine only. Glazed pork tenderloin with an aged gouda polenta cake and dino kale was the highlight, but only because it paired seamlessly with a 2015 zinfandel from Montecillo Vineyard. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the meal was that it was shared with complete strangers from all walks of life. We left with new favorite bottles, as well as a new group of friends, which was an unexpected, albeit lovely surprise. Be sure to cap the day off with a port for a sweet ending to a perfect afternoon.

Flowers Vineyards & Winery Tasting Room

Flowers Vineyards & Winery

There’s something about Flowers pinot noir that makes it truly special. My mom and I have shared a bottle on multiple significant occasions, so to visit its tasting room and learn about the company’s history and harvesting process firsthand was a real treat. Unlike many pinots, Flowers’ grapes are grown on coastal cliffs where the ocean mist cools their fragile skins after a long day in the sun. Frankly, no one should change a thing about this winemaking tradition because after the tasting, this bottle still remained our favorite from the entire trip. While its Healdsburg property may not boast the same jaw-dropping views as St. Francis and surrounding vineyards, its earthy and airy design is stunning and worthy of a feature in Architectural Digest. Be sure to check it out and marvel at all the furniture, paint colors, and patio space that can be filed under #homegoals.

J Vineyards & Winery

J Vineyards & Winery

Rosé may have earned a reputation as being the most basic of wines in recent history, but a trip to J Vineyards & Winery will quell any rumors that it can’t be both complex and sophisticated. Its sparkling variety (Vintage Brut, 2014) was perhaps one of our favorite sips on the trip, offering a refreshingly crisp and not-to-sweet mouthfeel that paired perfectly with produce like melon and cherries. After a lunch in the famed Bubble Room with chef Carl Shelton at the helm, be sure to tour the grounds with some of the other varietals in hand. You’ll stumble across more than just rows of vines and grapes: flowers, fountains, and even hummingbirds as they flutter about under the California sun.

Sonoma Restaurants

Willi’s Wine Bar

Willi’s Wine Bar

If a day of tastings still hasn’t quenched your thirst, then a) I’d like to shake your hand, and b) you’d fare best at Willi’s Wine Bar, which offers an extensive wine list that rivals the length of an encyclopedia. This was the most memorable food spot of the trip, with each international tapas-style dish shining more than the next. The Tuscan-style pork ribs with peppery arugula and fennel-anchovy vinaigrette were cooked to perfection and one of my favorite dishes of 2019 thus far. There’s just something about its citrusy and salty bite that has me craving it weeks later. Finish the night with the chocolate banana bread pudding and surrender to the discomfort of being abnormally full. It’s all worth it.

The Spinster Sisters

The Spinster Sisters

One of my favorite brunch spots in Bozeman, Montana, was the Stockyards Inn, a no-frills dive where patrons dined quietly around a giant central bar. The Spinster Sisters gave me similar feels, which was an ideal respite from the exhaustion that comes from wine tasting after wine tasting. Always opt for its freshly-baked bread or pastries of the day, which capitalize on seasonality and pair well with the extensive beverage offerings of coffees, fresh juices, and even matcha. It’s a pleasant place to start your morning and happens to be adjacent to an adorable community garden where every plant is thriving.

Perch + Plow

Perch + Plow

Drinks are the star at Perch + Plow where local produce and edible flowers adorn creatively crafted cocktails resembling “Water Lilies” and other famous works of floral art. You also can’t go wrong with anything that features its homemade ginger beer, a spicy departure from mainstream brands that typically overwhelm with too much sweetness and too little ginger. In addition to beverages, the establishment has introduced an updated and inspired menu with reimagined classics, emphasizing fresh ingredients that capitalize on a farm-to-table point of view. The heirloom tomatoes, something I typically don’t enjoy, were sweet like candy in a garlic-forward panzanella with fresh mascarpone. Dishes as simple as fries were also elevated with truffles and black garlic aioli. Pick this as a date spot with its quirky and colorful interior that projects major “we’re here to have a good time” vibes.

Sonoma Hotel

Hotel E

Hotel E

If you book a reservation in 2019, chances are likely that you’ll still smell the fresh paint. Santa Rosa’s newest lodge, Hotel E, stands tall next to bustling Old Courthouse Square, overlooking downtown with sun-drenched windows and a lounge with oversized chairs. Perhaps its best quality, other than prime location, is its accommodating staff who truly went above and beyond to ensure our stay was stress-free and comfortable. I’m also a huge fan of the interior design, which boasts stone finishes and plush, modern furniture, making it feel more like a home than a sterile hotel. It also just happened to have one of the most dream-inducing mattresses I’ve slept on in a while, which was a welcomed perk for this sleep-deprived New Yorker.

Where to Go in San Francisco

You’d be remiss not to tack on an extra day in the Golden City during your journey to the West Coast. For the utmost in convenience, Hotel Emblem is in an ideal location (Union Square) with an aesthetic that rivals San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art. On-site Obscenity Bar & Lounge is also perfect for a quick libation or for those incapable of decision-making (SF has a LOT to choose from when it comes to food and drink).

For dinner, be sure to book a reservation at Cotogna, our favorite spot for wood-fired pizza. The escarole, caper, and pine nut offering is a balanced blend of brine, smoke, and bitterness that is difficult to emulate within the confines of your home kitchen.

Looking for a nightcap? Novela is a trendy spot with clever drinks, including a lengthy punch menu tailored for literary folks who enjoy puns, metaphors, and word play.

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11 Reasons You Should Have Honey on Hand at All Times

Everybody has one of those sticky little plastic honey bear jars in the cupboard. But for cooking, baking, and drinks-making with deep deliciousness, it pays to always have a more serious and flavorful stash of honey in the pantry. Here are 11 honey recipes that are more than enough reasons why.

Honey Varieties

Honey comes in a near-endless array of varieties besides clover and wildflower, and some of these recipes call for specific kinds (like orange blossom honey). They’ll all still be delicious with any old supermarket honey, but we really do recommend buying not only some more interesting types, but local honey too; not only will it taste more complex, it will benefit local agriculture and businesses (and some studies suggest it could help with allergies).

Genuine Tasmanian Leatherwood Honey, $14.25 on Amazon

This raw Australian honey has an incredibly complex flavor worlds away from the supermarket stuff.

Buy Now

Related Reading: What Is the Difference Between Raw Honey, Regular Honey, and Manuka Honey?

Bee Thankful

In the age of colony collapse, we can’t help but appreciate the sweet stuff even more. August 17 is National Honey Bee Day, so it’s a perfect time to remember our busy, buzzy little friends that produce the honey (and pollinate so many of our crops).

Chowhound’s Chile-Infused Hot Honey

In addition to local honey, consider buying some specialty honey that benefits bee-related organizations, like this Bee Cause Honey; 100 percent of the proceeds go towards a project that installs classroom observation hives in American schools, to help inspire the next generation to love and protect bees.

Honey Recipes

For Winnie the Poohs empathizers who can’t get enough of that golden, sticky goo, here are some of our favorite ways to use honey besides drizzling it straight on toast and yogurt and into tea.

1. Honey Butter

Chowhound

Unsalted butter, honey, and a bit of salt—these three ingredients can transform waffles, pancakes, biscuits, and even plain toast into something comforting and special. And depending on what kind of honey you use, the taste will change in delightful ways. Get our Honey Butter recipe. (Be sure to try it on cornbread, and on our Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls.)

2. Honey-Brined Turkey Breast

Chowhound

Orange blossom honey, orange zest and juice, and shallots, and fresh thyme make a memorable brine for roasted turkey breast, and make a whole chicken extra special. Get our Honey-Brined Turkey Breast recipe.

Dutch Gold Honey, $10.53 on Amazon

Don't expect a wallop of orange, just a subtle citrus flavor and light, sweet taste.

Buy Now

3. Honey Mustard Sauce

Chowhound

This simple, perfect blend of mustard powder, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of kosher salt is a natural with soft pretzels, and does wonders as a sandwich spread for ham or corned beef. Conversely, if you’re vegan or otherwise don’t eat honey, you can try an alternative like maple syrup in this recipe. Get our Honey Mustard Sauce recipe.

Bee Free Honee Vegan Honey, $12.48 on Amazon

Or try this vegan version of honey made from organic apples.

Buy Now

4. Honey Vinaigrette

Chowhound

We came up with this dressing of honey, white wine vinegar, and neutral-tasting grapeseed oil to toss a salad of bitter greens, but you could apply it to all kinds of salads. Get our Honey Vinaigrette recipe. (And try our Honey Poppyseed Dressing recipe too.)

Related Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Salad

5. Honey Nougat

David Lebovitz

This crisp, sophisticated confection by David Lebovitz has whole and sliced almonds, pistachios, orange peel, honey, orange flower water, and a bit of heavy cream. Get the Honey Nougat recipe.

6. Slow Cooker Honey Ginger Pork

Eva Kolenko

Honey, soy sauce, mirin, garlic, and ginger combine with pork and kale for a hearty, easy Crock-Pot dinner that sings with sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy flavors. Serve over simple soba noodles or rice. Get the Slow Cooker Honey Ginger Pork recipe.

7. Toasted Sesame and Honey Gelato

Chowhound

This is a creamy gelato, where the deep, sophisticated taste of sesame seeds and toasted sesame oil plays off the rich, creamy flavor of sweet cream and honey. Get our Toasted Sesame and Honey Gelato recipe.

Related Reading: Unusual Ice Cream Flavors to Try This Summer | We Taste-Tested Whole Foods’ New Ice Cream Flavors

8. Ricotta and Honey Tart

Chowhound

Honey and lemon zest flavor this tart made with ricotta cheese. A crisp crust and crunchy almond topping sandwich the creamy filling. Get our Ricotta and Honey Tart recipe. (And try our sharper, saltier Greek Honey and Cheese Tart recipe too.)

9. Atholl Brose Cocktail

Chowhound

In Scotland, Atholl Brose is a traditional drink of Scotch whisky mixed with the liquid from soaking steel-cut oats, stirred with honey, and topped with lightly whipped cream. Bartender Erik Ellestad tried a bunch of different combinations of these ingredients before coming up with this delicious drink. Get our Atholl Brose Cocktail recipe.

10. Honey and Apricot Fruit Leather

Chowound

Drying apricots intensifies their sweet-tart flavors, and the addition of a little honey balances out the overall taste of this tasty DIY fruit leather, which is perfect for a back-to-school lunch box treat. Get our Honey and Apricot Fruit Leather recipe.

11. Apple Honey Upside Down Cakes

Chowhound

Honey-drenched baklava is one of the more famous honey desserts, but these mini upside down cakes are easier to make and just as sticky-delicious, with 1/4 cup of orange blossom honey in the caramel. They’re perfect for fall with their sweet apples and warm spices. Get our Apple Honey Upside Down Cake recipe.

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Whoa! Some Big Ticket Kitchen Appliances on Major Sale Right Now

Macy’s Summer Home sale is popping off right now which means discounts on some of our favorite kitchenware, cookware, and kitchen appliances and a perfect time to snag something special (a.k.a treat ourselves). 

This means anywhere from 20-50 percent off trusty kitchen brands and game-changer kitchen appliances like Cuisinart, Kitchenaid, Ninja, and others. If you’ve been pawing over that stand mixer, which doubles as about one million other things like pasta-maker or vegetable spiralizer via attachments, this might be your moment to pounce. The cult-fave Kitchenaid stand mixer can be had for just $221 marked down from $325.

Related Reading: Beyond the Mixer: Our Other Favorite KitchenAid Products

Or perhaps you’re looking to whirr up end-of-summer (wahh!) cocktails in a high-powered Ninja blender and food processor – currently down almost $100 (!) to just $153 from $250. The Ninja is a slightly more budget-friendly version of a Vitamix and will spin far more than just a cocktail. We’ve got plenty of recipes to prove it, check out the best blender recipes that go way beyond smoothies.

The Macy’s Summer Home Sale is one now and don’t sleep on those special codes SHOP and HOME either which give you all an extra 10 or 20 percent off at checkout (depending on the item).

See some of our top picks for the home, kitchen and cookware sale happening now at Macy’s, and thank us later.

KitchenAid 4.5 Qt. Stand Mixer, $220.99 (normally $324.99)

Macy’s

This classic KitchenAid stand mixer has so many uses that you’ll lehit be using this thing daily especially with the right attachments, making it well worth the investment. Available in Silver or White, now is the time to snag this great deal. The listed sale price is technically $259.99, but once you go to checkout an extra 15% off will be reflected, making the total only $220.99! Buy Now

Ninja BL770 Blender & Food Processor, $152.99 (normally $249.99)

Macy’s

This high-octane Ninja blender does so much more then the one you had in college and is major discount right now. Do smoothies, cookie dough, soups, sauaces—and yes, of course some frozen margaritas, too—all with this one appliance. Make sure to use the discount code HOME at checkout to get the price down under $153. Buy Now

Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer & Oven, $169.99 (normally $249.99)

We’re all about the air-fryer revolution and this Cuisinart oven has seven different functions: air fry, convection bake, convection broil, bake, broil, warm, toast. Replace your ancient toaster oven (k, bye) with this 7-in-1 appliance that does it all. Buy Now

All-Clad Hard-Anodized Fry Pan Set, $47.99 (normally $74.99)

Macy’s

All-Clad is one of our favorite high-end cookware brands so we love it when we find their pieces on sale. These two frying pans are perfect for your everyday cooking needs. Make sure to use the discount code SHOP at checkout to get the lowest price! Buy Now

Tools of the Trade 13-Pc. Cookware Set, $47.99 (normally $119.99)

Macy’s

This stainless steel cookware set is a literal dream if you’ve just settled into your new home or apartment, need cookware but haven’t got the extra cash to schill out on All-Clad just yet. Budget-friendly but still recieves high marks in reviews with easy-to-maintain stainless steel and tempered glass lids.Buy Now

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10 Healthy Recipes for Back to School

From brain food snacks to hearty weeknight meals, these ten healthy back to school recipes are designed to keep your whole crew fed and fueled up for the year ahead.

Summer’s easy, but also kind of hard. Easy because you don’t have to think about packing up school lunches, hard because—well—you have to think about keeping the kids busy all day. Tradeoffs. Fortunately, you won’t have to trade off nutrition or flavor in these ten healthy school-lunch faves. From protein-packed snacks to bag up and end off with the kids to a few easy weeknight meals, you can transform into tomorrow’s lunch. We’ve got you covered.

1. Crumbly Oat and Apricot Bars

Chowhound

Dried apricots, honey, and apricot jam form the filling for these tender, sweet (but not too sweet), and whole-grain–bolstered lunchbox bars. The recipe makes 16 bars—perfect if you’ve got a bunch of little scholars to pack for, otherwise they freeze extremely well. Get our Crumbly Oat and Apricot Bars recipe.

Egg Cooker, $19.99 on Amazon

A sound investment for anyone who eats a lot of eggs.

Buy Now

2. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Chowhound

Hard-cooked eggs are some of the simplest things to make. Sadly, they’re also some of the easiest things to mess up. Here’s a simple technique for ensuring that the yolks will be cooked through, but far from turning the dry, green-edged, sulfury-tasting things a lot if us grew up with. Get our Perfect Hard-Boiled Egg recipe.

Related Reading: 8 Ways to Boil Perfect Eggs

3. Honey-Mustard Snack Mix

Chowhound

Snacks are a major part of any kid’s food life, and the hard truth is, if you’re not making good snacks for your family, they’ll find less innocent ones to fill up with. This crunchy mix has the appeal of pre-made ones, but it’s filled with honest ingredients, so you can let your little ones snack away without stressing. Get our Honey-Mustard Snack Mix recipe.

Related Reading: Back to School Brain Food for Your Kids’ Lunch Boxes

4. Hummus

Chowhound

Hummus is a great thing for school lunches. It’s full of fiber, has a decent amount of protein, and—best of all—it doesn’t taste one little bit like health food. Make up a batch, pack it lunch boxes along with baked pita chips and mini carrots, and you can be sure it’ll all be eaten. Get our Basic Hummus recipe.

5. Baked Tortilla Chips

Chowhound

What parent can say no to chips? You can, however, insist that chips be relatively healthy—like these baked tortilla chips. They’re easy to make, not greasy, and perfect for scooping. Make a bunch and keep them stored in an airtight container for several days. Get our Baked Tortilla Chips recipe.

6. Cinnamon and Pear Fruit Leather

Chowhound

Back-to-school season coincides with the end of the summer pear season and the beginning of the fall one, so it only makes sense to make this perennially popular treat for packing into lunch boxes. Here, blended cooked pears are spread onto silicone mats to dry out in the oven (it’s a great Saturday project). Get our Cinnamon and Pear Fruit Leather recipe.

Related Reading: We Paired Thematic Lunch Boxes with Appropriate (and Delicious!) Meals

7. Baked Pita Chips

Chowhound

Pita chips are really good at not breaking, even when little hands scoop them hard through a stiff container full of hummus. They’re also a lot more economical than buying premade ones, and a great way to use up day-old (or longer!) pitas. Get our Baked Pita Chips recipe.

Waxed Canvas Lunch Bag, $24 on Etsy

Perfectly simple and eco-friendly lunch bags for your little ones.

Buy Now

8. Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese Bites

Chowhound

A really tasty macaroni and cheese mixture bakes in muffin tins for single-serving portions perfect for packing up in school lunch. This particular mac and cheese mix is designed for maximum flavor and protein. Shredded Mozzarella and grated Parm combine with shredded cooked chicken and a white sauce made with whole milk. Healthy bonus: Use whole wheat pasta. Get our Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese Bites recipe.

9. Beef and Broccoli “Takeout” Noodles

Chowhound

Inspired by a Chinese-American restaurant dish we love, this mix of wok-fried skirt steak, broccoli florets, and fresh egg noodles gets a healthy boost from carrots and red bell peppers. Your kids will love it warm or cold, scooped up in chopsticks. They’ll also love the crunchy toasted cashews sprinkled on top. Get our Beef and Broccoli Noodles recipe.

10.  Nutty Trail Mix

Chowhound

Dried fruit, nuts and a hint of chocolate make for a perfect after-school snack. Get our Nutty Trail Mix recipe.

Related Video: A Veggie-Filled Kid Lunch

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