The Different Facets of Mental Health

Mental health remains one of the most crucial yet frequently misunderstood aspects of overall well-being. Mental illness affects every aspect of our lives, from daily interactions to our perception of ourselves. As society shifts towards greater openness around mental health issues, it's important that we explore its various facets and the factors contributing to mental wellbeing. This blog will look at various dimensions of mental health, from common conditions and their impacts to lifestyle factors and therapeutic approaches, support systems and their role.

Protein Energy Power - For your on-the-go lifestyle

If you're like many of us moms out there then you've had mornings where you barely have enough time to pull on some clothes, brush out your hair and get yourself out the door. Let alone sit down for a full fledged breakfast. For mornings like those I try to always be prepared with some sort of back up plan because I'm one that can't go without any breakfast at all. One of my back up plans is having a breakfast to go with a little boost. Something like a tall glass of almond milk and a few scoops of Protein Energy Power. by using the Protein Energy Power I am getting all of my well needed nutrients to start my day off right.

I also like to use Protein Energy Power as an after workout pick-me-up that I can enjoy in the car on the way home from the gym. I am really trying to get into the habit of going to the gym a few times a week so this has been a nice reward for after those workouts. I keep a chilled bottle of water with me, then just add in the Protein Energy Power after my workout and shake it up. I can enjoy it as a I cool down and relax in my car on the way home.

About:
Protein Energy Power is an exciting new option for anyone with an active lifestyle who is looking for a natural, plant-based protein supplement. Protein Energy Powder is a versatile peanut-based energy drink that is perfect for anyone with an on-the-go lifestyle – from an ideal pre- or post- workout supplement to a perfect solution for a balanced on-the-go breakfast for moms getting their kids out the door in the morning!

Protein Energy Power comes in a variety of flavors so there's something to fit everyone's unique taste preferences. I for one am looking forward to checking out their banana flavor because I think it would be really good with some chocolate milk!

Buy it: You can purchase this and other products from the Protein Plus line through their website.

Disclosure: I received compensation in the form of product in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Take a break from the heat with a two-ingredient popsicle!

I honestly can't believe just how hot it still is here some days. Like yesterday for example it was in the upper 80's and as you know the first day of Autumn. That's not typical for good ole Indiana this time of year either. I don't think I've ever had to use the AC this late in the year either, but I'm not about to sweat my butt off all day without it. That means there's still days the kids are outside after school playing and coming in hot wanting a cold treat. And that's where something fun (and healthy) like two-ingredient popsicles come in handy. Using either Jamba® At-Home Smoothies or  Rader Farms® FruitPLUS paird up with some juice you'll be ready in no time! They are super easy to make and can be ready the next day if you make them at night. My kids like them because they help cool them off when they've been running around outside. I like them because they are easy to make and not full of sugar like many you buy at the store. Plus they have that natural sweet flavor from the fruit that makes them extra tasty!

Jamba® At-Home Smoothies and Rader Farms® have put together easy-to-make, two-ingredient popsicle recipes that are fun to make and offer added health benefits versus other frozen popsicles.

Jamba® At-Home Smoothie Popsicle using their new Protein variety that features Greek yogurt and ancient grains. This smoothie recipe is a tasty combination of Jamba® At-Home Protein Smoothie and 8oz of your favorite juice.

Rader Farms® FruitPLUS Popsicle using their new FruitPlus variety - an exciting blend of vitamin-fortified fruits that will help kids reach their daily fruit goals. An exciting combination of Rader Farms® Fruit PLUS Vitamins mixed up with your favorite flavor of juice.

Choose one of these great recipes ideas and then mix up the flavor of juice for the next to keep the fruity flavor variety going!

Connect with Rader Farms:
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Connect with Jamba® At-Home:
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Disclosure: I received the products featured in this post for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions state are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

5 Tips to Becoming A Coconut water Connoisseur

With temperatures rising, many of us are spending time outside with our kids—and we have to be mindful about staying hydrated in a healthy way.

Many of the flavorful drinks children ask for contain preservatives and additives that are produced in a factory and can be harmful. But what if we can provide the same (or better) hydration from something natural, something organic that is packed with loads of nutrients?

That's when I looked into natural sports drink alternatives to help my children and me stay hydrated during these hot summer days. Coconut water is an all-natural beverage which is loaded with super-food powers, but with the vast array of options on the market, it was time I explored how to identify truly great coconut water.

I recently partnered with Harmless Harvest, the first ever Fair-For-Life certified coconut water, to share insights on how to distinguish a premium coconut water from the rest.

Here's why I think Harmless Harvest reigns supreme:
• It maintains its unique, 'straight from the coconut' flavor thanks to its muliti-step micro-filtration process
• Has a longer shelf life without extra additives or preservatives
• Is a hydrating all-natural alternative to sports drinks and juices
• Contains vital nutrients that occur naturally in Harmless Harvest's specific young, green coconuts

Thankfully, Harmless Harvest has shared a few, expert tips to help people become coconut water connoisseurs and pick the best product available:

INSIDER TIP #1:  YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL (AND NUTRITIOUS TOO!)
Age is nothing but a number, right? Not in coconut terms. As coconuts mature, the essential nutrients found in their water begins to seep into the meaty white layer, depleting the coconut water of it's rich contents. Mature coconuts are great for making coconut oil and other coconut products, however, the young coconuts are the ones which have the most nutritious coconut water. Many companies sell you the water from mature coconuts. At Harmless Harvest, they use only young green coconuts which are loaded with the nutritious water that benefits our health.

INSIDER TIP #2:  WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT ALWAYS WHAT YOU TASTE
Doesn't all coconut water taste the same? NO! There's no need to add any sweetener to the already delicious flavor of young coconut water. Many companies will add a flavor or sweetener to mask the dull taste of mature coconut water.  If there is an acidic taste to the beverage, chances are the preservative citric acid was added.  A fresh batch of organic coconut water has a distinct taste, a slightly vanilla-almond flavor. So remember, just say no to that citric taste.

INSIDER TIP #3:  IT'S GETTING HOT IN HERE
Fresh coconut water reacts delicately with sunlight and heat, this is why it must be kept cold at all times.  Many companies will use extreme heat to kill natural bacteria (which also kills the good enzymes) to extend shelf life. Instead, Harmless Harvest uses their proprietary Multi-Step Micro-Filtration Process to avoid the use of heat or citric acid additives, preserving the optimal flavor, fragrance and nutrients of their critically acclaimed coconut water. So note, if you see a coconut water hanging out in a non-refrigerated aisle, turn back and walk away.

INSIDER TIP #4: IT'S OKAY TO DRINK PINK
Did you know coconut water can naturally turn pink? Coconut water is clear when bottled but contains a variety of antioxidants which can turn pink once they interact with sunlight. Harmless Harvest could mask the color change— but instead, they fully embrace what naturally occurs in their coconut water. Go ahead and drink pink!

INSIDER TIP #5: SHARING THE WEALTH
Truly great coconut water is found in rural tropical areas, which are vital to the future of our planet. Harmless Harvest's ecosystem based business focuses not only on delivering the best organic products to consumers, but also cares for the welfare of the farming communities at the source of the product, and uses sustainable farming practices to ensure a better tomorrow.

I'd love to hear your experience tasting different coconut waters, and which one you absolutely love! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Stay healthy this March with this awesome tips from AquaBall

March is National Nutrition Month, an initiative sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with the goal of teaching people about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. When it comes to kids, healthy living is more than not eating too many cookies and putting down the video game controller. In order to be healthy, kids need to get exercise, drink plenty of water and eat right by limiting their sugar intake.

I had no idea it was National Nutrition Month, but thanks to my partners at AquaBall I'm ready to take action and help my family get steered in the right direction! Of course that includes AquaBall water because I know it's a healthy alternative to the sugary flavored waters out there.

The Balance Project Prize Pack #Giveaway - Ends 6-10

The Balance Project Giveaway

Sponsored by Balance Bar

Hosted by Pea of Sweetness Co-Hosted by Deals of Sweetness

Do you feel finding balance in life can be a little challenging? Then you're not alone! 98% of Americans strive to reach and maintain balance, but only 14% feel like they do! Balance Bar has introduced the Balance Project - a multi-year, multi-platform program to open a dialogue that will aid in improving America’s levels of balance. The Balance Project offers a place to share ideas, discuss challenges and successes and have some fun as well - on a journey to sustain balance!



Learn more about the Balance Project on Pea of Sweetness!

Would you like to win a Balance Project prize pack?

One winner will receive a box of Balance Bars, iPhone card holder, notepad and Balance Bar tote bag! This giveaway runs through 6/10/15 at 11:00pm Eastern Time and is open to US residents ages 18+. Winner is subject to eligibility verification and will have 48 hours to confirm before a new winner will be drawn. For any questions/concerns please email emilee.roberts (at) peaofsweetness (dot) com (consider adding this email to your “Safe List” as winning email notification will be sent from this email). Please refer to the full terms and conditions in the Giveaway Tools.

Entry Method:  Please use Giveaway Tools form to enter.

Check out the ALOHA Free Trial today!

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

ALOHA is dedicated to conveniently delivering great tasting, high quality nutrition that lifts your spirit. They have a fantastic line of products that are made only from natural and organically grown ingredients, developed with the help of over 200 health experts, are socially and environmentally sustainable, as well as free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or additives.

If you would like to try their delicious products for yourself, then you're in luck! Right now, you can get a Free Trial of either the Daily Good Greens pouches, or the Superfood Chocolate bars! The only cost to you would be for shipping, which runs $2.79 for the Superfood Chocolate and $4.79 for the Daily Good Greens. If you ask me, that is totally worth it to be able to try these products.

With the Free Trial of Daily Good Greens Whole-Food Powder, you will receive 2 pouches each of the Original, Chocolate, and Berry flavors. Each pouch contains 2 servings of fruits and vegetables and just 35 calories. Mix these into any smoothie, drink or recipe of your choice to boost the nutritional value of your foods! It can certainly be exhausting, not to mention costly, trying to get high quality superfoods that your body needs daily. ALOHA makes it easy and simple to get what you need (and more), all in one convenient pouch.

If you have more of a sweet tooth, why not try the Free Trial of Superfood Chocolate? You will receive 1 full-size chocolate bar with your trial, which contains 1 serving of fruits and vegetables, is sweetened only with coconut sugar, and is made with 60% fair-trade-cacao. Don't miss your chance to experience this tasty yet beneficial superfood!

If you become instantly hooked on their products, they also offer Free Shipping on all orders over $50. Head on over to ALOHA.com today!