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Health Blog

Outdoor Party Recipes!

Now that your event is equipped with all the best gadgetry to create the perfect outdoor party ambience, let’s talk food and drinks!

I would say as a semi-frequent outdoor partygoer, the most important thing is to keep your guests feeling cool. At least cool enough to want to hangout in your backyard all day! So my first suggestion is having cold and or frozen drinks/smoothies as beverage options (non-alcoholic of course). 

Since your guests now only have one free hand, my next suggestion is having appetizers that can be finger food or can be stuck with a toothpick. These types of appetizers are perfect for parties where people are walking around and visiting with one another. But keep in mind they are usually only big enough for a bite or two, so be sure to make plenty!

To help you get a party menu started I’ve put together my Top 3 outdoor party recipes from our KBA recipe e-book!

All of the recipes below, along with many others, can be found in our FREE Supplement Recipe E-book. Download it today!

Download here: https://kiknbacassets.com/e-books/

Cold Mint and Lemon Tea

SERVES: 4

Prep time          Mix time          Total time

3 min                 2 min               5 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 leaves fresh mint

• 3 cups black tea, cold

• 1 lemon peel

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (or to taste)

• 1 peach, pitted and sliced

• 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)

• 4 teaspoons KBA Pine Pollen Powder supplement

• 2 cups ice cubes for serving

Directions

1. Place all ingredients (except ice) in a blender.

2. Blend for 1 minute or until desired consistency is reached.

3. Add ice, pour into glasses and serve.

Tips

◊ Instead of black tea, you can use: green, white, Pu-erh, oolong, red, fruit or yellow. Each tea type adds to the smell, taste, and gives the drink a different color!

◊ Looking for alternatives for peach, you can use 1/2-1 cup of your favorite berries or other fruits.

Sunny Day Smoothie

SERVES: 4

Prep time           Mix time           Total time

5 min                  2 min                7 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 medium oranges

• 1 medium grapefruit

• 1 medium apple, chopped

• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon turmeric, ground

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

• 1 tablespoon ginger root, grated

• 10 cubes ice

• 2 cups skim milk

• 4 teaspoons KBA Pine Pollen

Powder supplement

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender.

2. Blend for 1 minute or until desired consistency is reached.

3. Add more milk or water as needed.

4. Pour into glasses and serve.

Tips

◊ Instead of using skim milk you can try rice, almond, soy, flax, coconut, or low-fat yogurt.

◊ For more flavor, you can add more cinnamon (2 teaspoons instead of 1), ginger root (2 tablespoons instead of 1), nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon) and chia seeds (2 tablespoons) or a dash of vanilla extract.

◊ If you want more of a sweet taste, add honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon)

Healthy Protein Balls

SERVES: 4

Prep time        Mix time        Total time

5 min               2 min            7 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ cup oats, steel cut

• ¼ cup raw cocoa powder,

unsweetened

• 2 tablespoons flax seed ground

(mixed with 4 tablespoons water)

• ¼  cup chia seeds

• ½  cup dates, chopped

• ¼ cup almond nuts

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

• 4 teaspoons KBA Pine Pollen

Powder supplement

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients. Stir until well combined.

2. Roll into 1inch round or bite-size balls. This should make about 12 oatmeal energy balls. Then put an almond nut on top of each ball.

3. Serve and enjoy! Store the balls covered in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer.

5 Outdoor Party Essentials!

Summer is nearing its end and if you haven’t taken advantage of the sunshine yet, it’s time! One of the easiest ways to enjoy the outdoors and your loved ones is with a good old outdoor party or BBQ! So I’ve created a list of my top 5 party essentials that I believe can help elevate any outdoor party… in addition to delicious food and good company, of course!

1. Reusable Plasticware & Straws

I think it’s time we all graduate from the solo cup and buy a set of outdoor or even just reusable plasticware, for our outdoor gatherings. I suggest getting plates, bowls and cups for soft drinks, but also be sure to get some fun margarita and other plastic cocktail cups for the adults as well. There are tons of pattern options, and small sets aren’t usually that expensive. So if you have a themed party coming up, I’m sure there’s a set out there to match! And don’t forget to also stock up on reusable straws for you and your guests. Using reusable glassware will not only help reduce the amount of trash your parties can produce but you’ll also save money in the long run by not having to restock every year!

2. Portable Bluetooth Speaker

I also think a portable speaker is one of the best things you can have at any party, indoor or outdoor!  What party doesn’t need music, whether for ambience or for getting the party started! And there’s no shortage of speakers you can get either. You’re going to want a Bluetooth speaker, that way anyone’s cell phone can be connected, giving you and your guests the ability to play your favorite playlists.  Be sure to look for water/weather resistant speakers that way it stays safe from the elements during your outdoor get-togethers.

3. Backyard Hammock

After eating a large burger and visiting  with your guests, you may need to take a little rest and relaxation time. One of my favorite things my parents ever bought for the backyard was a self-standing hammock. You don’t need two perfectly spaced trees, there are now many hammocks that can stand up on any flat surface that’ll support its metal frame.  The weightlessness that hammocks provide is great for relaxing and feeling like you’re on a beach, while still in the comfort of your bustling backyard!

4. String Lights & Tiki Torches

If you live in a rather hot and humid climate, you may wait until the sun is far out of view before stepping outside.  Another great way to decorate and illuminate your outdoor party is with some good lighting.  One of my favorite ways to light up any outdoor space, is string lights. Again, there are many types to choose from and most are relatively inexpensive, but they can be used year after year, not to mention for Christmas too! And if you’re trying to light up your entire backyard, and perhaps need to ward off mosquitoes too, try tiki torches! They’ll give your backyard a beach vibe and hopefully help keep your outdoor space bug free all night long.

5. Marshmallow Roasting Sticks

And finally, one of my favorite gadgets to use at outdoor parties are marshmallow roasting sticks! Not only are they great for kids and s’mores, but they can allow everyone to be involved in the cooking process. From hot dogs and bratwurst to fire roasting banana splits, everyone can enjoy cooking over an open flame or grill with a marshmallow roasting stick!

AND KBA offers 2 sets of Marshmallow Roasting Sticks!

One 8 piece set and one 5 piece glow-in-the-dark set, both sets extend up to 45 inches, include a carrying bag and a FREE outdoor recipe e-book!

Follow the link below to learn more!

https://www.amazon.com/Marshmallow-Roasting-Sticks-Long-Book/dp/B077ZDCGSP/ref

Staying Fit Without Exercise

So, I don’t know about you but after being on numerous sports teams since the age of ten, continuing traditional and intense exercise as an adult seems daunting. I know that a rigorous exercise routine will (with a good diet) give me results. But quite honestly, I just don’t want to work that hard anymore!

I’m not overweight and not looking to lose a significant amount, but I want to maintain a more lean physique year-round. To do that, the routine has to be sustainable. So I’ve found 5 methods that, when combined with a balanced diet, help me stay in shape but don’t keep me in the gym!

Yoga

If you have read any of my past blogs, you know what an advocate of yoga I am. I don’t think it’s necessary for everyone to be super flexible and able to do 犀利士 handstands to be healthy and fit. I actually believe that the stretching and mindfulness of yoga are the most beneficial parts. That being said, even just light daily stretching can make such a difference in your circulation, flexibility, mobility and even mood as we age.

Join a Team

Now this may be the last thing some of you want to do but there are actually tons of options! You can join a softball team, a sand volleyball team or even a dance team. Most non-academic teams are not nearly so competitive, this being the case you shouldn’t need any intense conditioning. But this gives you at least 1-2 nights (and some weekends) a week with physical activity and excess calories burned. 

Walk

One of the easiest ways to get in some exercise for the day is to just walk! Besides exploring your neighborhood when you walk your dog, try walking downtown and exploring your own city a bit, I promise you haven’t seen it all. And of course, walk at local parks or even the mall—especially if it has stairs!

Hiking & Biking

And if you have already explored your local city or town to the fullest and are ready to branch out, start with local hiking trails. You’d be surprised just how many are out there. Some for motorized vehicles and others for mountain bikers, hikers and even mountain climbers.  And if you have a bike just collecting dust in the garage but aren’t much for mountain trails, ride it everywhere else! Whether it’s for simple errands or just to get out of the house, every little bit helps!

Diet

And everyone’s least favorite word, diet! I’ve done plenty of diets growing up and into my adult years, and I’ve found out that I can’t stick with them long term. So I gave up trying to create meal plans for myself and started focusing more on portion control rather than restricting certain foods. I try to make sure I’m getting enough protein, carbs and fats, but I still also enjoy the foods I love just in smaller doses!

All in all, I don’t think rigorous exercise has to be a part of your life forever, you can certainly pull back on your hours at the gym. However, you’ve got to replace that activity with something else, even if all it is is walking the dog more often throughout the day. Just look for simple ways to stay on your feet daily and quite honestly, out of the house!

Shield Your Summer Strands!

From the very beginning our hair is put through a lot. Every time you use a hot tool, brush while wet, or even stay in the sun too long, your hair’s health suffers. Now I’m not saying that the sun is doing the same amount of damage as your curling iron, but if like me, you plan on getting outdoors as much as possible, you may need to consider how you can shield your strands from excess summer damage.

Summer Sun Protection

Like some, I love the summer lightening effect the sun has on my hair, but unfortunately this is a sign of sun damage.  Having your hair exposed to the sun for long periods of time can be very damaging to your scalp and hair.  Especially since more often than not, when lying out during the summer, your first priority is protecting your skin with SPF. But believe it or not your hair could use protection too!

Don’t fret, there are a few things you can do to protect your strands while still frolicking in the sun. The first, and most obvious tip is to try to wear a hat or try wrapping up if you plan on exposing your hair to UVA/UVB rays for very long.

But before you even step outside you can add extra protection to your hair. You can actually apply a hair mask that contains SPF for some added protection. And of course find a hair and scalp friendly SPF to either put all over or just in your hair’s parting to avoid a burning, flaking scalp later.

Healthy Summer Hair Tips

First things first, do not wash your hair everyday! Washing your hair everyday strips your hair of its natural oils, which actually do quite a bit to nourish your scalp and hair. This doesn’t mean to not shower daily, just don’t wash your hair with oil stripping shampoo every day because this is likely to dry it out. Shoot for washing your hair 2-3 times a week and use dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair fresh.

Next, if you have never used coconut oil on your hair, you are missing out! My hair gets extremely dry in the summer months, especially if I find myself at a beach or near salt water. So I will use a coconut oil mask twice a weak, (on days that I wash my hair) to really lock moisture into the strands. This mask obviously does not contain SPF, so if protection is your main concern, do at least one SPF mask a week as well.

Last but not least, find a good hair, skin, and nail supplement. It’s just as important to give your hair what it needs on the surface as it is to provide for it from the inside out. Along with eating a well balanced diet, it’s important to make sure your hair has enough of the vitamins and minerals it needs to grow strong. Vitamins that can help restore hair health are: Vitamin A, B-Vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. And be sure you’re drinking plenty of water to keep your body, skin and hair hydrated from within.

Don’t avoid the sun or the outdoors this summer, soak up as much Vitamin D as possible. Just be sure you’re protecting yourself from the elements and giving your hair a fighting chance!

Protect Your Summer Skin!

I’m sure you have heard this multiple times in your life—because I know I have— your skin is your body’s largest organ! And during the summer months, when the sun is out most of the day, caution must be taken to protect that organ.

Our skin is also the easiest organ to damage, since it is your outer most layer, it is your body’s first line of defense and plays a huge role in protecting your other organs. 

We get scrapes, bruises, scars and plenty of sunburns as we grow up, but regardless of your age, protecting your skin needs to be a priority 365 days a year!

Daily Sun Damage

Skin damage in general is quite difficult to reverse naturally, so if you can prevent damage up front, you’ll save yourself headaches and probably money in the long run.

Every time you go out into the sun without some sort of SPF you could be damaging your skin. I know that is terrible news for those of us who love to lay out and get a good tan, but unfortunately it is the truth!

Now, that being said, we need Vitamin D and the sun to survive, and being active outdoors is also important, but do your best to keep from baking in the sun with no protection.  Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, hats etc., and skip any sort of tanning bed in favor of spray tans or at home self tanner—if like me, having some color in the summer months is your preference.

Topical Protection

If being tan is of little or no concern to you, then perhaps

just making daily moisturizing  and SPF a priority is all you need to do. But you may need to be pickier than normal when deciding on what products to use.

My suggestion is to find a very rich and thick moisturizer for your body and a more lightweight, non-pore clogging, high SPF one, for your face!

Unfortunately I’ve found finding a face friendly SPF to be very difficult due to having sensitive and acne prone skin. So I usually lean more towards mineral based sunscreens, which use natural minerals (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) to deflect sunrays, rather than harsh chemicals that can be found in other sunscreens.

Sensational Skin Vitamins

While topical protection and moisture are super important and no doubt will help protect your skin from the sun, focusing on what goes in your body is important as well. This means your daily diet and even the vitamins you take.

To improve your skin through diet, you’ll need to add more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats onto your plate, and avoid refined sugars and simple carbs.

But if you feel that even after adjusting your diet accordingly you’re not seeing much improvement, perhaps you need to turn to vitamins and supplements that can help make up for what your diet is lacking.

Here is a list of the top 7 Vitamins that can improve your skin’s health:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin D
  •  Vitamins K
  • Vitamins B3
  • Vitamin B5

And don’t worry there are many supplements out there that focus on skin health and contain many of the vitamins you need to improve it from the inside out. These supplements can be easily added into your skin care routine and can help keep your skin looking and feeling it’s best all year round!