Naturologie

01/28/2026

Practicing gratitude can shift our mindset and improve our overall outlook on life. Research shows that regularly expressing gratitude provides significant health and mental benefits, including:

✔ stronger immune systems
✔ lower blood pressure
✔ better quality sleep
✔ more positive emotions
✔ less stress
✔ healthier relationships
✔ enhanced empathy
✔ more mindfulness
✔ improved overall well-being

When we practice gratitude, we intentionally choose to focus on the positive parts of our lives and the world around us. It doesn't mean we pretend negative things don’t exist. Instead, practicing gratitude shifts our attention to the good, which improves our lives and the lives of others.

01/24/2026

These parmesan kale chips make a great snack or the perfect accompaniment to your favorite soup or salad. And these are a breeze to make, to boot! Bon Appétit!
This recipe has been adapted from stephanieain.com.

PARMESAN KALE CRISPS

1 bunch kale
2 c. parmesan cheese, finely shredded
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/8 t. cayenne pepper, or to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Wash and dry kale and trim off stems. Place kale leaves in a food processor and pulse to finely chop. Measure chopped kale by lightly pressing into a measuring cup and then put in a medium-sized bowl.

Finely shred and measure the parmesan cheese and add to mixing bowl. (Fresh, finely grated parmesan cheese works best. The pre-shredded parmesan cheese sold in stores is generally too coarse and doesn’t melt as well.)

Add garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper to the bowl and mix until well blended.

Using a tablespoon, spoon mixture into small piles onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes, or until lightly browned. These crisp up more upon cooling.

01/21/2026

01/21/2026

01/17/2026

Phytonutrients are colorful, natural plant compounds that serve functions within the plant itself, such as protecting against pests and environmental stressors and providing color, distinctive tastes, and scents.

In the human body, phytonutrients stimulate enzymes that help eliminate toxins, strengthen the immune system, improve cardiovascular health, promote healthy estrogen metabolism, and trigger cancer cell death.

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of phytonutrients, along with whole grains, legumes, herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, and teas. Phytonutrients in food come in all different colors—green, yellow-orange, red, blue-purple, and white.

Aiming for one to two servings of each color daily is a healthy goal. Starting with color is the first basic step in developing a healthy eating pattern. It is the foundation of all functional medicine food plans, as plants serve as good medicine for preventing and treating chronic disease.

01/14/2026

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism. Thyroid hormones stimulate our cells to generate energy.

A comprehensive approach to evaluating and treating thyroid conditions involves a thorough blood test that examines all thyroid hormones and thyroid antibodies to assess potential immune attack and damage to the thyroid gland.

A low-functioning thyroid (called hypothyroidism) can be hard to diagnose and treat because symptoms are often vague, develop slowly over time, and may be mistaken for other conditions.

If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder or suspect that you have a thyroid problem, it is important to work with a physician well-versed in the different options for evaluation and treatment.

01/03/2026

It’s easier to prepare healthy and nutritious meals and snacks when your kitchen is stocked with wholesome options. When stocking your kitchen, choose what’s in season, opt for organic when possible, use healthy fats like olive oil or avocado oil, and ensure there’s plenty of produce and simple proteins ready to eat.

12/31/2025

Although fats have been historically vilified, they are a vital part of a healthy diet, whether derived from animal or plant sources. To optimize health benefits, experts advise replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats whenever possible.

Health benefits associated with unsaturated fats include improved blood lipid levels, reduced inflammation, and support for the brain, heart, and nervous system.

𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝘀 consist of 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 and 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝘆𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 fats.

𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 fats can be found in plant-based oils (olive, avocado, canola, peanut), avocados, peanut butter, nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews), and seeds (sesame, pumpkin, sunflower).

𝗣𝗼𝗹𝘆𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 fats include 𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮-𝟯 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗱𝘀 and 𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮-𝟲 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗱𝘀. These fats are “essential”, meaning that you must get this type of fat from the food that you eat.

𝗢𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮-𝟯 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗱𝘀 are found in oily fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies), plant-based oils (canola, soybean, walnut, and flaxseed), seeds (chia, h**p, and flax), and walnuts. Omega-3s help prevent cardiovascular disease, largely by reducing inflammation. Omega-3s also benefit brain, eye, joint, and mental health.

𝗢𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮-𝟲 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗱𝘀 are found in plant-based oils (corn, cottonseed, peanut, soybean, and sunflower), tofu, peanut butter, eggs, nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews), and seeds (sunflower, pumpkin). Omega-6s can improve blood lipids and the body’s insulin sensitivity.

12/27/2025

This no-bake, dairy-free recipe combines a delicious walnut and date crust with a creamy chocolate top layer. Enjoy!

This recipe has been adapted from thatcleanlife.com.

NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE WALNUT BARS

1 c. walnuts
1 c. pitted dates, soaked and drained
--
1/2 c. raw cashews, soaked and drained
1 c. canned coconut milk
2 T. cacao powder
2 T. maple syrup
1 t. vanilla extract
1/8 t. sea salt

Prep Work:
Place the dates in a small bowl and cover with water. Set aside for an hour.

Place the cashews in a separate small bowl and cover with water. Set aside for an hour.

Line a small pan with parchment paper (we used an 8”round pan).

Make the Crust:
Drain the dates and add to food processor. Add the walnuts and pulse to blend into a crumbly mixture. Using wet hands to prevent sticking, press this mixture into the parchment lined pan. Place into freezer while making the chocolate top layer.

Make the Chocolate Top Layer:
Drain the cashews and add to blender. Add the coconut milk, cacao power, maple syrup, vanilla, and sea salt. Blend until smooth.

Put it All Together:
Get the crust out of the freezer and pour the chocolate mixture on the top. Smooth out if needed. Freeze for at least two hours.

For Serving:
Let the bars thaw for a few minutes before cutting. Garnish with chopped walnuts and chocolate shavings if desired. Eat while still cold, and store leftovers in the freezer.

12/24/2025

A strong, well-functioning immune system is crucial for maintaining good health. We often notice that during certain times of the year, seasonal changes bring a wave of contagious illnesses or allergies that make the immune system more vulnerable than usual. Since prevention is always better than cure, it makes sense to strengthen the immune system to protect against attacks, from the common cold to more serious diseases.

Naturologie’s Immune Boost is perfect for supporting your body’s natural defense system and includes a combination of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc, NAC, and Quercetin.

Immune Boost is available for purchase at this link: https://store.naturologie.com/immune-boost/

12/20/2025

Saturated fats have received a bad reputation. Recent studies challenge the traditional advice to avoid saturated fat, and it's evident that saturated fats are not as unhealthy as we once thought.

Not all saturated fats affect your health equally—it depends on the source and what you eat it with. Many foods high in saturated fat, such as grass-fed dairy, coconut, grass-fed beef, and lamb, can be part of a healthy whole-food diet. However, consuming saturated fat-rich processed foods (e.g., fried foods, sweets, fast food, etc.) can have negative health effects and should be limited.

Many benefits for heart health are associated with unsaturated fats, and replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats where possible is generally recommended to optimize these health advantages.

12/17/2025

A good way to reduce reliance on “comfort foods” and to minimize impulse purchases is to plan, plan, plan! Mix things up and look for new recipes that are both tasty and balanced.

Having a grocery list (along with not going while hungry!) is essential for shopping trips. We all know what happens when we go into a store feeling hungry and without a plan for what to buy.