
The post This Baked Oatmeal Tastes Exactly Like A Snickerdoodle And is Packed with Protein appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
]]>As the weather gets cooler, you may be feeling over your standby smoothie or yogurt parfait. But luckily, there are plenty of other healthy breakfast options to fuel your mornings. One of my favorites is baked oatmeal, and while traditional baked oatmeal recipes are low on protein, I’ve packed this recipe with HUM’s Core Strength, a plant-based vanilla protein powder. It tastes just like a warm snickerdoodle cookie.
This vegan baked oatmeal uses flax, applesauce, and protein powder (instead of egg) to boost the protein and bind the oatmeal together. It’s the perfect protein-packed make-ahead breakfast—eat it warm or cold, add a splash of milk, or drizzle with almond butter.
The cinnamon sugar sprinkle that tops the warm and gooey cinnamon vanilla baked oatmeal gets caramelized in the oven and adds to the snickerdoodle cookie vibe. If you need a lower sugar option, you can also substitute monk fruit.

Rolled oats make the base of your baked oatmeal. They are a great source of whole grains and soluble fiber. I don’t recommend steel-cut or quick oats for this recipe.
I recommend HUM Nutrition’s Core Strength vanilla plant-based protein powder for the best results. It’s made from a combination of pumpkin, hemp, and pea protein that packs in 20 grams of protein per serving.
In addition to the easily digestible blend of plant-based protein, it also supports digestion with the addition of digestive enzymes and probiotics. Digestive enzymes improve digestion and nutrient absorption while L. acidophilus is the most researched probiotic strain for gut health.
Ground flax acts as a binder and replaces the eggs in this baked oatmeal. No need to make a flax egg before adding it to the mixture. Together with the oats, the flax absorbs enough liquid to hold the oatmeal together. Flax seed provides both soluble and insoluble fiber.
I recommend a natural almond butter made from just almonds. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are my favorites to use in recipes. The best substitution is cashew butter but any nut or seed butter will work here if you’re in a pinch.
Unsweetened applesauce adds a touch of sweetness and helps bind the oats together. You can also sub banana for more of a snickerdoodle oatmeal banana bread.
This Snickerdoodle Protein Baked Oatmeal is the perfect healthy make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings! It’s gluten-free, vegan, and packed with protein using HUM Nutrition Core Strength vegan vanilla protein powder.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
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]]>The post This Chickpea Noodle Soup Recipe Is As Cozy As It Gets appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
]]>This vegan noodle soup ticks all the boxes when it comes to the flavor and comfort of classic chicken noodle soup—all the while being completely plant-based.
Hearty chickpeas and vegetable broth replace chicken and chicken broth to make this a vegan soup that anyone will love! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting soup when you’re under the weather, this soup will soon become your go-to!
Here’s what makes this chickpea soup recipe a healthy cold-weather staple.
Also called mirepoix, this colorful medley of veggies provides lots of flavor and nutrients to this hearty vegan noodle soup.
First, onions are a good source of vitamin C, B6, biotin, chromium, and fiber. Second, carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A in the form of beta carotene. They also contain a high amount of vitamin K, biotin, and fiber.
Lastly, celery is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, and also a good source of potassium, folic acid, vitamins B6 and B1.
Additionally, each of these vegetables contain antioxidants with protective properties that can support your health.

This fragrant allium does more than provide flavor. Garlic contains plant compounds that promote a healthy immune system, among other health benefits. In fact, research indicates that garlic can reduce the length of cold symptoms by 70 percent.
If you ask me, that’s a pretty good reason to go heavy on the garlic when cooking during cold and flu season!
This hearty bean (aka garbanzo) is an easy replacement for chicken in this soup. Plus, it’s also packed with nutritional value.
A cup of cooked chickpeas provides 15 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber, which helps keep you feeling full longer. Chickpeas are also a good source of vitamins and minerals including iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, folate and vitamin A.
In this chickpea soup recipe, noodles provide energy in the form of carbohydrates. The amount of carbohydrates and fiber will vary depending on the type of flour used to make the pasta.
Then, in regards to pasta shape, choose your own adventure! Pasta comes in all shapes and sizes, so have fun with it! While smaller pasta works better for this recipe, if spaghetti noodles are all you have, simply break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup.
Tip: Looking for even more protein? Try using pasta noodles made from chickpeas or lentils.
Opt for a low-sodium vegetable broth or stock. Bonus points if you make your own! Doing so lowers its sodium content and allows you to adjust the salt to your taste before serving.
While we need sodium to survive, the Standard American Diet exceeds the recommended daily intake of less than 2,300 milligrams. (That’s mainly through the overconsumption of processed foods that use salt or different sources of sodium for flavor and preservation.)
Tip: If your soup needs more flavor but you want to cut back on sodium, try seasoning with more thyme, pepper, or even adding a squeeze of fresh lemon!
Rest assured that this chickpea soup recipe will give you the comfort you crave—without missing the meat.
It comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Most of the “work” comes from chopping the carrots, celery, and onion. After that, it’s pretty much hands-off!
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]]>The post A Dietitian’s Healthy Dark Chocolate Bark Recipe appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
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includes 36 milligrams of PACs for this very reason.)
Tip: Since fresh cranberries taste quite tart, it’s best to cook them with a low-glycemic sugar. Otherwise, opt for dried cranberries, which often pack a touch of added sugar to balance out the tartness. Pairing the dried cranberries with sweet chocolate (like in this dark chocolate bark recipe) also helps balance out the tart flavor.
There are two ways to prep this dark chocolate bark recipe: microwave or stovetop. Both options are included below.
Topping Variations
While this dark chocolate bark recipe is themed for the holidays with red, green, and white ingredients, you can easily customize it to your liking, no matter the time or occasion.
So if you don’t have these specific ingredients on hand (or want to go rogue), feel free to customize with whatever toppings you like.
Other options for chocolate bark toppings include:
Regardless of the toppings you choose, chocolate bark deserves a spot on your celebratory treat rotation. It’s delicious, easy to make, and great for gifting—whether for the holidays or just because.
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]]>The post The Best Supplements for Immunity, According to an RD appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
]]>You can help your immune system function optimally all year long by being proactive. First and foremost, making healthy lifestyle choices by consuming nutritious foods should be a top priority. Add in exercising and getting enough sleep, and you have a solid immune-boosting foundation. However, it’s understandable to want extra support.
Enter: vitamins for immune support. Taking immune-boosting supplements can further keep your health in tip-top shape.
Probiotics, vitamin D, vitamin C, and multivitamins are among the best supplements for the immune system. Not only are they backed by science, but you can also easily incorporate these supplements daily.
Keep reading to learn more.

With 70 percent of your immune cells located in the gut, it’s no surprise that research supports the link between gut health and immune function. The gut houses and produces an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA). This antibody supports mucous production and immune defenses in both the lungs and the gut.
In addition, your gut barrier is your first line of defense against pathogens in your intestinal tract. The microbes that inhabit your gut also help maintain the barrier. These good bacteria secrete antimicrobial chemicals to destroy pathogens, while also providing fuel (as short-chain fatty acids) to tighten junctions between intestinal cells.
Basically, they work around the clock to keep your gut barrier strong.
Best probiotic for the immune system: One of the best ways to support your gut and optimize your immune system is to take a daily probiotic like Gut Instinct. Among the best supplements for immunity, Gut Instinct packs 10 acid-resistant probiotics stains with 25 billion CFUs per capsule.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can improve innate and adaptive immune responses.
The process begins with vitamin D activating the white blood cells that are part of your body’s innate and adaptive immune response. These cells are located throughout the body, including those lining the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Once these cells are activated, they’re able to fight off viruses and bacteria that can compromise your health.
Next, some research indicates daily or weekly vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of certain respiratory conditions. The greatest prevention occurs in individuals who are highly deficient in vitamin D.
Best vitamin D supplement for immunity: The best way to get enough of this immune-boosting vitamin (while still saving your skin!) is through supplements. Here Comes the Sun is HUM’s vegan vitamin D formula that contains the RDA of 2,000 IUs of vitamin D3. Since the body produces vitamin D3, it naturally prefers this form.

Vitamin C, aka ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant in the body. It may boost your immune system by:
Next, it’s a common misconception that vitamin C prevents the common cold. Now although vitamin C may not keep you from catching a cold, taking 600 to 800 milligrams of it may decrease the severity and length of cold symptoms.
Best vitamin C supplements for immunity: Esterified vitamin C, which binds ascorbic acid to fatty acids in order to enhance absorption, is included in Air Patrol. This highly absorbable form of vitamin C will allow you to feel confident that your body keeps what it needs.
If you prefer vitamin C gummies instead, you’ll want to check out Boost Sweet Boost. These (super tasty!) vegan berry gummies also pack zinc and elderberry extract, both of which are known to support immunity.

All vitamins and minerals play a role in your overall well-being. Your body needs a certain amount of each of the essential nutrients to function optimally.
Ideally, you’ll get these nutrients through the food you eat. Yet unfortunately, most Americans don’t eat in a way that provides the proper amount of these nutrients daily. On top of that, there are many factors that pose difficulty for individuals to meet their needs—even within healthy, well-rounded diets.
A daily multivitamin can give you the extra support you need to help fill in gaps from your diet. Think of a multivitamin as an insurance policy.
To meet your daily vitamin and mineral needs, aim to eat a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods, such as:
From there, adding in your multivitamin for immune support will help ensure you’re meeting your needs and creating a well-rounded foundation.
Best multivitamin for the immune system: HUM’s Base Control is a highly absorbable, vegetarian multivitamin that’s available in two forms (with and without iron). That way, you can personalize your multivitamin to your individual needs. Base Control delivers 22 essential nutrients—14 of them providing 100 percent of your RDA—plus a little extra for water-soluble nutrients like B6, B12, and vitamin C.
In addition to taking the best immune-boosting vitamins above, try to incorporate some (if not all!) of these nutrition and lifestyle practices to stay healthy.

To reiterate, the best supplements for immunity include probiotics, vitamin C, vitamin D and multivitamins. Fortunately, they can help protect your immunity from the inside out.
However, it’s important to make sure you’re also focusing on healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits to take a proactive approach to optimizing your well-being—especially during cold and flu season.
Above all, maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and get enough sleep to create a solid foundation for keeping your immune system healthy.
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]]>The post An RD’s Guide to the Best Vitamins for Glowing Skin appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
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]]>The post The Top Hyaluronic Acid Foods for Hydrated Skin appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
]]>Hyaluronic acid gets a lot of attention in the beauty industry—and for good reason. When applied topically, it can benefit your skin’s appearance by locking in moisture and keeping your skin hydrated. The end result? Plump, hydrated skin that seriously glows.
While it’s more commonly applied topically, research shows that ingesting hyaluronic acid foods and supplements can support your skin by reducing the formation of wrinkles. These HA-rich foods can also increase collagen production, keep tissues and joints well-lubricated, and aid in wound healing.By incorporating hyaluronic acid into your diet, you can support fresh, hydrated skin and a healthy body. Keep reading to discover the top hyaluronic acid foods.

Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a large chain of sugar molecules found throughout the entire body. However, you can find the most concentrated sources of hyaluronic acid in the skin, connective tissues, and the synovial fluid that lubricates your joints.
This molecule attracts over 1,000 times its weight in water, making it the gold standard for hydration and retaining moisture.
As you age, your body breaks down naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid and also produces less of it. This process plays a role in some of the most visible signs of aging, such as dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, as well as joint pain.
Here’s the good news: You can proactively slow down this process by incorporating certain foods and supplements to help your body replenish your hyaluronic acid levels.
Wondering what the best source of hyaluronic acid is? Since hyaluronic acid is distributed around cells and helps form connective tissues, it’s widely found in animals like cows, fish, and chicken.The best hyaluronic acid food sources come from animals, but there are plant-based and vegan source of hyaluronic acid.
Since hyaluronic acid is distributed around cells and helps form connective tissues, it’s widely found in humans and animals like cows, fish, and chicken.
Despite popular belief, plants don’t contain hyaluronic acid. It also doesn’t exist in fungi or insects. Therefore, the best hyaluronic acid food sources come from animals.

Bone broth is the best food source of hyaluronic acid.
This golden elixir comes from cooking the bones of animals like chicken, beef, and fish in water over time. The slow-cooking process breaks down the bones, skin, cartilage, and ligaments of animals. As a result, their nutrients—including hyaluronic acid and collagen—release.
You can sip on bone broth for a nutrient-rich beverage. Alternatively, you can use it to cook in place of the water, broth, or stock in soups, stews, grains, and beans. (Added bonus: It’s one of the top immune-boosting soup ingredients out there.)
The organs of most livestock, as well as the eyeballs of fish, are potent natural sources of hyaluronic acid.
While eating organs like liver can help your body maintain its hyaluronic acid stores, these foods don’t typically show up in Western diets. The good news? You don’t have to rely on organ meats and eyeballs to boost your hyaluronic acid production.
Hyaluronic acid supplements and topical creams often contain hyaluronic acid from animals. That said, there are also vegan sources of hyaluronic acid, which are derived from bacteria and yeasts that undergo a fermentation process. (HUM’s own vegan hyaluronic acid supplement packs HA produced by microbial fermentation.)
There are also plant-blased sources of hyaluronic acid, such as chlorella (green algae infected by the chlorovirus). This fermentation process typically produces hyaluronic acid with a small molecular weight that’s ideal for benefits for your skin.
Many sources claim that plants contain hyaluronic acid. However, they lack supporting research.
While plant sources may not naturally pack hyaluronic acid, many contain nutrients that still support hyaluronic acid production. Think of them as the building blocks for HA. These include naringenin, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and phytoestrogens.
Here are some of the top vegan- and vegetarian-friendly foods that can ultimately boost your body’s production of hyaluronic acid.

Narin-what? Don’t be alarmed if you haven’t heard of naringenin. This bioactive compound doesn’t get a lot of attention, yet it plays an important role in preserving hyaluronic acid. Naringenin functions by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid in the body.
Good sources of naringenin include grapefruit, oranges, and tomatoes.
By know you likely know that vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in the body. But it also works to protect and also enhance your body’s hyaluronic acid and collagen levels.
Both citrus fruits and berries are excellent sources of vitamin C. For example, one Cara cara orange or one cup of strawberries contain over 100 percent of your daily recommendation for vitamin C.
Not a fan of oranges or berries? Don’t worry! You can get still get your daily dose with other good sources of vitamin C, which include kiwis, avocados, cherries, mangoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers.
Fun fact: Sweet potatoes can help promote a restful night’s sleep thanks to the magnesium they contain. This mineral helps support and maintain hyaluronic acid levels.
This connection was discovered by Dr. Toyosuki Kimori, who noticed that residents of Yuzurihara, Japan maintained fresh and bouncy skin. His research found that those who ate a diet rich in starchy root vegetables like sweet potatoes had higher-than-average HA levels.
Since these tubers don’t contain hyaluronic acid, it’s thought that their high levels of magnesium and other nutrients like vitamin C encourage the body to produce hyaluronic acid.

Greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard contain a good amount of magnesium. Just like with sweet potatoes, this mineral—along with the other vitamins and minerals found in greens—helps support hyaluronic acid production.
If you’re dreading the idea of eating a daily salad, try incorporating your greens in a smoothie. You can also sauté them in olive oil with other vitamin C-rich veggies, like bell peppers and broccoli, for extra support for your skin. Or, make a baked salad for a comforting, cozy meal.
Another food that increases hyaluronic acid levels naturally? Beans. These powerhouse plant proteins are packed with vitamins and minerals, especially magnesium and zinc.
It’s worth noting that low levels of zinc can accelerate hyaluronic acid loss. For that reason, in order to maintain your HA levels, incorporate foods rich in zinc. These include beans and other legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
The fact that soy can help support hyaluronic acid levels is one of the many reasons you shouldn’t fear whole-food sources of soy (like tofu!).
Soy contains isoflavones, which help to increase estrogen levels in the body. This process naturally promotes hyaluronic acid production. In fact, one study shows that participants who ate soy isoflavones daily for 12 weeks noticed fewer wrinkles and improved skin elasticity.
You can also get an additional hyaluronic acid boost from fermented soy products like miso, soy sauce, tempeh, and natto. The bacteria used to ferment these products release hyaluronic acid, making them a decent source to get your HA fix.
Even if you regularly eat plant-based foods that support HA production, taking a hyaluronic acid supplement provides your body with a concentrated source of skin-supporting nutrients. (Especially because few people drink bone broth or eat organ meats daily.) HUM’s Glow Sweet Glow combines HA with vitamins C and E to help lock moisture into the skin and keep your skin hydrated and glowing, so you can reap the health and skin benefits of hyaluronic acid every day.
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]]>The post A Mango Raspberry Popsicle Recipe for Glowing Skin appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
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This five-ingredient fruit popsicle recipe includes hydrating skin boosters that’ll have you glowing from the inside out.
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]]>The post Do I Need Supplements? 5 Reasons Why You Might appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
]]>Think you don’t need vitamins? You may need to reconsider. Keep reading to find out why supplements can help ensure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Vitamins and minerals are necessary for your well-being. Your body needs a certain amount of each of the essential nutrients to function optimally.
Ideally, you’ll get these nutrients through the food you eat. Yet unfortunately, most Americans aren’t eating in a way that provides the proper amount of these nutrients daily.
In addition, there are many factors that pose difficulty for many individuals to meet their needs—even within healthy, well-rounded diets.
That said, don’t dismiss healthy eating habits. Your main focus should be getting most of the vitamins and minerals you need through food, while using supplements to provide additional nutrients that may be lacking.
There are many different types of supplements, including:
Of all the supplements, the most common types are vitamin and mineral supplements. That’s largely because vitamins and minerals are considered essential micronutrients the body needs in order to function properly.

Since your diet may lack important micronutrients, the purpose of taking supplements is to better support your health. They can help meet your daily recommendations or provide a more concentrated amount of nutrients than you’re able to get through food alone.
The following list is far from conclusive. However, it includes some of the most common reasons why you need vitamins and can benefit from taking supplements:
Let’s take a closer look at five main reasons why you may need to supplement.

It’s important to be mindful of nutrients that your diet may lack once you cut out certain food groups.
Whether you’re following a diet like vegan, paleo, or keto—or otherwise have to cut out certain foods groups like gluten or dairy due to allergies or intolerances—you’re at a higher risk of not getting specific nutrients.
For instance, vegans and vegetarians need to be particularly mindful about getting quality sources of B12, iron, zinc, and iodine.
Similarly, paleo and dairy-free diets may need extra calcium and vitamin D, since dairy products make it easier to meet the daily requirement of these nutrients.
Additionally, grains are an excellent source of B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium.
Depending on your particular eating style, you may consider supplementing with specific nutrients. Otherwise, an easier solution is to take a high-quality multivitamin that covers the essential daily nutrients.
However, remember that a multivitamin doesn’t replace nutritious foods. Instead, it can help fill in the gaps.
Individuals over the age of 50 have increased needs for calcium, vitamin D, and B12.
Vitamin D and calcium are especially important for post-menopausal women since they’re at increased risk for loss of bone density due to hormonal changes. A daily calcium/D3 supplement can help minimize this risk.
In addition, older adults sometimes have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food, which can also lead to a deficiency. For that reason, taking a daily B12 supplement is advised.
No matter which diet you follow, the food you eat isn’t as nutrient-dense as it once was.
Over the years, conventional farming has led to over-farmed land in the name of profit. Without proper crop rotation, the soil starts to lose nutrients, resulting in nutrient depletion in our food supply.
Research shows that nutrients affected by soil depletion include protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin, and vitamin C. Other nutrients plants absorb from the soil that may also be affected include magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.
Unfortunately, this large-scale problem requires intentional change among farmers. Still, don’t let it deter you from eating your fruits and vegetables.

Nutritional needs for several nutrients increase during pregnancy and lactation. These times are critical for (future and new) moms to ensure they meet the daily requirements, as these nutrients are essential for the baby’s proper growth and development.
With that in mind, the importance of prenatal vitamins—and postnatal, for that matter—cannot be understated. The most important vitamins for expecting and new mothers include folic acid, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and DHA.
Most women of childbearing age should consider a multivitamin with additional folic acid or folate supplement. Taking a prenatal vitamin that contains folate or folic acid while pregnant or lactating can help meet the increased needs.
Supplements don’t replace the importance of a well-balanced diet that includes fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. That said, you need essential daily nutrients to maintain good health, and supplements can surely help.
If this all seems overwhelming, don’t panic! A registered dietitian can help determine if you fall under one of these categories and make personalized recommendations for you.
However, it’s always best to review nutrient concerns with your doctor, especially if you’re on other medications. While supplements are beneficial, more isn’t always better!
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