Pure Balanced Life Blog
Stop Cravings: Understanding the Science Behind Cravings
Cravings aren’t a sign of weakness—they’re communication. They are your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right — you have an imbalance. Correct the imbalance and you’ve stopped the craving. by Heather Holker | Microbiome Health Specialist and Co-Founder of LIVEDEN Your body is intelligent. Every craving is its way of saying, “Something is missing.”When the body is in balance—receiving the nutrients it needs—those signals naturally quiet down. When it’s not, cravings become louder and more frequent. Behind the Science Let’s look at what’s really happening inside your body when you crave different things: Craving Sugar Sugar cravings often stem from unstable blood sugar. When you eat refined carbohydrates or go too long without food, your blood sugar rises and then crashes—leaving you tired, foggy, and in need of a quick pick-me-up. Your brain depends on glucose as its main energy source, so when levels drop, it sends an urgent signal: “Feed me something sweet—now!” Unfortunately, responding with sugar only perpetuates the rollercoaster. The solution lies in balancing blood sugar naturally—through steady nutrient intake, adequate protein, fiber, and minerals that slow glucose absorption and stabilize energy. Craving Salt Salt cravings are one of the clearest signs of mineral deficiency. Your body uses minerals synergistically—they don’t work in isolation. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium all help regulate hydration, nerve function, and muscle contraction. When one mineral is depleted (often magnesium or potassium), your body craves sodium to rebalance. It’s the body’s way of trying to correct an electrolyte imbalance and restore stability in your cells. This is why true hydration isn’t just about water—it’s about ionic minerals that help water enter the cells and support energy production. Craving Simple Carbohydrates Craving bread, chips, or crackers? That’s your body seeking quick energy. Simple carbohydrates are rapidly digested and give a short-term boost in blood glucose. But like sugar, this fix is fleeting—it doesn’t solve the underlying imbalance. Consistent cravings for simple carbs usually point to low cellular energy or nutrient deficiencies—particularly in B vitamins, magnesium, and amino acids that support metabolism and steady energy release. Craving When You’re Dehydrated One of the most common—but least recognized—causes of cravings is dehydration. Water is essential for every process in the body—from nutrient transport to detoxification and energy production. When you’re not properly hydrated, your body can misinterpret the signal for thirst as hunger or cravings, especially for simple carbohydrates or sugary drinks that provide quick fluid or energy. Even mild dehydration can impact focus, energy, and mood. By replenishing both water and electrolytes, you restore balance at a cellular level—helping your body stop sending those false “feed me” signals and return to true equilibrium. Craving Caffeine or Alcohol Some cravings are learned or addictive. When we consume stimulating substances like caffeine or alcohol, the brain releases dopamine and serotonin, creating a feel-good chemical reward loop. Over time, we begin to crave the substance—not for nourishment—but to recreate that chemical “high.” This doesn’t mean we lack willpower; it means the body has adapted to what we repeatedly give it. (We’ll dive deeper into this in a future post on breaking free from addictive cravings—because remember, it’s your health. You have the power.) Cravings Are Not a Weakness Cravings are your body’s built-in signal that something is off. When you correct the imbalance, the craving disappears. “A balanced body doesn’t crave.” – Heather Holker The LIVEDEN Difference LIVEDEN BALANCE™ was formulated to do exactly what its name promises—bring the body into balance. When the body is properly nourished, cravings fade because your systems are supported at their foundation: the gut microbiome. Good microbiome health is critical for balance because nutrient absorption is everything. You can eat the healthiest food in the world, but if your gut isn’t functioning properly, your body can’t absorb the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients it needs to thrive. That’s why LIVEDEN BALANCE™ is made to heal and restore the gut microbiome—your foundation for nutrient absorption. Its synergistic blend of plant-based proteins, whole-earth foods and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, and adaptogens works to calm inflammation, improve digestion, and strengthen the gut barrier—allowing your body to truly receive and utilize the nutrients you consume. When Everything is in Balance When your microbiome, minerals, and metabolism are aligned, cravings fade—and clarity, energy, and calm take their place. You feel in control of your body—and that is a beautiful thing. Dial in. Those cravings are little nudges letting you know something isn’t quite right. Bring the body into balance, and everything changes. Body Balanced. Life Changed.™
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How to Get Your Body Back in Sync After Daylight Savings Time
The science behind your circadian rhythm — and how to help your whole family adjust Every fall, we “gain” an hour when Daylight Savings Time ends. It sounds great — an extra hour of sleep! But for many people, that shift leaves you feeling just a little off for days (sometimes even weeks). That’s because while the clock changes instantly, your body’s circadian rhythm — your internal biological clock — takes a little longer to catch up. Let’s dive into what’s actually happening in your body, and how you can get yourself (and your kids!) back in sync naturally. The Science Behind the Shift Your circadian rhythm is a 24-hour internal clock that regulates everything from your sleep-wake cycles to your hormone production, digestion, and energy levels. It’s primarily influenced by light exposure, especially natural sunlight. When we “fall back,” the mornings get lighter earlier and the evenings darker sooner — which can confuse your body’s melatonin and cortisol cycles. Melatonin, the hormone that helps you fall asleep, may start releasing earlier than usual. Cortisol, which helps you wake up, might not ramp up at the right time in the morning. The result? You might feel groggy, hungry at odd times, or wide awake when you should be winding down. Step-by-Step: How to Re-Sync Your Body Naturally Here’s how to help your body recalibrate with the new timing: 1. Get Natural Light First Thing in the Morning Light is the strongest signal for resetting your circadian rhythm. Step outside within 30–60 minutes of waking up — even if it’s cloudy. Natural sunlight tells your brain “It’s morning!” and helps reset your body clock. 2. Limit Artificial Light at Night Phones, TVs, and tablets emit blue light that tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. Try dimming lights and putting screens away an hour before bed to help melatonin rise naturally. 3. Stay Hydrated Fatigue and brain fog often worsen with mild dehydration — and time changes can throw off your body’s normal cues to drink water. Keep your energy steady by sipping throughout the day. (Add a pinch of sea salt or trace minerals for extra support.) 4. Keep Your Sleep and Wake Times Consistent Go to bed and wake up around the same time every day — even on weekends. Consistency strengthens your circadian rhythm and shortens the adjustment period. 5. Get Moving — Outside Exercise boosts serotonin and helps regulate your sleep cycle. Try walking, stretching, or doing your workout outdoors. Movement combined with morning sunlight is the fastest way to get your body back on track. How to Help Your Kids Adjust If you’re a parent, you know that Daylight Savings can throw off everyone’s sleep. Children’s internal clocks are even more sensitive to time shifts — and tired kids mean tired parents. Here’s how to help ease the transition: Shift bedtime gradually. Move bedtime and wake-up time by 10–15 minutes each night for a few days leading up to (and following) the time change. Keep evening routines calm and consistent. Baths, reading, and quiet play signal that it’s time to wind down. Get them outside early. Morning sunlight helps reset kids’ internal clocks too — it’s nature’s best sleep aid. Watch evening light exposure. Keep lights dim after dinner to help melatonin kick in naturally. A few days of intentional adjustment can make all the difference — for your kids and your sanity. Give Your Body Grace It can take about 3–7 days for your body to fully adjust to the new schedule. Be patient, prioritize good sleep, hydration, and time outdoors. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s balance. And remember — when your body is in rhythm, you feel more energized, focused, and grounded. Enjoy that extra hour today. What are you doing with it? ☀️
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An Intentional Fall: Creating Family Traditions That Feel Right
If you’re feeling the need for change this season, you’re not alone. Embrace the beauty of fall with peace, purpose, and connection. Years ago, when our kids were little, I started to really struggle with the idea of Halloween. Watching children walk around as dead cheerleaders and zombies didn’t feel like something I wanted our kids to aspire to. But fall is also such a beautiful time — the change of seasons, the crisp air, the opportunity to gather. There are so many wonderful memories to be made! A Conversation That Changed Everything A recent conversation with a friend inspired me to write this. She was just “done” and had decided to boycott the season — which is understandable. With the commercialization of our holidays, it can sometimes feel easier to just say no and not participate at all. But we also want our kids to experience the joy of the seasons! Holidays can hold some of our best memories — moments that connect us, make us laugh, and remind us what family is all about. Every family is different, and certain traditions will feel right for yours. The key is to be intentional. Don’t just go with the flow. Don’t worry about what others think (because let’s be honest, everyone will have an opinion). Do what feels right for your family. A Peek Into Our Family Fall Traditions 🍁 Our kids love fall and Halloween because of the traditions we’ve created together — the Pumpkin Patch, carving and painting pumpkins, cozy fall nights snuggled in blankets reading stories, warm soup simmering on the stove, and dressing up as heroes or characters they love. Each year, our kids choose costumes that inspire them — often their favorite scripture heroes or storybook characters. This year, our youngest wants to be a light because her favorite Primary song is “This Little Light of Mine.” 💡 I’m still trying to figure out how to pull that one off, but if she wants to walk around as a light — that’s amazing! On Halloween night, we go trick-or-treating as a family and meet up with friends. We have warm soup and bread before we head out and hot chocolate waiting when we get home. It’s a simple, stress-free night for our family. Our Kids Know the Drill When our kids were little I would sort through their baskets and remove all the candy with food coloring — which honestly, is most of it. Now that our kids are older they do it. Our kids keep the chocolate and know they can have a little each day after they eat something healthy. Most of the time, they forget about it after a few weeks. Teaching Kids Balance This is the beauty of not making candy or treats forbidden or “all or nothing”. When you teach your kids balance and how to sort out the unhealthy portions they self-regulate — taking that pressure off of mom. We want our kids to know how to make healthy choices for themselves, whether they are 5 or 25 — because (cue the tears) at some point they’ll be on their own. We want them to know how to make good choices so they can be healthy for life. Making It Work For Different Ages of Kids Through the years we’ve made adjustments as some of our kids have gotten older. Our teens love spending time with our family but also want to see friends. With our schedule, they are able to do both. We start at 5pm with dinner and pictures, and because we only Trick-or-Treat for about an hour, we’re home by 7:30pm. Our kids can do their candy trade, have hot chocolate, and then our little ones get ready for bed (which is great, because as us moms know, the later it gets the quicker it goes downhill). After our family time our teens head out to enjoy Halloween Parties with their friends. The Memories We Keep We take lots of pictures — at the Pumpkin Patch, carving and painting pumpkins, and dressed up in costumes. These are the memories our kids will remember when they’re grown. During fall, I put up photos from past years — little reminders of fun, family, and togetherness. That’s what I want them to remember most. When It’s Time for Change If something doesn’t feel right in your family traditions, maybe it’s time to make a change. Prayerfully consider what is right for your family. It’s easy to get caught up in what the world says holidays should be — but let’s be honest, most of it is about money and distraction. The world is in full force trying to pull us away from what truly matters — family, purpose, and motherhood. As Julie B. Beck once said, “Mothers who know, do things differently.” I feel proud to walk that road. A Final Thought If you’re feeling the pull to do things differently this season, you’re not alone. There’s so much beauty in creating family rhythms that feel aligned with your values — ones that build connection, bring peace, and reflect who you truly are. Let that mom intuition guide your heart and home as you seek to live more intentionally — one beautiful fall day at a time. 🍂
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Gut Microbiome Explained: The Invisible World Powering Your Health
Your Inner Ecosystem — What the Gut Microbiome Really Is BEHIND THE SCIENCE: GUT MICROBIOME FOUNDATIONAL QUESTIONS — UNDERSTANDING THE GUT MICROBIOME by Heather Holker, Co-Founder of LIVEDEN® & Microbiome Health Specialist Your body is home to an entire universe — trillions of microorganisms collectively called your gut microbiome. Think of it like a beautiful little Switzerland town—cobblestone streets, every shop buzzing, each person with a purpose, mountains and fields in view — all happening inside of you, right now. That’s your gut microbiome: a coordinated community of trillions of microbes that runs essential operations in your body. These tiny organisms are not just passengers — they’re partners in your health. They help: Break down food and release nutrients Support your immune system Produce essential vitamins Communicate with your brain to regulate mood and focus Properly activate the hormone precursors in your body — which run everything. When your microbiome is in balance, your body functions as it was designed to — in harmony. With steady energy, fewer cravings, clearer mood, better digestion, and resilient immunity. When it’s out of balance, it affects everything from digestion to immunity to mental well-being. Signals show up as bloating, fatigue, brain fog, cravings, inflammation, irritability, sleep issues, and more. How You Activate Your Town Is Everything After your nightly fast and cleanse (about 12 hours total: ~8 hours digestion + ~4 hours detox/cleanup), your body is like a dry sponge—primed for “hyper-absorption.” How you break your fast flips the town “on”: either smoothly activating your good citizens…or feeding the troublemakers. You’re the mayor. Your choices hold the keys. Start your day with what properly activates and organizes your town — feeding and nourishing your healthy gut bacteria — and the rest of the systems in your body fall into proper rhythm. 🌿 LIVEDEN Insight: A morning ritual that properly activates your town—whole-food nutrients, plant protein for blood sugar stability, endospore probiotics + prebiotics, essential aminos, adaptogens, antioxidants, minerals, super-greens, brain support, collagen-building peptides, and digestive enzymes—is how we carefully curated LIVEDEN BALANCE™. It is designed to feed and activate your microbiome — restoring your body’s natural ability to heal, energize, and thrive. THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT A Deeper Dive: Understanding Your Body’s Hidden Ecosystem Inside your digestive tract lives one of the most complex ecosystems known to science — the gut microbiome. It contains roughly 100 trillion microorganisms, outnumbering your human cells by at least 10 to 1.Collectively, these microbes contain more than 100 times more genes than the human genome — often referred to as your body’s “second genome.” How It Works Most of these microbes live in your large intestine, where they ferment dietary fibers and plant compounds into beneficial molecules like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) — including butyrate, acetate, and propionate. These compounds: Strengthen the gut lining (your barrier against inflammation) Regulate immune responses Influence metabolism and blood sugar control Even signal your brain through the vagus nerve — part of what scientists call the gut-brain axis 🧬 Why It Matters A balanced microbiome is associated with: Improved digestion and nutrient absorption Stronger immune defense Lower systemic inflammation Stable energy and mood Better weight regulation and metabolic health An imbalanced microbiome (called dysbiosis) has been linked in research to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, depression, autoimmune diseases, and even skin disorders. Your microbiome begins forming at birth and is shaped by everything from how you were born (vaginal vs. C-section) to your diet, stress, environment, and lifestyle. The good news? It’s incredibly adaptive and responsive — meaning you can influence its composition through what you eat and how you live. 🌿 The LIVEDEN Connection With over 25 years of research in Microbiome Health, LIVEDEN BALANCE™ was formulated with this science in mind. By combining plant-based prebiotics, spore-based probiotics, postbiotic nutrients, and whole-food supergreens, it helps create an environment where beneficial microbes thrive. Because when your inner ecosystem is balanced, your entire body moves toward health, energy, and renewal. 💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS: The gut microbiome is an entire living ecosystem within your body. It influences digestion, immunity, metabolism, mood, and more. You can nourish and rebalance it naturally through daily choices — especially with microbiome-supportive nutrition. Remember, your daily habits mean everything. Consistency is the compounding interest of health.
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How to Activate Your Gut Microbiome Every Morning for Better Energy, Mood, and Immunity
By Heather Holker | Founder of LIVEDEN | Pure Balanced Life Podcast | 3-minute read Welcome, friend! I’m so glad you’re here. Today we’re diving into the most important health decision you make in your day. And here’s the clincher— we only get one opportunity to make it each day. What I’m sharing with you today is absolutely critical for our gut health, energy, hormone balance, immunity, healthy aging, and disease prevention. Why Your Gut Health Dictates Everything In an earlier episode of the Pure Balanced Life Podcast, I shared why bringing our body into balance is vital. Our gut microbiome is at the heart of that. It’s often called our second brain, and for good reason: It makes over 90% of our chemical messengers (hormones) It helps regulate our mood, metabolism, sleep, stress, and fertility 70–80% of our immune system lives there (source) Think of your gut microbiome like a bustling Swiss town — everyone has a purpose, the air is fresh, the streets are clean, and everything runs in harmony. But what activates that thriving town each day? What to Eat First in the Morning to Support Your Gut Microbiome It all comes down to how you BREAK your FAST. Breakfast literally means break your fast after a night of rest. What you consume FIRST sets everything into motion: our digestion, energy, mood, metabolism, and immune response. When you wake up, your body has already: Spent ~8 hours digesting your last meal Spent another ~4 hours detoxing your liver, kidneys, and cells Is now in a state of maximum nutrient absorption Your gut is like a dry sponge, ready to absorb what you give it. And what you choose to eat — or drink — FIRST either activates your good bacteria or fuels the bad bacteria. Morning Gut Health: The Path to Ease or Uphill Battle Do you want to stroll through the peaceful town square with ease… or feel like you’re hiking straight up a mountain before 9am? That’s the difference between a gut-supportive morning routine and one that leaves you fighting cravings, fatigue, inflammation, and brain fog. Let’s go through the 11 things our gut microbiome needs FIRST in the morning to bring our body and gut microbiome into BALANCE. The 11 Key Nutrients to Activate the Gut Microbiome 1. Whole Food Nutrients (Not Synthetics) Choose nutrient-dense foods from the earth. Color = nutrients. Your gut thrives on real, plant-based, unprocessed fuel. 2. Plant-Based Protein Easily absorbed and stabilizes blood sugar (critical in the morning). It also fuels lean tissues and helps curb cravings. 3. Prebiotics + Probiotics with Endospore Protection Most probiotics die in stomach acid. Endospore-encased strains make it to the gut alive and actually help balance your microbiome. You can learn more about our LIVEDEN Probiotic HERE. 4. All 9 Essential Amino Acids These are the building blocks of protein that help with tissue repair, muscle recovery, and nutrient absorption. 5. Adaptogenic Mushrooms Not all mushrooms are adaptogens. Choose ones that help your body combat stress, detox the liver, balance hormones, and reduce inflammation. 6. Powerful Antioxidants They activate your cells and protect them from damage caused by stress, screens, pollution, and toxins. Healthy cells = healthy body. (More on antioxidants) 7. Natural Vitamins + Minerals Think synergy. Vitamins and minerals work best in a complex — like a big, happy family. Make sure they’re in natural (non-synthetic) forms for proper uptake. 8. Brain + Neural Support A healthy mind is non-negotiable. Support cognitive clarity, mental health, and mood with nutrients that nourish the brain. 9. Collagen-Building Peptides These support skin, joints, muscle growth, gut health, and natural collagen production — which decreases with age. (source) 10. Super-Greens for Natural Energy Greens nourish the adrenals and give a clean energy boost without caffeine crashes. They also supply essential minerals. 11. Digestive Enzymes You can only build with what your body absorbs. Enzymes help you break down nutrients for maximum benefit. The Simple Gut Health Solution: Why We Created LIVEDEN BALANCE As a mom, I know how overwhelming this list can be. Before we started having our children, I used to source these nutrients separately while training and competing. But with those precious little ones? Time is no longer your own. But I’ve always held fast to the truth that our own health should never be sacrificed — we are only able to GIVE our best when we FEEL our best! This is why we created LIVEDEN BALANCE. With over 25 years of R+D, 28 iterations, and a mission to make bringing your gut microbiome + body into BALANCE simple, we developed a 100% plant-based supplement that combines all 11 essentials in one scoop. It’s: 100% Whole-food based Kid-friendly (because we love our kids and want them to be their best too!) Non-synthetic (pure, clean nutrition — the way our body was meant to be nourished) Quick + Easy to use daily Because health shouldn’t be hard. And it should be for the whole family. Nourished by Nature. The way our body was meant to be nourished. Daily Habits Become Who You Are You can absolutely put these ingredients together yourself (I did before LIVEDEN BALANCE!). Just make sure you have the right ingredients, amounts, and consistency. Daily BALANCE = long-term health. It’s what helps us feel strong, focused, energetic, and resilient. It’s the gift you give your body EVERY SINGLE DAY. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the best way to activate your gut microbiome in the morning? A: Break your fast with whole food nutrients, plant-based protein, probiotics (encased with an endospore), super-greens, collagen-peptides, adaptogens, vitamins + minerals, and digestive enzymes to naturally activate your gut microbiome, support gut balance, and bring your body into BALANCE. It’s everything you’ll find in LIVEDEN BALANCE. Q: Why does gut health matter for hormone balance and energy? A: Over 90% of your body’s hormones are produced in the gut. A balanced gut microbiome helps your body function optimally — improving mood, metabolism, sleep, immune strength and more. Q: Does gut health have anything to do with inflammation? A: Yes. Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a key role in regulating your body’s immune response. When your microbiome is balanced—with more good bacteria than harmful ones—it produces anti-inflammatory compounds, supports the gut lining, and prevents toxins from leaking into the bloodstream (a major trigger of chronic inflammation). In short: a healthy gut = less inflammation = better overall health. Prefer to Listen Instead? Tune into this episode on the Pure Balanced Life Podcast to get a more in-depth view. Listen on Apple Podcast Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Music Ready to Feel the Difference? Remember, our daily habits become us. Your gut microbiome is the FOUNDATION of your health — where it all starts! If you want better health you need to start nourishing + properly activating your gut microbiome EVERYDAY. Have a question? We’re happy to help! Email us at hello@LIVEDEN.com Let today be the day you start your morning with intention — the way your body was meant to be nourished — BALANCED. Body Balanced. Life Changed.™
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LIVEDEN Nice Cream: The Perfect Healthy Gut Summer Treat Recipe
When the temperatures rise, so does the craving for something cold, creamy, and delicious. But traditional ice cream? It often comes with a side of bloating, energy crashes, and ingredients your gut isn’t exactly thrilled about. What if you swapped it for a fun frozen treat that nourishes your Gut Microbiome WHILE satisfying the cold creamy craving? You can. And it’s so easy. Enter: LIVEDEN Nice Cream — the healthier, microbiome-loving version of your favorite frozen treat. Just 3 Ingredients: 2 frozen bananas 6 frozen strawberries 1 TBSP LIVEDEN BALANCE HOW TO: Throw it all in your Blender. Blend SLOWLY to keep that thick, soft-serve texture just right. Optional — Add a few chopped walnuts or hemp seeds, for those awesome Omegas. Why We Add LIVEDEN BALANCE This isn’t just a fruity frozen snack—it’s a microbiome-boosting powerhouse. LIVEDEN BALANCE is packed with whole-food, plant-based ingredients, including prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and plant-based nutrients that support: ✔️ Healthy digestion ✔️ Balanced energy ✔️ Reduced inflammation ✔️ Immune strength ✔️ Natural detoxification By adding just 1 TBSP, you’re turning a fun summer treat into a nourishing, gut-supportive ritual. Eat Good. Feel Good. This recipe is a perfect example of how easy and enjoyable it can be to live that way. You’re feeding your body what it NEEDS, without giving up what you LOVE. So go ahead—grab a spoon, cool down, and treat yourself + your gut. Here’s to living the Pure Balanced Life™ — one spoonful at a time.
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Dyeing Eggs Naturally
Dyeing eggs with natural ingredients is so easy and fun to do! The kids LOVE seeing what color their eggs will turn with everyday foods they love. Grab what you have – pretty much any fruits or veggies with a strong color will make a beautiful egg. Prep your eggs: Hard-boil your eggs – let cool to room temperature. Here’s what we used and how we prepared our “egg bath” to make these beautiful colors: 1. Frozen Blackberries + Blueberries – Add 2 cups berries to 2 cups of water. Boil for 20 minutes (you want the water to be a rich dark color). STRAIN. Add 2 Tablespoons of White Vinegar. Drop in the egg and let soak. The longer the egg soaks the deeper the color will be. These cooked berries are delicious to eat! Sprinkle a little organic sugar on the top or use liquid stevia if you want them extra sweet – it’s JAM – perfect for toast =). 2. Spinach – Add 2 cups of raw spinach to 2 cups of water. Boil for 20 minutes. STRAIN. Add 2 Tablespoons of White Vinegar (this will actually cause a chemical reaction and the water will turn clear! Never fear!). This mix will dye your eggs a beautiful butter yellow color – or leave in overnight for a beautiful light green. 3. Raw Cocoa – Add 2 Tablespoons of cocoa to 2 cups of water – stir (do not heat). Add 2 Tablespoons of White Vinegar. Drop in your egg and soak. 4. LIVEDEN BALANCE – Add 2 scoops of LIVEDEN BALANCE to 2 cups of water in shaker cup – SHAKE. Add eggs and let soak. Leave eggs in their “egg bath” overnight in the fridge for a deeper Robin’s Egg blue color. Other fun natural ingredients for egg dyeing: Turmeric – Yellow Eggs Beets – Pink Eggs Chili Powder – Orange Eggs Blueberries – Silver Eggs (don’t add the Vinegar to this mixture). Once your egg has reached its desired color then lightly rinse and pat dry. If you want your eggs to have a little sheen simply rub with a dab of olive oil. And there you go! Beautiful pastel eggs for your Easter table or egg hunt (and perfect for healthy deviled eggs in a few days =). Happy Easter Friends!
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Why Moving Your Body Every Day Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Health
When we think of exercise, we often associate it with weight loss or physical fitness. But daily movement goes far beyond aesthetics. Science consistently shows that regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools we have to support both our physical and mental well-being. Here’s a deeper look at why making movement a daily habit is essential for a balanced, vibrant life: 1. Physical Benefits: Strength, Energy, and Longevity Boosts cardiovascular health: Aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Regular movement helps lower blood pressure, reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol—all key factors in reducing the risk of heart disease. Supports healthy metabolism and weight management: Exercise increases your metabolic rate and improves insulin sensitivity, helping your body use glucose more effectively. This can reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Builds and preserves muscle mass: Strength training and resistance exercises help maintain muscle mass, especially as we age. This not only supports mobility and balance but also protects against sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). Strengthens bones and joints: Weight-bearing exercises (like walking, hiking, or resistance training) improve bone density and help prevent osteoporosis. Movement also increases synovial fluid around joints, improving mobility and reducing stiffness. Improves immune function: Moderate, consistent physical activity has been shown to enhance immune surveillance—your body’s ability to detect and fight off illness. 2. Mental Benefits: Clarity, Focus, and Emotional Resilience Reduces stress and anxiety: Exercise lowers levels of cortisol (your stress hormone) and increases the production of endorphins, which act as natural mood elevators. Even a 10-minute walk can provide a noticeable boost in mood, especially when done outside! Improves cognitive function: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons and enhancing neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and grow. This can improve memory, focus, and learning ability. In fact, studies show that regular movement can help delay cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia. Boosts mood and supports mental health: Exercise is a proven natural antidepressant. Research shows it can be as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression. Movement stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, both of which play a key role in mood regulation. Promotes better sleep: Daily activity can help regulate circadian rhythms, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Better sleep, in turn, supports improved mood, energy, and mental clarity. 3. Movement Doesn’t Have to Be Intense to Be Effective One of the biggest misconceptions about exercise is that it needs to be intense or time-consuming to “count.” The truth is, any movement is better than none—and even light activity can offer powerful health benefits when done consistently. Walking, stretching, yoga, gardening, dancing in your living room, playing outside with your kids—it all adds up. The key is consistency and finding ways to move that feel good for you. 4. A Balanced Body = More Energy + Better Focus Movement is a key piece of the puzzle—but for your body and mind to truly thrive, it’s important to think about balance on a deeper level. When your body is in balance—meaning your systems are nourished, your hormones are regulated, your digestion is working smoothly, and your nervous system is supported—you naturally feel more energized, focused, and grounded. Imbalances, on the other hand, can show up as fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, irritability, or even cravings and disrupted sleep. While movement helps initiate balance by improving circulation, oxygen flow, and hormone regulation, it’s just one part of a bigger picture. To dive deeper into how internal balance impacts your energy, focus, and long-term well-being, check out our next post: The Power of a Balanced Body. In it, we explore how nutrients, gut health, hydration, and stress management all work together to create lasting energy and mental clarity. Start Small, Stay Consistent If you’re not currently moving daily, start small. Aim for 10–15 minutes of walking or light stretching and build from there. Over time, these small steps can lead to big changes in how you feel, think, and move through your day. Think of your daily movement as an investment in the health of your mind and body. If you want a healthy body, you need to move it every day. Final Thoughts: A Clear Mind and a Strong Body Start with Movement Daily movement is about so much more than fitness. It’s a tool for longevity, clarity, emotional resilience, and total-body health. Your body was made to move—and when you honor that design, everything works better. So ask yourself: how can you move today? Your future self will thank you. © 2025 Heather Holker, LIVEDEN and Pure Balanced Life
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Peach Banana Delight Smoothie
Our only wish is that it could be Peach season year round. LIVEDEN Peach Banana Delight Smoothie Peach Banana Delight: 8-10 oz Almond Milk 1 Fresh Ripe Peach 1 Frozen Banana 2 TBSP (or 1 Scoop) LIVEDEN Superfood Optional (if you like it extra chilled): Handful of Ice Blend and ENJOY All the goodness of your LIVEDEN Superfood with the taste of sweet peaches and banana.
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