There’s no doubt about it - choosing the right skincare can be tricky. More than tricky - overwhelming! Throughout the past decade, more and more clean skincare brands have emerged with countless new “green” and “eco-friendly” products on the market. Why? That’s all thanks to smart consumers like you who are demanding better quality, clean ingredients and better results. 

You might often find yourself asking, where do I even begin? In order to wade through the masses, we suggest narrowing your search to natural skincare. Unfortunately, with the rise in popularity of “natural skincare,” the definition of what constitutes natural often seems to be up for debate. As we discuss natural skincare throughout this post, what we mean is; safe for your body, safe for the planet, and plant-based or naturally derived ingredients. Although, here at Life’s Abundance, we like to take that commitment even further by committing to sustainably-sourced ingredients, too. 

Why choose natural skincare?

Consider the possibility that what you’re putting onto your skin could very well be absorbed by skin and enter your body. In a sense, skin is seen like a sponge - absorbing much of what we lather, rub, massage, or spray onto it. Although, it’s important to distinguish that what is actually absorbed by skin depends on the molecular size of individual ingredients in a particular product as well as the overall health of the skin barrier (our skin’s outermost protective layer).

What does ‘natural’ mean?

Sadly, not very much. Because this isn’t a term regulated by the FDA, natural can mean very different things from company to company and person to person. To some, natural may just mean synthetically derived ingredients from “natural” sources, sulfate or phthalate free but to others, it can be organic, whole-plant, vegan, etc. 

So, how can you differentiate between “natural” skincare claims? Read your labels - you are your own best researcher. Look for latin names on the ingredient list, check for high-quality ingredients, and research the brand’s environmental mission when deciphering which brand or product is best for you. 

How can I start switching to a natural skincare routine?

Our best advice is to start slow. Rather than tossing out all of your current skincare and buying new, pick the one step in your routine where you’d like to start. Is it your cleanser or moisturizer? Identify which product is leaving you wanting more or potentially irritating your skin.

Cleansers can be a great place to start because it’s a product that you’ll be using 1-2 times everyday, as opposed to a treatment mask or exfoliating scrub. Spend one to two full weeks using this new product consistently in your routine and then assess the state of things. Look for obvious signs of an adverse reaction like increased dryness, redness, irritation, congestion of blackheads. If these aforementioned side effects are non existent, you’ve found the right option!

We recommend our Facial Cleanser, a creamy, makeup-removing, and moisturizing option for dry, sensitive or balanced skin state. If you’re on the oiler, acne-prone spectrum, the Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap is an excellent, natural bar soap that feeds skin essential nutrients while fighting off harmful bacteria.

After you’ve narrowed down what is working for you, you’re ready to address the next step in your routine that’s ready for a natural upgrade, like your moisturizer, serum or facial oil. 

What kind of results can I expect from a natural skincare routine?

The plant-based, naturally derived ingredients that make up each of natural skincare products work effectively over time to keep skin balanced, clear and healthy. On the flip side, many over the counter (OTC) brands promise quick results because they manipulate the skin unnaturally to function a certain way and achieve those promised results. These quick fixes may yield near-immediate results, but they are often at the expense of your skin’s barrier function, and more often than not, do not last in the long term. 

Tips to keep mind when shopping for natural skincare

1. Read your labels. Are the ingredient’s latin names listed? Are there whole plant ingredients you recognize? Any organic ingredients listed?
2. Start slowly. Introduce one product at a time and assess.
3. Be realistic. Long lasting results with natural ingredients can take time. Commit to your product for a minimum of two weeks to one month. Skin needs time to adjust from OTC ingredients.

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To cat parents, our furry friends are more than pets; they’re cherished members of our families. We work hard to make sure our cats are happy and healthy by feeding them the best food, making sure they get enough exercise, and providing them with comfy and interesting spots to lounge.

But have you considered how certain smells might impact your cat? Like humans, cats are unique and have individualized interests. However, there are some scents that are universally loved by felines. Try incorporating some of these scents cats love to enrich your cat’s life and keep them contented and entertained!

Lavender

Many cats are attracted to the sweet, soothing smell of lavender. Much like their human counterparts, the scent of lavender can induce feelings of relaxation. Some might even show their approval by rubbing against plants or sitting nearby them. Unfortunately, lavender is toxic to cats when eaten or absorbed through their skin barrier so we recommend being extremely careful when introducing lavender into your home. Lavender essential oils should be avoided altogether as it is the most toxic form and can be quickly absorbed through your cat's skin. If you have a lavender plant, it should be placed out of your cat's reach.

To make your cat happy while still keeping them safe, use our lavender and aloe vera infused Soothing Mist. It uses lavender extract in small amounts instead of essential oil which is much more highly concentrated. This herbal blend is formulated to keep your cat’s skin healthy, and their coat nourished. Plus, it smells divine!

Roses

While we’re on the topic of plants, let’s chat about roses. This is where you and your cat can find some common ground. It’s not just humans that enjoy the intoxicating scent of freshly bloomed flowers. Cats love it too, and they’re especially attracted to roses.

Unlike fresh lavender, it’s safe to keep roses in your home, because they are non-toxic. That means it’s alright for your cat to chew on some rose leaves now and then… although your rose bushes might beg to differ.

Olives

Okay, we know it seems random, but trust us on this one. Many cats absolutely adore the scent of olives and olive oil. In fact, it’s thought that the smell has somewhat of a narcotic effect on house cats.

This is due to a compound in olives called oleuropein, which can make cats feel excited, or even euphoric! They may share their joy with you by energetically rolling around on the floor whenever they get a whiff of that olive goodness.

Food

Yes, your cat may love the smell of your human food. But you know what they love even more? The smell of their own food. With a sense of smell 14 times more powerful than that of humans, cats can identify different ingredients in their food blends, just by using their noses.

Our cat foods contain healthy ingredients that smell great and taste delicious. Packed with chicken or turkey, and fish and, your cat will always have lots of interesting scents to enjoy while eating food that helps them grow healthy and strong.

You

Although their aloofness might make you think otherwise, your cat really does love being a member of your family. You make them feel safe, taken care of, and loved.

Your unique scent gives them a sense of security and contentment. They might express this by rubbing up against you, laying on your bed, or jumping into your overflowing laundry basket. No matter how independent your cat may be, rest assured that your scent is one that they hold dear.

Whether your cat is a rambunctious kitten, an independent adult, or a laid-back senior, introducing new scents into their environment can help keep them entertained, enriched, and content. It’s just another way to show your cat some love. We hope you’ll have fun exploring together!

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If you’ve found yourself left with stubborn eye makeup or remnants of your perfect red lip after washing your face, it’s time to practice an effective face washing technique that will leave skin clean, refreshed and makeup free. Introducing (or re-introducing) the double cleanse. If you’ve been following our skin care insights along on the blog, chances are you’ve already discovered this skin-changing face washing technique by now. Double cleansing utilizes two separate products to cleanse the skin one after the other; one product might be a creamy or oil-based one, and the other a foaming, water-based cleanser, for instance. Learn how this cleansing duo can effectively break down makeup for fresh skin each night.

Remove your makeup nightly

Whether you’ve had a light layer of foundation or powder on during the day, or you’ve worn a bolder look at night, it’s equally important to thoroughly remove your makeup each and every day. But, are you washing your skin and still left feeling like your skin hasn’t been completely cleansed? Without the right products and face washing approach, oil buildup, SPFand makeup can stick around. The next time you wash your face, you can test the results of your current solo cleanse by washing as normal, patting dry and wiping skin thoroughly with a wet cotton round (spritz with your favorite facial toner or water until damp). If you notice any residue left behind on your cotton round, your makeup removing routine is ready for an upgrade.

What happens if I don’t remove my makeup before bed?

Not to sound alarmist, but your skin can suffer. Going to sleep with makeup still intact can introduce you to a whole slew of skin woes; from clogged pores that can lead to breakouts, dullness, irritation, dryness and more. Wash your skin at night and your skin will thank you in the morning.

Double Cleansing - the foundation of your makeup removing routine

Ready to commit to your skin and thoroughly remove your makeup? Let’s start from the beginning; consider your current skin type. Are you dry, dehydrated or oily? It matters. The first step of any makeup removing routine should be with an oil-based option that breaks down hard to remove pigments from products like eye shadow, blush and lipstick, while the second cleanser should be more tailored to your specific skin needs and focused on removing any remaining makeup residue.

For dry/dehydrated skin, the second cleanse should be aimed at restoring moisture and hydration, and for oily, restoring balance and keeping pores clear. If you’re using skin care products that are not formulated for your specific needs, you may end up causing further dryness and/or irritation. Use this simple guide below to help you determine the best makeup removing products for you!

Dry Skin:

Step One: a creamy, oil-based cleanser
Step Two: a honey-based cleanser

Oily Skin:

Step One: a creamy, oil-based cleanser
Step Two: a foaming or water-based cleanser

How to remove your makeup

Step one
For the first step of your nighttime makeup removing regimen, choose a creamy, oil-based cleanser to break down your makeup & any other buildup. Start by concentrating our creamy Facial Cleanser around the eye and lip areas, where more hard-to-remove makeup is concentrated, & then gently massage the rest of your face. This cleanser’s base of argan, apricot kernel, and hemp seed oils work collectively to break down and wash away buildup without stripping skin, while sugar cane and sugar maple extract gently exfoliate to help keep pores clear. Rinse with water or remove with a warm face cloth. You can leave skin damp, no need to pat dry.

Step two
With the first layer of buildup cleansed, it’s time to pick your second step. Don’t forget to use our handy guide above for picking a good option for your skin.

If you’re experiencing dry/dehydrated skin with some flakes, grab the Hibiscus Mask + Scrub (used here as a cleanser!), a good option thanks to its base of raw honey and gentle exfoliants. The mask’s raw honey acts as a humectant, meaning it helps keep moisture in the skin, while its natural AHA's, enzymatic exfoliants & blend of natural berries help to remove flaky skin and any remaining makeup remnants. If your skin is feeling extra dry or sensitized, you may only want to perform this double cleanse routine 2-3 times per week.

For oily skin types that experience breakouts or blackheads, your second cleanse go-to is the Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap. This foaming cleanser will effectively cleanse any remaining makeup and buildup on the skin’s surface. Simultaneously, it draws out impurities and buildup in pores thanks to the activated charcoal, and delivers bacteria-fighting oils like neem and tea tree, along with a dose of minerals found naturally in sea salt.

Going to sleep makeup free

Clean, refreshed and ready for sleep. To lock in all of the goodness and love you showed your skin, always apply a facial oil or moisturizer to your skin after removing your makeup with a double cleanse.

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Pet parents love to give their pup something to chew on instead of letting them gnaw on a favorite pair of shoes. You’ll be happy to hear that there are a few safe alternatives to rawhide bones that could lower the risk to your dog (and your shoes).

So, why not give rawhide? Being made from the leather industry’s leftovers, rawhide could contain harsh chemicals or harmful bacterias. Remember, as a byproduct of the leather industry, rawhide can go through a series of processes including bleaching, coloring and preserving with chemicals. In addition, because of their toughness, rawhide chunks broken off and swallowed by enthusiastic chewers can become a choking hazard, and even cause intestinal blockage. This life-threatening risk has led to a raised awareness of the need for alternatives to rawhide.

The question then becomes how to satisfy your dog’s drive to chew in a way that’s safe, and maybe even healthy. Dogs should always be supervised whenever they’re given a treat, but there are ways to add to your peace of mind while your dog is happily chomping away.

One alternative to rawhide’s inner skin material are cow ears, which are made of cartilage. It’s important to make sure that the treats you find are free of preservatives, colors, or artificial flavors. These Premium Cow Ears are dried through baking, without the use of bleach. Even better, they’re gentle on tummies in case they are swallowed.

To reduce the risk of intestinal blockage, look for treats that are easy on the digestive system. This could be treats such as Water Buffalo Bully Sticks or Lungs. Bully sticks in particular are also great for dental health. When you choose an appropriate treat, your dog’s chewing action helps to reduce tartar and maintain their teeth.

Lastly, rawhide is sold by a vast number of different brands whose values and priorities are unknown. Picking up a plastic-wrapped treat at the grocery or pet store leaves unanswered questions about what sort of contaminant testing the treat underwent, if any. Find a chew treat that is backed by a brand who prioritizes safety, and has testing protocols.

As with any chew, you should always supervise your pet. The good news is that it can be quite entertaining to watch your dog thoroughly enjoying a good chew session. Just watch for any large pieces that break off and remove them to help keep your dog safe. Settle in and enjoy the show!

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You’ve tried sipping Sleepytime tea, turning off all your screens an hour before bedtime, and even spraying your pillow with lavender - but you still can’t sleep. And less sleep equals more stress, which increases our cortisol levels, negatively affecting the quality and quantity of sleep we get - so you need it.

Yoga can help. A Harvard study on insomnia found that when people practiced yoga for 8 weeks, their sleep improved significantly, including their total sleep time and quality of sleep.

Losing sleep can turn into a vicious cycle and it’s best to break it ASAP, so ditch the late-night Candy Crush, and instead try these five poses to catch a solid eight hours:

Supine Twist

Practiced before bed, this yoga pose helps your spine release tension and relax to stress less and sleep more.

Lie on your back and hug your knees toward your chest. Bring your arms out into a T and lower your knees down to the right, keeping them in line with the navel to stretch the lower back. Hold for 1-5 minutes and repeat on the other side to ring out spinal tension.

Child’s Pose

This pose is known for helping to reduce stress while encouraging sleep, due to the forward folded position. 
Start in a tabletop position with your wrists underneath your shoulders and knees underneath your hips; big toes to touching. Shift your hips back toward your heels as you lengthen the hands in the opposite direction; gently creating more space in the spine. Rest your forehead on the floor, or on a block or firm pillow. Hold for 1-5 minutes to calm the nervous system and relieve stress. (If your hips don’t reach your feet, don’t worry, just go as far as you can until you feel a stretch).

Legs up the Wall with Extended Exhale

Bringing your legs above the head, in a restorative position, allows the nervous system to calm down and increase blood flow and circulation, combined with a breathing exercise, it’s the ultimate turn-down pose.

Sit with your right hip up against the wall or the headboard of your bed, with your hands back behind you for support.  Slowly bring your legs up the wall as you lower onto your back with your, hands by your sides. If your hamstrings are tight, your hips may be a few inches away from the wall. Take a deep inhale through the nose, to the count of four, completely inflating the lungs. On the exhale, slow down the breath and empty to a count of eight until the navel contracts back into the spine.  Stay here, continuing this breathing pattern, for 5-10 minutes to calm the mind.

Supta Baddha Konasana

Supta Baddha Konasana is a wonderful pose that helps you to reach a deep state of relaxation by improving circulation and calming your nervous system.

Start by placing a pillow or a bolster at the base of your back. Bend your legs and gently place the soles of your feet together, but don’t push – just relax. Lie your body back across the pillow or bolster, and allow your body to open up and relax into the position. Breathe slowly and hold the position for at least 5 minutes.

Supported Savasana

This is the final pose before you go to sleep, as it really helps your mind to relax.

Lie down on the floor, with either a yoga mat or other cushioning, letting your arms and legs relax, palms facing up to open your shoulders. Focus on breathing slowly and deeply, and close your eyes. Stay like this for at least 5 minutes. Come out of the pose by slowly drawing your knees into your chest, then lie down to sleep. (Alternatively, you can do this pose in bed and fall right asleep).

Think of these poses as a restorative meditation and focus the mind solely on the breath as you inhale and exhale. Resist any temptation to lie on your back, hold your phone in the air, and scroll through your social media feed - your sleep is more important than your friend’s latest selfie.

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Are you getting a new pet? Is your pet growing from puppy or kitten to adult? Are you looking for more from their diet? These are some of the circumstances that might lead you to switching them to a new food. There’s a lot to consider when your furry friend starts on a new diet. Ideally, it would be nice to just start feeding a new kibble, but a sudden switch could cause some adverse effects. Don’t worry, we’ve made it simple with all the tips and tricks for a smooth transition to a new dog or cat food.

Each pet is unique, so what works for one might not work for another. Some are more sensitive to dietary changes and others could have an iron stomach. If you’re starting with a new dog or cat, it would be helpful to have a small supply of their prior diet so you can make sure to properly transition them.

A general rule is to not transition too abruptly and slowly change out the old food for the new food. This will minimize any symptoms they could experience.

How To Switch:

Day 1 & 2: Feed ¼ new kibble and ¾ old diet.
Day 3 & 4: Feed ½ new kibble and ½ old diet.
Day 5 & 6: Feed ¾ new kibble and ¼ old diet.
Day 7: Feed new kibble as normal. Congratulations, the transition is complete!

Thinking about switching from puppy or kitten food to food for all life stages, or adults only? You should still follow the same rules. Even if the ingredients appear to be similar, the formula is different. Keep an eye on your pet while you’re switching to the new food. Some dogs or cats may still experience some G.I. symptoms, and you may need to adjust your pace. Watch for:

• Loose stool
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

These are not unusual and often resolve by modifying the pace of the transition . If you’re seeing symptoms of concern, or they persist, consider consulting your veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.

A premium diet, thoughtfully formulated to include appropriate proteins, vitamins, and minerals, as well as a gut health support system will go a long way toward supporting a healthy digestive system. At the end of the day, it’s important that your furry friend’s mealtime makes them feel great and be healthy from the inside out.

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Looking for quick and easy breakfast ideas to make your sweetie on Valentines Day? Look no further than this delicious, strawberry smoothie. It’s not only packed with vitamins and protein, it’s also sugar free and gluten free for those who have allergies. Plus it only takes about 2 minutes to make, and is totally portable if you need to take it to go. If you want to kick the nutrients up a notch, you can make it a green smoothie by adding a handful of frozen spinach or kale - just know it will lose it’s pretty, pink color. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 cups whole frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup frozen sliced banana (slice before you freeze)
• 1/4 cup Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein
• 1/3 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender, and blend for 60-120 seconds until you get a smooth and creamy texture.
2. If it’s too thick, add more milk.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately. You can store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it definitely tastes best fresh.

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You know that healthy glow? The one you have just after a facial treatment? Your esthetician’s most effective tool in her line up is her hands and you can achieve that very same radiance at home, without costing you a thing. All you need? Your favorite facial oil and your very own two hands to practice a simple facial massage. Healthy, radiant skin is about so much more than just the products you use. Your beautiful serum or cream are only a part of the puzzle, but how you use your products and treat your skin is another. Tie your hair back, grab your nutrient-rich facial oil and explore your skin while enjoying the many benefits of a facial massage at home. 

Facial Massage Benefits

Aside from that gorgeous healthy glow, there are quite a few reasons why you may want to start including this simple, effective and feel-good practice into your weekly (and better yet, daily) routine. We love to think of facial massage as not just another step in a routine, but as a solid building block of a healthy, skin supporting regimen. Let us count the reasons we encourage a this practice:

1. Increased circulation: Facial massage encourages circulation which means increased blood flow that brings more oxygen to the skin’s surface, supporting skin-healing. The pinkening of your skin during facial skin is thanks to that increased blood flow.
2. Lymphatic drainage (aka toxin removal): With the right techniques, you can aid your lymphatic system with its natural process of toxin removal where stagnant fluid (made up of white blood cells, lipids, excess water, proteins, and salt) that’s built up below the skin’s surface.
3. Reduction of fine lines: We like to think of a facial massage as a workout for your face, albeit a much more relaxing one. Using the right techniques and working with the facial muscles, we can train them to “lift” in the right direction, creating an overall more toned appearance. With a steady practice, facial massage also “wakes up” fibroblasts, which are responsible for creating juicy collagen in our bodies, and alerts them to up their collagen production.
4. Release of tension: Although we may not realize it, we tend to hold stress and tension in our face, neck and shoulders. This repeated pattern can lead to painful knots, fine lines and wrinkles, and grinding of the teeth. Facial massage invites you to connect with where you hold tension and gently help to release it.
5. Better product absorption: Help your beautiful, natural facial oil go the extra mile. Facial massages are one of the most efficient ways to help your products better absorb into skin. We suggest misting skin with a water-based toner and massage your serum or hydrating face cream into skin.
6. Learning your skin: Don’t be fearful of touching your skin - just approach it with care. Using clean hands, explore your skin with touch and learn it’s texture. Ask yourself these questions; how does it feel? Is it oily? Are there any dry patches? Does your skin feel tight? Actually getting to know your skin on this level will help you identify when skin is off balance or experiencing inflammatory responses.

How To Do A Facial Massage At Home

Start with clean skin and freshly washed hands. Apply your favorite facial mist (also known as toners) and apply facial oil liberally to the palm of your hand (5-6 drops). Rub hands together to create warmth. Starting from the neck, apply your facial oil in gentle, upward moving sweeps, from your neck to chin and mouth, to cheeks and nose, and lastly to your forehead. Now your skin is prepped. 

1. A great place to start is with a few movements that encourage lymphatic drainage; using your finger pads, very lightly brush skin in outward movements toward the lymph nodes. Beginning from the jawline up to the ears, then cheeks out to ears, and lastly mid-forehead down to ears. Next, lightly tap the area above your inner collar bone to awaken the area for drainage. End this lymphatic sequence at your neck; use your fingers to lightly brush from the nape of your neck downward, ending at your collarbone, “flushing” lymphatic fluid out. Repeat several times.
2. Next, focus on oxygenating movements. Holding your hands horizontally, place your fingers at the base of your mouth and move upward toward your cheek and under eye, alternate hands and move in quick succession. Repeat at least six times on both sides.
3. Use your middle knuckles to simultaneously massage your cheeks in upward, outward circles. This movement feels wonderful and also increases blood flow, so we encourage you to perform this movement for as long as it feels good.
4. Focus on tension reduction. Make a narrow peace sign on each hand with your index finger and middle finger and hold your chin with your thumbs below to support. Glide fingers upward along the jawline until you reach your earlobe. Next, use your thumb and index finger to lightly pinch your brow starting at the center and work your way outward. Repeat both sequences six to eight times.
5. As a last step, use index and middle fingers to create light circles in outward motion around your cheeks, and lastly at your temples.

Facial massages don’t have to be overly complicated or involve complex techniques to be effective. Just be sure to prep skin, use outward and upward movements, move with your facial muscles, and use featherweight, downward strokes when focusing on lymphatic drainage. Drop your facial massage questions below!

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If you’re a fan of dog kisses, then you might be taken aback when you get a hint of foul breath. Bad breath can be a sign of numerous problems including periodontal disease, which is the result of inflammation of the gums and bones in your dog’s mouth. More than 85% of pets have dental issues, so it’s an overwhelmingly common concern.

In order to prevent disease and other dental issues, it’s important to take care of your pet’s teeth. Waiting too long for a dental cleaning can result in more damage such as problems in the heart, liver and kidney. One of the ways you can support oral health is through nutrition. First, your pup’s daily diet should be full of nutrients and vitamins that maintain their overall dental health. Here are a few you should be looking for in the ingredients:

Antioxidants: Look for an antioxidant system that includes vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins offer anti-inflammatory actions. Folic acid can also help support the gum tissue warding off the likelihood of periodontal disease.

Calcium and phosphorus: Calcium is a vital nutrient for dental health as it promotes healthy bones and teeth. It works together with phosphorus which helps maintain the strength of the bones. It’s important that the nutritional balance of these two minerals meet a dog’s needs throughout their life stages - whether they’re rapidly growing puppies, or entering their senior years.

Probiotics: Probiotics are great for your pet’s gut health. But have you considered that the oral cavity is part of the digestive tract? By supporting your pet’s gut health, this can help in supporting their dental health as well.

While the kibble they eat is important, you cannot forget about their snacks. Look for treats that allow them to chew such as Water Buffalo Bully Sticks. This chewing action helps reduce tartar and maintain their dental health. You can also choose a Gourmet Dental Treat that contains ingredients like calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones. Plus, the added parsley helps with doggie breath!

In addition to taking care of their teeth through nutrition, you can also monitor their dental health at home. Just like us, pets need daily teeth brushing too. This can sound like a daunting task but it can save your furry friend’s oral health and your bank account in the long run. If your pet allows it, frequently check their mouth by flipping their lip and taking a look at their teeth and gums. Ask your veterinarian for a tutorial on what signs to watch for, like bumps or swelling on the gums, as well as tartar or chipped teeth. Pay attention to how their breath smells too. This could indicate unfriendly bacteria in their mouth.

The bottom line is to remember the importance of oral health to overall health. Plan on regular,  proper cleanings by your vet. Even if you’re brushing their teeth daily, they will still eventually need a deep cleaning which usually includes x-rays. Between these regular checkups both at home and at the vet, and robust daily nutrition, your pup will enjoy a happier, healthier life while you enjoy those sloppy kisses.

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You’ve heard it 1,000 times, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” yet you still struggle to find the time to eat it, let alone make it. Although there’s a whole niche market of grab-and-go breakfast items, most of them are full of ingredients you can’t pronounce, let alone would want to eat - not the way you want to start your day. 

We’ve got the perfect solution. Say hello to our Banana Bread Protein Breakfast Cookies. These “cookies” not only taste great, but are full of healthy ingredients and pack a protein punch - thanks to our Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein.

Ingredients (Makes about 12 cookies): 

• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin coconut oil, melted, plus more for the pan
• 3 medium, ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/4 cups almond flour
• 1 scoop of Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein
• 3 cups gluten-free oats
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet with oil and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the flaxseed meal and 2 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes to thicken.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the bananas, vanilla, oil, sugar, maple syrup, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and flaxseed meal-water mixture. Add the almond flour, protein powder, and oats. Stir until combined. Fold in the walnuts.
4. Using a small ice cream scooper, scoop out the batter and put on the cookie sheet, until all the batter is used.
5. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the cookies feel firm and the tops have turned golden brown.
6. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days, or put in a container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

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