Friday, September 14, 2012

Homemade Toothpaste

I'm sure many of you have heard that fluoride isn't that great for you. As a matter of fact, too much of it can actually be bad for your teeth. If you ever have some extra time, I'd suggest doing some research on the pros AND cons of fluoride. (This way I don't have to be the bad guy who starts a debate team. ;) haha) There is many recipes for making your own toothpaste but here is my most basic recipe. Continue reading after the recipe so you can learn the great benefits to this homemade toothpaste.

What you'll need:
  • Organic Coconut Oil
  • Baking soda
  • Peppermint Essential oil (optional)
 
Directions:
Mix equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda. The amount you use just depends on how much you'd like to make. So lets just say, 3 tbsp of coconut oil and 3 tbsp of baking soda. Then add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to add some flavor.
When you let it sit out at room temperature, it should turn into a paste. Then scoop up the normal amount of toothpaste you would use and brush away!
 
 
 
 
Why Coconut Oil?
Organic Coconut oil has many health benefits. Literally too many to name. That would also be something great to do some research on. The reasons it is great for your teeth is it kills bacteria that causes gum diseases and cavities. It also protects your teeth and helps prevent tooth decay. The best part about using coconut oil for your teeth you ask? It whitens your teeth drastically!
 
Why Baking Soda?
Baking soda has been an old trick in the book to brush teeth for many many years. It's known to remove stains from your teeth if you're a coffee or tea drinker. It also removes plaque build up, helps prevent tooth decay, and best of all, freshens your breath.
 
 
So you're not interested in fully switching to homemade toothpaste? That's fine. But I'd highly recommend still using this mixture at least once a day in addition to your normal routine so that you can whiten your smile and give your teeth some extra protection! Please let me know if you tried this and what you thought about it.
 
Happy brushing! :D

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes W/ Peanut Butter Icing!

These cupcakes are only about 90% organic but I'm putting them on my blog because they are vegan and super yummy. These also aren't on the healthy side but it's about time I post something for those craving something chocolate flavored! :)

What you'll need:
(Cupcakes)
  • 1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1/4 Cup soy yogurt
  • 3/4 Cup sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 2/3 Almond Milk
  • 1/3 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
    1 Cup Flour
  •  
(Icing)
  • 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Cup Peanut Butter
  • 1/4 Cup Almond Milk
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
 
Directions:
With an electric blender beat oil, sugar, and yogurt on low speed until smooth. Then blend in vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Then add almond milk, cocoa powder, and flour and beat on low speed. Once it's mixed together mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Put 12 cupcake liners in the pan and give a little spray with cooking oil. Fill each cup about 1/2 full. Cook at 350 degrees for 20-23 minutes.
 
 
 
While your cupcakes are cooling (allow about 20 minutes) make your yummy icing!
Mix wet ingredients with an electric blender. Then slowly add in powdered sugar. You can add more almond milk or powdered sugar to make the texture of your choice!
 
 
Spread on cupcakes and enjoy!
 
-For the peanut butter I use 1/2 crunchy and 1/2 smooth to give it some crunch but keep it smooth!
-If you're wanting more flavor, add mint extract to the batter instead of vanilla extract.