10 At-Home Baking Substitutes
DIY Natural Spring Cleaners
Need spring cleaning inspiration?
Many products we use to clean our homes have harsh chemicals that can be harmful to our children and pets. Revamp your spring cleaning routine with these natural, DIY cleaning products from our friends at Fresh Mommy Blog, Recipes to Nourish and Root + Revel! These homemade natural cleaners are created with ingredients from Sprouts that are natural and chemical-free. And the best part is, you may already have some of the items in your home.Chemical-free Stainless-steel Cleaner by Fresh Mommy Blog
This DIY glass and stainless steel cleaner is streak-free with the addition of a simple surprise ingredient. It’s natural, chemical-free and easy to make with items you probably already have around the house!Ingredients:
- Glass bottle in a 16 oz. size at least (stainless steel is also safe.)
- Spray top
- 1 cup of Distilled water
- ½ cup Alcohol
- ½ cup Sprouts White Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. Corn starch
- 6 drops Pure orange essential oil (optional)
- 6 drops Pure lemon essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Using a funnel, add ½ cup of vinegar to the glass bottle.
- Add ½ cup rubbing alcohol. (Optional: remove from recipe or replace with vodka.)
- Pour 1 tablespoon cornstarch in through the funnel.
- Top with 1 cup distilled water. This will also help to get the rest of the cornstarch out of the funnel.
- Optional: add 10–12 drops of essential oil for extra disinfecting power and scent.
- Assemble spray top on the bottle and shake well before each use.
Non-toxic Toilet Bowl Cleaner by Root + Revel
Looking for a safe and non-toxic way to clean your bathroom? This DIY Toilet Cleaner recipe is a natural and effective way to clean and deodorize your toilet. To make fizzy homemade toilet bombs, pods or tablets, all you need is five natural ingredients for a deep cleaning you won’t believe (no scrubbing required)!Ingredients:
- 1 cup Sprouts Baking Soda
- 1/4 cup Citric acid
- 1 Tbsp. Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds
- 1 tsp. Hydrogen peroxide
- 25 drops Essential oils (I recommend peppermint)
Instructions:
- In a large glass bowl, whisk baking soda and citric acid together until blended.
- Very slowly, add Sal Suds, hydrogen peroxide and essential oils, mixing slowly as you go to ensure you don’t activate the dry ingredients. The mixture should be dry enough that you can mold it into balls, but wet enough that it doesn’t fall apart.
- Fill a silicone mold with cleaning mixture, or you can form small balls (about the size of golf balls) with your hands and place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Allow the toilet bombs to air dry about 6–8 hours or overnight.
- Transfer to a glass jar and store in the bathroom.
Refrigerator Cleaner with At-home Ingredients by Recipes to Nourish
It’s so easy to make your own DIY refrigerator cleaner with three common ingredients. This lemon-herb vinegar mixture is money-saving, chemical-free and very effective for cleaning.Ingredients:
To Make the Lemon-Herb Vinegar
- 4 cups Sprouts Organic Distilled White Vinegar
- 5 Lemon peels – yellow rind and white pith only, not the inside flesh
- 1 lg. sprig Fresh rosemary or thyme
- 1 quart or ½ gallon Mason jar with lid
- 1 cup Lemon-herb vinegar
- 1 cup Water, very hot
- 1 Dish sponge or cloth rag
- 1 Spray bottle – preferably glass OR large glass bowl
Instructions:
To Make the Lemon-Herb Vinegar- Add the lemon peels and rosemary or thyme to a ½ gallon (8-cup) Mason jar.
- Pour 4 cups of vinegar over the lemon peels and herbs, making sure they are covered and submerged.
- Cover with a lid and let sit on the counter, out of direct sunlight, for 1 week or up to 2 weeks.
- Strain the lemon-herb vinegar through a fine-mesh strainer into a quart (4-cup) Mason jar.
- Add the lemon-herb vinegar and hot water to a spray bottle or a large glass bowl.
- If using a spray bottle, spray the mixture onto all refrigerator surfaces like the walls, drawers and shelves and use a dish sponge or cloth rag to wipe down and clean the surfaces.
- If using a glass bowl, soak and ring out a dish sponge or cloth rag in the lemon-herb vinegar water solution and wipe down and clean all of the refrigerator surfaces.
- Repeat steps as needed until the inside of the refrigerator is clean.
- Advance preparation is required.
- Yield: 1-quart lemon-herb vinegar
- Storage: Can be stored in a covered glass container for up to a year.
- Uses: Save leftover mixture for weekly refrigerator spot-treatment maintenance or for monthly deep-cleaning. Alternatively, you can add the remaining lemon-herb vinegar to a spray bottle with filtered water using a 1:1 ratio and use as an all-purpose natural cleaner for cleaning most surfaces. [Note: Vinegar is known to kill up to 80 percent of bacteria, mold and most germs.]
- Tip: If you have some stubborn spills in your refrigerator you can sprinkle a little baking soda over the stubborn spill and do a light spray of the cleaning mixture, then put a little elbow grease into it. Baking soda is one of the best natural cleaners when you need something a bit more abrasive.
How to Clean Your Makeup Brush without Harsh Chemicals by Root + Revel
Say goodbye to toxic chemicals and expensive store-bought products. For this DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner, you only need three ingredients to create an easy and effective homemade solution.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Sprouts Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 oz. Lavender castile soap
- 6 drops Organic tea tree oil
Instructions:
- In a large glass bowl, combine all 3 ingredients and stir to combine.
- Swirl your makeup brushes in the cleaning solution until thoroughly coated.
- In a second glass or bowl filled with clean water, swirl the coated brush until rinsed through. (You can go back and forth between the cleaning solution and the water as many times as you need to until the brush is completely clean and all color is gone. Sometimes it helps to rinse under the faucet, as well.)
- When you’re done, simply pat the brush on a clean microfiber cloth and lay flat to dry. (I like to let my brushes dry overnight, but it usually takes about 6–8 hours to dry naturally.)
Immune Boosting Tips
Boost your immune system, naturally!
Keep Your Hands Clean
One of the best ways to reduce your chances of spreading germs is to simply keep your hands clean and minimize touching your face. You might think this is a no-brainer, but washing your hands properly can make a big difference. Opt for natural soaps and hand sanitizers instead of harsh, anti-bacterial soaps.Fill Nutritional Gaps
Some say that eating a proper diet is all you need to get your recommended daily vitamins, minerals and nutrients for optimal health. But despite our best efforts, we often miss our nutritional mark by eating foods that lack many key nutrients. The good news? A simple, daily regimen of incorporating multivitamins, omega-rich oils, probiotics and superfoods can help bridge the nutritional gaps where your diet may fall short. Check out the Sprouts Essential 4 Supplements to kick-start your immunity!Herbal Defense
It’s all too easy to forget the importance of strengthening the body’s defenses before illness strikes. While tending to your immune system at any time never hurts, you will thank yourself for doing it sooner rather than later. Echinacea is a great place to start! Studies show it can support your immune function by helping to stimulate white blood cells. In addition to Echinacea, adaptogens are a simple way to support your body. This special group of plants can help balance, protect and restore the body from daily stressors.Elderberry Power
Elderberries are a concentrated source of two antioxidants: quercetin and anthocyanin. These powerful antioxidants enhance the body’s immune response by increasing the production of cytokines. Cytokines are the immune system’s messengers, helping to regulate the body’s response to disease, inflammation and infection. The high antioxidant capacity in elderberries neutralizes harmful, free-radicals and helps support the body’s immunity against illness and disease. Elderberries are also an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant, which is part of what makes it a great addition to your immune-boosting arsenal.Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic tinctures and supplements are a natural way to stay well year-round. Try incorporating good-for-you minerals like zinc and magnesium, or utilizing Boiron Oscillococcinum at the onset of symptoms. Not sure where to start? Shop for these homeopathic brands to keep on hand:- Genexa Homeopathic
- Nature’s Way Umcka
- Boiron
Oil of Oregano
Oil of Oregano is a powerful, natural remedy that can help you prepare in advance to fight off symptoms. Made from the Oregano plant, it contains Thymol, a natural anti-septic and Beta-Caryophyllene, which can help reduce inflammation. Simply use a few drops in your hand soap for anti-microbial properties, convenient capsules or 2-3 liquid drops under your tongue for daily defense.Shop Immune-boosting Products
Not sure where to start? Let our vitamin team members help!
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know which vitamins and supplements are best for you! We’ve rounded up some of our team member’s favorite products to help you navigate all the different varieties in-store. Looking for something specific? Our friendly and knowledgeable team members are there to help!
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Feel your best with these simple, wellness tonics!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Destress with Ashwagandha
Looking for a natural way to handle stress? Ashwagandha is your herb! It has been used for centuries to promote mental and physical health. With holidays right around the corner, look to this energy-restoring herb to help support both mental and physical health.
Its Latin name is Withania somnifera, but ashwagandha is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, and is part of the nightshade family. Taken from the root, ashwagandha has been used for centuries in the traditional Indian medical practice known as Ayurveda.
Combating Stress
An adaptogen, ashwagandha acts as a stress reliever and balancer. Adaptogens are known to increase the body’s resistance to stress and exert a positive effect on the various systems, including immune, nervous and cardiovascular function.Immune & Adrenal Support
The holiday season is known for increasing stress levels and time spent with large groups of people, both contributors that can lead to the unfortunate side effect of sickness. That’s why it’s important that your immune system be at its best!Ashwagandha is particularly helpful in lowering your stress levels and helping balance your immune system by supporting the body’s ability to fight off stress and sickness. When your body is in balance, your adrenals can respond more effectively to create a healthier stress response to a hectic holiday season.
Did you know?
The Sanskrit word ashwagandha is a combination of ashva, meaning horse, and gandha, meaning smell, and refers to the strong smell of the plant’s root.
Valentine’s Dinner For Two
A Match Made in the Kitchen
Love your valentine? Delight in a mouthwatering meal for two this V-day with tasty inspo and swoon-worthy recipes that’ll spark instant sweet vibes and taste-bud approval.
Apps made from the heart
Start your night with a simple or extravagant charcuterie board featuring heart-shaped salami, crispy crackers, creamy dips, fresh fruits and veggies and anything else your heart desires.
Try these unique pairings:
- Salami
- Crackers
- French onion dip
- Creamy hummus
- Fresh fruits and veggies
Buttery steak and lobster tails
Bring that five-star dinner treatment home this Valentine’s Day! A flavorful 100% grass-fed ribeye steak paired with succulent lobster tails make a great meal for two that feels extra fancy.
Try these unique pairings:
- 100% grass-fed NY strip steak
- Poached lobster tail with butter
- Sautèed organic asparagus
Decadent desserts
There’s always room for dessert! Chocolate-covered strawberries are a V-Day classic that you can make together or pickup pre-made for a ready-to-eat treat. Pair them with other shareable treats from Bulk like brownies, yogurt covered pretzels and more!
Try these unique pairings:
- Chocolate-covered strawberries
- Caramel Nougat Candy Bar
- Strawberry Yogurt Covered Pretzels
- Sprouts Killer Brownie
Cook a lovely meal for that special someone!
Help Shorten Cold & Flu Symptoms
Colorful, tasty and beneficial for the body, the European elder tree is native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. The flowers are white with green berries that turn red, then black when fully ripe. Both berries and flowers have been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat digestive disorders, influenza, colds, sinusitis and other allergy symptoms.
i Eur Cytokine Netw. 2001 Apr-Jun;12 (2):290-6.
A Concentrated Antioxidant
Elderberries are a concentrated source of two antioxidants: quercetin and anthocyanin. These powerful antioxidants enhance the body’s immune response by increasing the production of cytokines. Cytokines are the immune system’s messengers, helping to regulate the body’s response to disease, inflammation and infection. The high antioxidant capacity in elderberries neutralizes harmful free radicals and protects the body against illness and disease.Excellent Source of Vitamins A and C
Elderberries are also an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant, which is part of what makes it a great addition to your wellness routine. Vitamin A helps with the formation of white blood cells essential to your body’s defense against illness. Together, they make an outstanding one-two punch to assist in warding off those pesky bugs that make the rounds this season.Enhancing Immunity Quickens Recovery
Elderberry’s high antioxidants, as well as its high content of vitamins A and C are compelling reasons to try elderberry next time you feel you might be fighting a bug.Did you know?
Elderberry significantly more antioxidant capacity than either blueberries or cranberries.
Shop Seasonal Wellness
i Eur Cytokine Netw. 2001 Apr-Jun;12 (2):290-6.
Omega-Rich Oils
Fuel your body with nourishing fats!
Essential to life, omega oils are a type of polyunsaturated fat that the body needs to function properly. These healthy fats are used to store energy in the body, transport fat-soluble vitamins through the blood, regulate blood cholesterol levels, and help maintain healthy skin and hair.Your body can make most fats from raw materials through your diet, except two, omega-3 fats called linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-6 fats called linoleic acid (LA). These two fatty acids must be consumed through your diet. The predominant sources of omega-3s are EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) which have been extensively researched for their health benefits and are mostly found in fish.
Alternative sources of omega-3s can be found in walnuts, flax and chia seeds if fish is not a part of your diet. Your body can efficiently convert ALA to EPA but it’s conversion from ALA to DHA is limited. Algae contains a good source of DHA and can be found in supplement form. It can also be found mixed with flax and other oils.
Sources of omega-6 can be found in meats, nuts, seeds, legumes, grains and vegetable oils. Although you need omega-6 in your diet, foods such as red meat and vegetable oils like cottonseed and soybean should be consumed in moderation. Evening primrose oil, black currant oil, and borage oil are great sources of omega-6 and are sold in supplement form.
It’s important to consume the right balance of omega-3 to omega-6. Some experts suggest a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio. A typical western diet consumes too much omega-6, up to 14–25 times more than omega-3s. Researchers believe this imbalance leads to a variety of mental disorders, an increased risk of heart disease and other inflammatory health conditions.
Heart health
Clinical evidence suggests that EPA and DHA can help reduce risk factors for heart disease. They can reduce inflammation in your blood vessels and lower triglycerides and cholesterol, a type of fat in your bloodstream that builds plaque in your arteries, leading to cardiovascular disorders. The average intake of DHA and EPA in the U.S. is about 100–200 milligrams per day, far below the 500 milligrams that many experts recommend for healthy individuals.1 Salmon has the highest concentration of DHA of any fish source as it contains approximately 1,000–1,500 milligrams per 3-ounce serving. The USDA suggests consuming two servings of 3 ounces at least twice a week. Reducing dietary saturated fat from animal sources and replacing it with polyunsaturated fats found in fish and vegetables can help keep your arteries free from plaque and may protect you from many chronic diseases like coronary heart disease.Brain health
Essential fatty acids are the most critical components to boosting brainpower. Your brain is made up of approximately 60 percent fat and DHA is the most prominent fat in the brain. Most researchers agree that DHA plays a vital role in managing behavior, mood, memory and brain development. Currently, researchers are studying the effectiveness of DHA for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), depression, autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Your brain is the most energy-demanding of all the human body organs and ensuring optimal amounts of DHA can have profound effects on cognitive thinking, learning and behavior. Experts suggest that healthy adults should consume between 1,000–3,000 milligrams of fish oil daily to protect your cognitive and neurological health. For healthy brain and eye development it’s suggested that infants consume 100 milligrams per day of DHA and for children aged 2–4, 150 milligrams is suggested.2Eye health
Your eyes have a special need for DHA as it’s a component of the retina, the part of the eyes that processes visual images so you can see. DHA helps maintain better eye health across your lifespan. In fact, low levels of DHA are associated with eye disease, especially as you age. Furthermore, DHA improves fluidity, flexibility, and functionality of eye tissues and cells.Skin health
The secret to healthy skin is to start from the inside out. Omega oils deliver the basic nutrition for your skin cells to develop and be healthy. Internally they influence your cell’s ability to hold water and allow nutrients and waste to pass in and out of the cells. As an extra bonus, this moisturizing effect can help to keep your skin wrinkle-free.Coconut oil
Coconut oil has many health benefits but it does not contain omega-3 essential fatty acids. Learn more about Coconut Oil.1 Nichols, Peter D., James Petrie, and Surinder Singh. “Long-Chain Omega-3 Oils–An Update on Sustainable Sources.” Nutrients 2.6 (2010): 572–585. PMC. Web. 23 Nov. 2015. 2 Aranceta J and Perez-Rodrigo C. Recommended dietary reference intakes, nutritional goals and dietary guidelines for fat and fatty acids: a systematic review. Br.J.Nutr. 2012;107 Suppl 2:S8-22.
Sprouts Whole30 Approved® Shopping List
Whole30 Your Way
The Whole30® is easy and affordable at Sprouts Farmers Market! We’re your one-stop-shop for everything you need to crush your healthy living goals during the Whole30. Think of the Whole30 like pushing the reset button for your health, habits and relationship with food. For thirty days, you’ll eat nutrient-dense, whole foods. With our mountains of farm-fresh produce, wide selection of natural meat and seafood, and variety of unique products, Sprouts makes it easy to shop for all your Whole30 approved groceries in one place. Visit our stores to find hundreds of approved items from brands like Kettle & Fire, Primal Kitchen, EPIC and more throughout our stores at always low prices.Why Whole30?
The Whole30 focuses on fueling your body with nutrient-dense foods and eliminating items that can be causing digestive issues, food sensitivities, overall fatigue and more. During the elimination phase, you’ll pay attention to what changes in the absence of these potentially problematic foods: energy, sleep, focus, mood, bloating, digestion, cravings, skin, aches and pains, and more. At the end of the 30 days, you’ll reintroduce those foods one at a time, to identify the foods that may not be working well for you. You’ll use that information to create the perfect, sustainable diet for YOU—grounded in new healthy habits, keeping you looking, feeling, and living your best. Read the full program rules and what to avoid here.Starting The Whole30: Shopping Lists, Meal Plans and Approved Groceries
- Fill your cart with high-quality protein and colorful fruits and veggies first. The closer an item is to its natural state, the better!
- Explore bulk bins. Our bulk department is full of nutrient-dense nuts and seeds, which make perfect Whole30 snacks to keep you satiated.
- Easily shop Whole30 compliant groceries. Download your Sprouts Whole30 Approved shopping list HERE.
Whole30 Inspiration: Try these Whole30 Approved Recipes
Meet Co-Founder Melissa Hartwig Urban
Melissa Hartwig Urban is a Certified Sports Nutritionist who specializes in helping people change their relationship with food and create life-long, healthy habits. She is the co-creator of the original Whole30 program (whole30.com), and a five-time New York Times bestselling author. She has been featured by Dr. Oz, Good Morning America, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and CNBC, and ranked #27 on Greatist Top 100 Most Influential People in Health and Fitness in 2017. Melissa has presented more than 150 health and nutrition seminars worldwide, and is a prominent keynote speaker on social media and branding, health trends and entrepreneurship. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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