Bring on the heat, Mother Nature!
We’re keepin’ it cool with this super refreshing, extra hydrating Watermelon Sunrise Sipper. It’s sure to give you a much-needed boost when that sun is beating and the sweat is dripping.
Watermelon is packed with nutrients. It has high levels of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that is found in fruits and vegetables that are red in color. Lycopene is thought to reduce risk of heart disease and cancer. Watermelon also contains the amino acid citrulline which promotes good cardiovascular health and blood flow. Plus, watermelon is great for hydration since is 92% water and packed with electrolytes!
INGREDIENTS
> 1 cup watermelon chunks
> 3/4 cup coconut water
> 1 tbs honey
> 2 mint leaves- one for smoothie, one for garnish
> Handful of ice
PREPARATION
Combine all ingredients in a blender until you get a fine slushy consistency.
Garnish with mint leaf and enjoy!
In the Not Your Sugar Mama kitchen, smoothies are spun and sipped on the daily. We’re always experimenting with the season’s ingredients and creating new combinations. In the winter, we love pomegranate, pear, and orange, and in the summer we like watermelon, berries, and cucumbers. Despite the changing seasons, there are a few key ingredients that we always have on hand to make any creation a power-packed, energizing super smoothie.
Here’s a list of our must-have Super Smoothie makin’ ingredients:
1. MACA // As one of the key ingredients in our Rose Maca bar, we are big fans of this one. Maca is a root vegetable grown high in the Peruvian Andes that has been used for thousands of years by Incas as medicine and food. This root is an adaptogen, which means it brings balance by helping the body to regulate stressors in its environment. Maca provides calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12 and B1 & B2, vitamin C, over 20 different fatty acids, as well as many minerals, essential amino acids, and enzymes. These nutrients support the nervous, digestive, and reproductive systems and help reduce adrenal stress to bring our bodies into balance. Read more about why we love maca on our ingredients page. Add 2-3 teaspoons of Maca to a 12 oz smoothie.
2. MATCHA // To create Matcha, special shade-grown green tea leaves are dried and ground into a very fine powder. The benefits of Matcha are consistent with green tea but amplified due to the high concentration of matcha. Matcha contains L-Theanine, a unique amino acid believed to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. It also contains caffeine, making it a good substitute for coffee, and loads of antioxidants! Add ½ a teaspoon of matcha powder to a 12 oz smoothie.
3. SPIRULINA // This is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It serves as a complete, balanced protein providing all 8 essential amino acids. It has very high levels of antioxidants. It also contains blood purification properties and is one of the only sources of the anti-inflammatory, joint-strengthening omega-6 fatty acid, GLA (gamma linolenic acid). Add 1 teaspoon of spirulina to a 12 oz smoothie.
4. TURMERIC // A plant native to India, Turmeric has been used for centuries as a key ingredient in Asian cuisine and for medicinal purposes. The key compound that makes Turmeric so powerful is curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and has strong anti-inflammatory effects helping to prevent chronic inflammation which leads to cancer, obesity, Alzheimer’s and other diseases. In some studies, curcumin has proven as or more effective than anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drugs, without the side effects. Add ½ tsp of ground turmeric powder of ½ inch of fresh root to a smoothie per 8 oz smoothie.
5. CHIA SEEDS // “Chia” is the ancient Mayan world for “strength”. The Mayans used it for as a source of sustainable energy. One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) of chia seeds contains 11 grams of fiber (reduces inflammation and helps with digestion) , 4 grams of protein (helps you feel full and satisfied), 5 grams of Omega-3 fat (reduce cholesterol and improve cognitive function). Chia seeds also to help regulate blood sugar, so adding to a smoothie is a perfect way to make sure your smoothie doesn’t give you a sugar high! Chia seeds can be digested whole, are super versatile, and will significantly boost the nutritional value of any recipe! Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to a 12 oz smoothie
6. ALMOND MILK // Vegan or not, almond milk is a great alternative to milk in almost any recipe. Per serving, it has half as many calories as 2% milk, and has no saturated fat or cholesterol. It’s high in vitamin E (gorgeous hair and skin!) and vitamin B (strong muscles). Almond milk is easy drinkin’ and suitable for those with a lactose intolerance. Replace milk or water with almond milk in whatever recipe you are using.
7. HEMP PROTEIN // Hemp protein is a vegan-friendly option to upping protein intake. It’s high in fiber and therefore easily digested which means it will be better utilized and absorbed in the body. It has a complete spectrum of organic proteins including all 20 amino acids that are USED in the human body. The important thing about proteins found in hemp is that they are similar to those found in the human body because hemp uses the right quantities to help our bodies make the protein it needs. Hemp contains the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) omega-3 and omega 6 in a healthy 3:1 ratio. It contains the hard to get gamma linolenic acid GLA. Essential fats found in hemp help reduce food cravings and inflammation and improve circulation throughout the body. That there are no known allergies to hemp foods! Hemp does not contain sugar, saturated fatty acids, trans fats, no cholesterol, and does not contain any THC. Follow the label of your hemp protein packaging to determine serving size.
8. RAW CACAO POWDER // Last but not least. We’ve said it (a million times) before, we’ll say it (at least a million times) again, the benefits of raw cacao powder are unbeatable! Cacao is the highest antioxidant food on the planet according to the Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity chart with 10 grams of flavenol antioxidants per 100 grams. Antioxidants help free the body of free radicals which cause damage to our cells. And cacao makes you feel good with it’s 4 wonderful neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, anandamide (the "bliss chemical") and phenylethylamine (PEA). Add 1-2 tablespoons per 12 oz smoothie.Over the years, we’ve worked hard at Not Your Sugar Mamas to make sure we’re offering the very best product with the healthiest ingredients available anywhere. We’ve earned many certifications from the USDA and other third parties to verify the quality of our products. Here’s a list of the verifications we’ve earned and what they stand for.
USDA Certified Organic
Per the US Department of Agriculture, “the USDA organic seal verifies that the product has 95% or more certified organic content. If the label claims that it was made with specified organic ingredients, you can be sure that those specific ingredients are certified organic.” (here)
That means our NYSM certified organic products contain ingredients that were each individually certified organic by the USDA therefore making the finished product certified organic! The crops that make up the ingredients in our food products did not come in contact with irradiation, sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides, and gmos (we’ll get to that). The farmland on which the crops are grown has been free from prohibited chemicals for at least.
Certified Gluten Free
Our products have been verified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. All GFCO certified products comply with USDA standards required to label a product “gluten-free”.
Per the FDA, for a product to be labeled “gluten-free” it must not contain an ingredient that is: “1) a gluten-containing grain (e.g., spelt wheat); 2) derived from a gluten-containing grain that has not been processed to remove gluten (e.g., wheat flour); or 3) derived from a gluten-containing grain that has been processed to remove gluten (e.g., wheat starch), if the use of that ingredient results in the presence of 20 parts per million (ppm) or more gluten in the food. Also, any unavoidable presence of gluten in the food must be less than 20 ppm.” (here)
The GFCO goes a little further, requiring ingredients to contain less than 10ppm of gluten. Additionally, all manufacturing plants are inspected at least once a year and submit product testing on a regular bases. (here)
Vegan Verified & Earth Kosher Certified
Our products are Vegan and Kosher Certified by EarthKosher. EarthKosher inspects our production facilities on an ongoing basis and ensures that the ingredients we use are in compliance with vegan standards.
Per EarthKosher’s founder Rabbi Goldman, the vegan standard requires that “a product contains no animal products or animal product derivatives whatsoever, i.e., zero tolerance. In addition, we do not permit under any circumstances vegan products bearing our vegan symbol to be manufactured on equipment that is employed for non-vegan products.” (here)
Since our products do not contain animal products, like milk and eggs, they in coherence with religious law required for Kosher products.
Youth Trade Certified
YouthTrade is a certification for entrepreneurs under 35 that are committed to Conscious Capitalism. Conscious Capitalism, Inc trustee Ed Freeman sums up our point of view on being entrepreneurs and founders of NYSM:
“We need red blood cells to live (the same way a business needs profits to live), but the purpose of life is more than to make red blood cells (the same way the purpose of business is more than simply to generate profits).” (here)
At NYSM, we strive to build a socially conscious company that meets the needs of our ethically-conscious consumers. We believe that high-quality, nutrient dense food made with positive intention and love makes people feel really good. We take care to source responsibly grown ingredients to fairly-treated growers.
Non-GMO Project Verification
We recently announced our Non-GMO Project verification. This achievement ensures to our customers that you are guaranteed to be consuming ingredients that are in compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard. To achieve this status, we must follow rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance, including segregation and traceability of our ingredients to prevent contamination.
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria and viruses to produce insecticides and survive heavy doses of herbicides. These experimental combinations of genes cross the natural species barrier and, contrary to industry claims, have not been proven safe to humans or the environment.
In more than 60 countries throughout the world, including several in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. (here)
Find all these verifications displayed on our label!
(Note: Because we've just recently received Non-GMO Project Verification, our labels haven't yet been updated to display that logo.)
Here are our latest faves, DIY style!
BEAUTY: Raw Cacao Facemask. Bennett, our chocolate-makin' master, recently experimented with this super easy DIY cacao mask recipe and we love it! All you’ll need is 2 tablespoons of raw cacao, 1 tablespoon of raw honey, 1 ½ tablespoons of organic coconut oil. Combine all three ingredients into a paste consistency. Apply to skin with fingertips and let dry for 15-20 minutes. Remove with warm water and apply a toner and moisturizer. Just another way to reap the benefits of our favorite superfood, raw cacao!
Check out the NYSM team with their masks on...
HEALTH: All-natural Bug Repellant. In the Northeast, we’re celebrating the full bloom of the spring season. But we know too well that the change of the season means the revival of our pesky nemesis, the mosquito, and with it the threat of disease (not to mention the swatting and scratching). Most commercial bug sprays contain chemicals that are bad for you and the environment. We prefer this easy all-natural DIY alternative!
HOME: All-purpose Home Cleaner. This three ingredient cleaner can be used for just about anything in the household. Simply combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and ¼ cup of lemon juice in a spray bottle and get cleanin’! The key ingredient here is hydrogen peroxide, which is inexpensive and non-toxic. It’s odorless, cleans better than vinegar, and is safe for the environment unlike bleach cleaners. The lemon acid fights grime and smells lovely!
DECOR: Homemade Wall Art. A pinterest search for DIY wall art turns up HUNDREDS of ideas for creating your own inexpensive and beautiful original art. We love these because of their ease to make and their rustic organic feel! (1, 2, 3, & 4)
At Not Your Sugar Mamas, we use only all-natural sweeteners in our products. Natural sweeteners (like coconut palm sugar and maple syrup) are raw or minimally processed alternatives to refined sugars that are usually used in mass-produced chocolate products (like corn syrup and white table sugar). Natural sweeteners are extracted from their source to maintain the most nutritional integrity possible.
Also, natural sweeteners generally have a lower glycemic index than refined sugars, which means they raise blood sugar levels more slowly than refined sugars. Therefore, natural sweeteners are less likely to result in that dreaded post-sugar crash and more serious health problems like diabetes and obesity.
Here are six natural sweeteners with the Not Your Sugar Mamas stamp of approval:
1. MAPLE SYRUP
Maple Syrup contains polyphenols, which antioxidants which reduce inflammation, as well as essential nutrients like zinc and manganese, which build up your immune system. Use it in your coffee to add a unique, rich flavor. Or substitute for regular sugar in your favorite baking recipe by replacing 1 cup of sugar with ¾ cup of maple syrup.
2. COCONUT PALM SUGAR
Coconut Palm Sugar is derived from the sap of Coconut Palm flowers. It is high in Magnesium, which speeds up metabolism and stimulates brain memory. Palm sugar is also high in potassium, which has been shown to help maintain a healthy blood pressure. It can be used as a 1:1 sugar substitute for coffee, tea, baking, and cooking.
3. DATE SUGAR
Date sugar is derived from, you guessed it, dates! It offers all the nutrients of dates like potassium, calcium, and dietary fibers, which makes it great for digestion. It is minimally processed (dried, ground up dates) and slightly sweeter to taste than regular sugar. Keep in mind, date sugar doesn’t dissolve! Use it in smoothies or as an oatmeal topping.
4. RAW HONEY
Honey is one of the world’s oldest sweeteners. It contains flavonoids, an antioxidant which may reduce risk of cancer and heart disease. Choose pure and raw honey to get all the goodness like enzymes, vitamins and minerals. It has more calories than sugar, but it is sweeter, so less is needed to achieve same level of sweetness.
5. MOLASSES
Molasses is the syrup that is produced during the process of refining sugar. Molasses comes in different strengths. Dark molasses has the highest antioxidant levels of all sweeteners, similar to levels in nuts and berries. It is high in vitamin B3 (niacin) which helps lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.
6. RAW CANE SUGAR
Raw cane sugar is the less-processed version of white sugar. It contains minerals, amino acids, and vitamins including antioxidants. It’s different from brown sugar, which is white sugar with molasses added back in, and doesn’t contain the traces of chemicals like phosphoric acid and sulfur dioxide which are used in the refining process.
BUT REMEMBER...
Everything in moderation. For example, just because you might swap white bread for the healthier whole wheat alternative, doesn’t mean you should eat whole wheat bread all day long! Natural or not, pay attention to your sugar intake and aim to keep it at 25 grams (or 5% of your daily caloric intake) per day. That’s why Not Your Sugar Mamas chocolate is a great option to satisfy that sweet tooth craving while dosing on superfood raw cacao. Our Salted Caramel bar has 6 grams of sugar compared a Snickers bar which has 30 grams of sugar - that’s five times more sugar!
We’re excited to announce that Not Your Sugar Mamas handmade superfood chocolate bars are officially Non-GMO Project Verified!
What does that mean for you all?
This means when you eat a delicious handmade NYSM chocolate bars, you are guaranteed to be consuming ingredients that are in compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard. To achieve this status, we must follow rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance, including segregation and traceability of our ingredients to prevent contamination.
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria and viruses to produce insecticides and survive heavy doses of herbicides. These experimental combinations of genes cross the natural species barrier and, contrary to industry claims, have not been proven safe to humans or the environment.
In more than 60 countries throughout the world, including several in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs.
At NYSM, we believe you have the right to know what’s in your food. This achievement further demonstrates our commitment to you and your wellbeing!
Read the press release here.
Enjoy!
XO -
KY + Bennett
