5-Minute Snacks to Power You Through Your 9 to 5

5-minute snacks

In our November 11, 2020 episode of the Teach Me Something New podcast, Brit and Anj talked to Max Lugavere —The New York Times best-selling author of Genius Foods and Genius Life — about keeping brain fog at bay with sleep, hydration, exercise (puzzles, learning something new, etc.), sex, and of course food.

"At the end of the day, ultra processed foods are the root cause of the obesity epidemic in this country," he says. "There's a direct association between higher trans fat consumption and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease."

Instead, he suggests reaching for genius foods like almonds, leafy greens, berries, wild salmon, and avocado throughout the day to keep your brain and body in tip-top shape. "When you base your diet around minimally processed foods that you eat almost effortlessly to your maintenance level of calories, or even below it, that equates to effortless weight loss."

In fact, we got a taste of Lugavere's favorite snack: dark chocolate-covered blueberries that you can totally do at home.

"Dark chocolate and blueberries are two genius foods. They're great for brain health," he says.

Dark Chocolate-Covered Blueberries

Here's the 5-minute recipe:

  • Melt 85% dark chocolate bar over a low gentle heat.
  • Toss blueberries in the melted chocolate and remove from heat.
  • Spoon out the dark chocolate-covered blueberry clusters on some parchment paper.
  • Sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt over the clusters and refrigerate.
Pro tip: you can stir in a little bit of Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder, which Lugavere says has been shown to boost neuro-plasticity.

Simple, right? Here are more 5-minute brain-healthy snacks to boost your productivity throughout the day:

Almonds

Almond Granola Smoothie Bowl

"Almonds are rich in magnesium and vitamin E," says Lugavere, and known to benefit memory function.

Mix almonds into your blueberry clusters, grab a handful when you're in between meals, or sprinkle chopped almonds over your lunch salad. Personally, we love this "Almond Joy" snack: Mix a handful of almonds with equal amounts of coconut flakes and dark chocolate chips so you get all three in every bite. The key is sticking to a handful.;)

Try our Almond Granola Smoothie Bowl for a heartier meal.

Avocados

The avocado's monosaturated fats help your blood flow, which is good for brain activity. They also help lower blood pressure.

Mix avocado, slices of grapefruit, and pine or macadamia nuts for a brain-healthy snack. These Guacamole recipes for "one" are the perfect snack for dipping jicama, cucumbers or carrots.

Sweet Potato Toast with Chickpeas + Avocado Dressing

'Drizzle' fresh avocado over this hearty take on toast. It's so good, you'll be shocked at how healthy of a snack it is!

Shrimp-Stuffed Avocado

If you have more time, try making this recipe for a brain-healthy lunch.

Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad

You may not have time to make a pizza for work, but you can get close with this pasta salad recipe. Top it with ingredients like fresh clove garlic, black olives, pepperoni, and more to create a deliciously easy midday snack.

Eggs

Superfood Egg Sandwich

Got an extra 10 minutes? Try this Superfood Egg Sandwich for brekkie or lunch!

"Protein is a very powerful tool because it keeps you satiated over the longest timeframe," Lugavere. Eggs also have vitamins B6 and B12, folate and choline, which your body uses to create acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and memory.

Kale

Kale has a lot of protein for a leafy green, plus iron, folate, and vitamin B6, which all help make brain molecules like serotonin and dopamine.

Dip fresh kale leaves in a mixture of olive oil, salt and red pepper flakes. Optional: add shredded parmesan for a little more flavor.

Got 5 more minutes? Make your own kale chips by removing the leaves from the thick stems, tossing in olive oil and sprinkling with salt. Bake at 350 degrees on parchment paper for about 10 to 15 mins. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Quinoa Salad

Since there's 10 days of fall left, make this quick and nutritious pumpkin quinoa salad recipe. It has the perfect combination of roasted kale, quinoa, and pumpkin that'll warm your tummy in no time.

Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Brit + Co

No-bake Halloween treats are the perfect solution for quick and easy festive desserts. Whether you’re volunteering for a school party or a neighborhood hang pre-trick or treating, these easy no-bake treats are a MUST for quick entertaining and require no oven! Pick out your favoritefestive cupcake recipe and break out your tried-and-true Halloween snack mixes, because all of your spooky get-togethers are about to get wild. We have a few cocktail "treats" for adults too! From chocolate-dipped pretzel broomsticks to ghosty cake pops, these spooky and seasonal treats are ideal for Halloween parties or as a fun activity with kids, without the hassle of baking. Read on for 65 of the easiest and most festive no-bake Halloween treatswe love!

Ghost Cake Pops

Store-bought cake and candy eyes make a super fun and totally delicious holiday treat that will impress kids and party guests alike! (via Hello Little Home)

Chocolate Caramel-Covered Banana Goblins

These goofy goblins are just as delicious as they are adorable. Plus, since you’re snacking on potassium-rich bananas, you don’t have to feel bad about the chocolate and caramel. (via Handmade Charlotte)

Trick or Treat Mummy Nuggets

There’s no easier way to make a cute Halloween treat than by using snacks you already have in your house. These mummy nuggets would be a fun project to keep kids busy while practicing their artistic skills. Just don’t be surprised if you find a lot missing. (via Easy Peasy Pleasy)

No Bake Protein Balls: Monster Cookie Edition

These no-cook, no-bake monster cookie protein balls are a fun and delicious after-school snack or lunch treat. They have the perfect amount of sweet without any potentially inflammatory sweeteners. Even the candy-coated pieces they recommend are made with minimally-processed ingredients! (via The Real Food Dieticians)

Graveyard Dirt Cups

We might be okay with being buried if it’s in six feet of chocolate cookies and pudding. Decorate your cups with edible bones and tombstones to really make it look like a cemetery. (via Sugar, Spice and Family Life)

Swirled Chocolate Butterscotch Bars

These deliciously easy homemade treats require no oven, very little prep time, almost no effort, made in one bowl, and make the perfect homemade Halloween “candy bar." (via Half Baked Harvest)

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip

Please a crowd with this 5-ingredient dip that's super creamy and topped with crunchy toffee bits. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Candy Corn Cookie Bark

Somehow you always have candy corn left over at the end of Halloween (heck, you may have some left from last year). Put it to good use by making this gift-worthy cookie bark that showcases all of the Halloween colors we know and love. (via Grace and Good Eats)

Butterfinger Fudge

This homemade spin on one of Halloween’s staple sweets is one that will make you very proud of yourself. It’s not every day you can say you made candy that’s better than the original. (via A Bajillion Recipes)

Candy Corn Krispie Treat Pretzel Pops

These treats aren’t just no-bake; they’re no-cook at all. Take advantage of store-bought Rice Krispies to form your candy corn look-alike, and you won’t even break a sweat. (via Love from the Oven)

Homemade Candy Bars

In case your local grocery store is all out of your favorite candy come Halloween, you can always make your own! Try experimenting with homemade Snickers and Twix, to start. (via Brit + Co)

Worms and Dirt

Make this classic Halloween treat for kids without refined-sugar, dairy, and gluten, but still filled with chocolatey flavor. There's an option to use store-bought chocolate cookies, making it easy and no bake! (via Clean Cuisine)

No Bake Monster Bars

These protein-packed peanut butter chocolate bars are perfect for Halloween and fall snacks, just keep them in the fridge or freezer so you always have a healthy treat within reach. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

Candy Corn Popcorn

Since we can’t enjoy candy corn year-round, let’s go overboard this whole month. This no-bake snack doubles the fun with candy corn popcorn served in a tricolor waffle cone. (via Brit + Co)

No Bake Vegan Chocolate Almond Coconut Bars

These no bake bars are a mix of healthy and delicious with Medjool dates, coconut, almonds, cocoa powder and chocolate chips.(via Vanilla and Bean)

Halloween Banana Popsicles

If you’re looking for a healthier Halloween snack or if you tend to have those hot Indian summers that won’t quit, these banana fruit pops are the way to go! (via Food Bank of the Southern Tier)

Halloween Chocolate Bars

Did you know you could make candy corn and Oreo-filled brownies without even turning on your oven? The result is thick and fudgy, just what you want for Halloween. (via Homemaking Hacks)

Frankengoblin Jello Shots

Oreos and Jello. What could be better? These cookie jiggler shooters will scare your creepy socks off. (via Brit + Co)

No-Bake Orange Curd Mini Cheesecakes

These orange curd dessert are the perfect Halloween treat for potluck parties. You just need crust, cheesecake filling, and orange curd, so easy it's scary! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Frankenstein Twinkies Pops

How cute are these guys? Just when you thought Twinkies couldn’t get any better, this happens. (via This Silly Girl’s Kitchen)

Black Cat Cookies

Our favorite thing about these ominous feline bites is that the cookies are pre-made. Being totally smothered in melted chocolate helps too. Me-ow. (via Hungry Happenings)

Ghost Crackers

It definitely doesn’t get much cuter than these. If you can stop playing with the decorations long enough to taste the crackers, the sweet and salty flavor will be simply addicting. (via Cake Wiz)

No Bake Chocolate Lasagna

Make four layers of yumminess in this incredibly easy to make dessert, including a no-bake oreo cookie crust, instant chocolate pudding, cream cheese fluff, and whipped topping. Add orange sprinkles to make it extra Halloween-y! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Here's another super easy cake you can top with your Halloween toppings if you like. Make it in about 10 minutes with graham crackers, pudding, whipped topping, and chocolate frosting! (via Culinary Hill)

Homemade Almond Joy and Mounds Bars

It seems these candy bars only make an appearance come Halloween. But we’re willing to bet the homemade version will stick around all year. Yeah, they’re that good. (via Marin Mama Cooks)

Mummy Truffles

These mummy truffle bites don’t have a trace of “scary,” thanks to the decadent pumpkin cheesecake filling. Once you get past the blaring red eyes, it’s nothing but sweet and creamy dessert goodness. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Jack Skellington Donut Pops

he Nightmare Before Christmas is a classic movie that is on repeat around Halloween. Give the star the credit he deserves by making these snackable donut pops adorned with Jack’s loveable skeleton face. (via Finding Zest)

Vegan Twix Bars

Something tells us the word “healthy” never comes to mind when you’re eating a Twix. That’s all about to change with this chocolatey vegan dupe. (via Healthful Pursuit)

Mini Phyllo Bites

Phyllo shells are the gateway to endless dessert possibilities. Repurpose your leftover candy minis to form a new and improved treat that you’ll make year after year. (via Nifty Mom)

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

This easy no-bake pumpkin pie cheesecake is creamy and delicious and the perfect Halloween time dessert. (via Feel Good Foodie)

No Bake Oreo Cheesecake Parfait

What can you do with a couple of Oreos and a can of Fanta? No, this isn’t a joke; those are the two main ingredients to this simple Halloween parfait. Dig in! (via Cook With Manali)

Peanut Butter Candy Corn Bark

You can’t go wrong with pretzels and peanut butter. The sweet/salty combo is to die for, and you could easily package it and give back to trick-or-treaters. (via Something Swanky)

Candy Dipped Pretzel Rods

Halloween sprinkles and colored candy melts make for a fun autumn day in. Make your own masterpiece on a pretzel rod that is both beautiful AND delicious. (via Love Bakes Good Cakes)

Easy No-Bake Halloween Treats

These easy treats take just four ingredients! (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)

Cookie Dough Mummies

What lurks inside these truffles isn’t a mummified body part, but a sweet ball of luscious cookie dough that’s egg-free, of course. (via Catch My Party)

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

Pumpkin and peanut butter are like Halloween’s version of the PB&J. As if that isn’t reason enough, sandwich them between two pretzels for a little bit of crunch and saltiness. (via Fresh April Flours)

Easy Pumpkin Patties

Whip up these festive homemade candies for a treat that will put your actual Halloween candy to shame. Each bite is as buttery and sugary as the last. (via Mom on Timeout)

Vampire Donuts

These frighteningly delicious donuts double as a snack and a party favor. Once your guests inhale their donut, they’ll sport the vampire fangs all night long. (via She Knows)

Pumpkin S’moreos

Here’s a crazy idea: Let’s combine summer’s favorite treat with milk’s favorite cookie and Halloween’s favorite flavor. Yum, yum, yum. (via Brit + Co)

Halloween Pretzels

There are so many options when it comes to decorating pretzels for Halloween — just let your imagination run wild. Although, the owls are quite a hoot. (via The Monday Box)

Witch Hat Surprise Cookies

Inside the barrel of this chocolate ice cream cone there’s a bevy of various candies waiting to surprise their trick-or-treater. Kids will love the unexpected treat, and you’ll have fun making them. (via It’s Always Autumn)

Homemade Caramel Corn

Looking for an easy-to-make treat that will ease any craving? Look no further, because this Halloween-friendly popcorn will do the trick. (via I Heart Naptime)

No Bake S'Mores Cheesecake

Impress your Halloween guests with this no bake s'mores cheesecake, made with a graham cracker crust, no bake cheesecake filling, chocolate ganache, and toasted marshmallow meringue. (via Butternut Bakery)

Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow

Nibbles are essential at any Halloween party, and puppy chow is always a crowd favorite. Give it a fall update with pumpkin spice and candy pumpkins and TRY not to get addicted. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

Pumpkin Fudge Spice

Trying to stay healthy this fall? This Paleo-approved, 100-percent-vegan fudge totally has your back. (via Paleo Running Mama)

No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

It’s hard to believe something as indulgent and rich as a cheesecake could be no-bake, but it’s true. Bonus points for the decorative pumpkin marshmallows on top. (via Jane’s Patisserie)

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter M&M Balls

Are they cake pops? Butter balls? Candy? Cookies?? You be the judge. Whatever you call them, these M&M-infused balls are jaw-droppingly peanut buttery. (via Buzzfeed)

No-Bake Sugar Wafer Frankenstein Cookies

How adorable are these mini cookies resembling Frankenstein’s monster? And the best part: All you need to make them are sugar wafers, green candy melt, chocolate sprinkles, and candy eyes. (via Shaken Together)

Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffle Mummies

What gives these truffles their mummy-like appearance? Simple food coloring and an extra few drizzles of white frosting. (via La Creme de la Crumb)

No Bake Peanut Butter Icebox Cake

This uber-sweet dessert sandwiches peanut butter pudding between peanut butter cookies. It’s basically a PB-lover’s dream come true. (via Crazy for Crust)

Caramel Apple Nachos

Sure, these are basically just sliced Granny Smith apples drizzled with a few choice sweeteners (namely, white chocolate, chocolate chips, Heath bar bigs, and caramel). But EVERYTHING is better in nacho form, right? (via Life in the Lofthouse)

Halloween Monster Marshmallow Melts

These super cute marshmallow treats allow you to get creative. Don’t feel limited to green coloring and two eyes: Throw other colors in there and make them with one eye, three eyes, or eyes everywhere! (via Finding Zest)

Mickey Mouse Halloween Cookies

Oreos are a delightful invention. In addition to coming in tons of crazy flavors, they also come in both normal-sized and mini form. And with that distinction comes the ability to create Mickey Mouse-shaped cookies. (via Living Locurto)

No Bake Pumpkin Pie in a Jar

Looking for a delicious dessert you can take on the go? This pumpkin pie in a jar should do the trick. (via Life Love and Sugar)

No-Bake Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars

These bars are vegan and gluten-free and so easy to make with simple ingredients like cashews, maple syrup, dates and gluten-free old fashioned oats. (via RachL Mansfield)

Oreo Cookie Cups With Marshmallow Cream

Here’s another delicious and Halloween-inspired use for your Oreos. The cookie cups are made not only with America’s favorite cookie, but also powdered sugar, butter, marshmallow cream, vanilla, and, of course, sprinkles. (via Two Sisters Crafting)

Halloween Spider Donuts

Okay, so the reason these donuts are no bake is because you have to go out and buy the donuts ahead of time. The REAL magic happens when you add a chocolate donut hole on top and give the creature some chocolate spider legs. (via The Semi Sweet Sisters)

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls

These gluten-free, vegan pumpkin pie balls are great for your health-conscious friends (not to mention gluten-intolerant trick-or-treaters). With ingredients like pure maple syrup, cinnamon, pumpkin puree, and almond flour, you really can’t go wrong. (via Gluten Free With LB)

Gummy Worm Ice

Surprise kids with these creepy crawlers, or use them in your Halloween cocktail! (via Brit + Co)

Reese’s Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Fair warning: You’re going to be tempted to eat these right away. But it’s imperative to let them chill for at least a few hours. Put them into the fridge to speed up the process. (via Mom on Time Out)

Witch Hat Cookies

Last but not least, a quintessential Halloween favorite: Things shaped like witch hats. In this case, chocolate kisses sitting atop chocolate-rimmed Ritz crackers. (via Dizzy Busy and Hungry)

Try These Adult Halloween Treats Too!

Reese’s Peanut Butter Shooters

Take your favorite Halloween candy up a notch with some chocolate vodka. Just make sure to pick up a skull-imprinted ice cube tray ahead of time to make it extra creepy. (via Brit + Co)

Creepy Petit Fours

Nothing says Halloween quite like a smattering of bite-sized blood. Shards of sugar make a just-as-creepy cake topper that will leave you shuddering. (via Brit + Co)

Blood and Bones Cocktail

A treat for adults! What could be creepier than bone-inspired jello shots? Floating them in a blood-red cocktail, of course. Cheers! (via Brit + Co)

Candy Corn Jello Shots

Let your partygoers shoot back these tasty shots of festive color and scary spirit. Pro Tip: Always make more than you think you need. (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious recipe ideas.

Lead image via Clean Cuisine

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

Daily Harvest has made it their personal mission to ensure customers have access to sustainably-grown fruits and vegetables since 2015, becoming more and more popular for their delicious, ready-to-make frozen treats. While they've been direct-to-consumer for years, you can now find their most popular selections at Target!

The brand's special selection of smoothies, harvest bowls, and pops are now available in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Montana, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Washington State! Eager customers will the option to choose from six tasty smoothies, eight harvest bowls, and two flavors of pops to satisfy whatever their taste buds are craving.

But, we know some of you may be wondering about the recall Daily Harvest issued a couple of years ago. That's why we talked to Andrew Noyes, Daily Harvest's VP of Communications and Corporate Affairs to help answer any questions you may have.

Image via Daily Harvest

Daily Harvest understands some customers may still have questions and concerns, but the brand ensures us that they're taking the necessary precautions to bring high quality products to consumers. Noyes says, "The recall was incredibly challenging, particularly for the consumers who were adversely impacted. Our team worked hard to get to the bottom of what occurred while trying to communicate transparently and effectively with all the key stakeholders. We have leveraged a lot of the learnings from this experience to ensure we continue to evolve and improve as a business."

Image via Daily Harvet

Not only that, but Daily Harvest is doing everything possible to develop a positive relationship with customers. "We’re doing that by focusing on our delicious fruit-and-veggie packed food, including the introduction of brand new collections and expansions of some of our best-selling items in grocery stores across the country. We’re also doing that by advancing our mission to make it easy for people to enjoy more sustainably grown, organic fruits and veggies daily while helping improve human and planetary health," says Noyes.

As far as their food quality and safety standards are concerned, Daily Harvest has made it easy for you learn about their new and continued efforts here. The standards open with, "Nothing matters more than the health and safety of our customers," and then outline how they pick ingredients, why they freeze them when they do, and how they maintain food safety throughout every step of the way. Their standards and certifications include:

Farm + Ingredient Supplier Standards

  • GAP (Good Agricultural Practices Program)
  • FDA facility registration
  • Pathogen, chemical + toxin testing
  • Organic certification (where applicable)
Manufacturing Standards
  • GFSI Accredited Certification (the leading food safety Coalition)
  • FDA facility registration
  • GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
  • Organic certifications
  • Documented food safety plan
  • Environmental monitoring program
  • Documented allergen control program
  • Validated preventative controls program
  • Pathogen, chemical + toxin testing
  • Monitoring equipment calibrations

Image via Daily Harvest

It goes without saying that Daily Harvest is super excited to launch their products in Target.

Noyes readily says, "Our debut at Target is one of our company’s most exciting retail launches yet. They're a great fit for us because their guests are looking to meet a lot of the needs that Daily Harvest fills. Many have young kids in the household, they're in search of convenient food, made from high quality ingredients that tastes good and is also good for them. Plus, Target has a long history of bringing fresh, exciting brands to the forefront and their guests go there to find and try new things."

As longtime fans of everything Target has to offer, we can't argue with that. Still, Noyes wants to make sure customers know how special Daily Harvest's collaboration with the retailer is. "Because we exist to help consumers eat more fruits and vegetables, it’s important that we provide options across their day, not just for one occasion or day-part. That's why we’re intentionally launching across three occasions at Target: breakfast, lunch and snacks. The SKUs we’ve selected are some of the best-selling in our DTC channel and showcase a range of flavor profiles within each collection. We’re excited for many of their guests to find us in the freezer aisle and try our Smoothies, Harvest Bowls and Pops for the very first time."

This collaboration is meant to help Daily Harvest tap into a wider market that's looking for easier meal options when they're pressed for time. As a working mom who's discovering she has a few food aversions, this sounds like a match made in heaven.

As a reminder, Noyes wants you to know that Daily Harvest’s food is free from dairy, gluten, gums, artificial colors and artificial flavors, and as such is suitable for many consumers’ needs and preferences. Check and mate!

With all that in mind, here are the Daily Harvest goodies you can grab right now at Target!

Smoothies

Strawberry and Peach Smoothie

Tastes like strawberry banana sorbet

Can't get enough of strawberry desserts and need an option you can eat while on the go? Get your freezer ready to welcome Daily Harvest's Strawberry and Peach Smoothie! It has sweet strawberries, tart raspberries, and sour goji berries that'll supply your body with all the nutrients it loves.

You'll also enjoy munching on the blend of peaches, gluten-free oats, and flax seeds that help give this smoothie a delectable crunch.

Açai and Cherry Smoothie

Tastes like acai smoothie bowl

This antioxidant-rich Acai and Cherry Smoothie is for anyone who loves making sweet smoothie recipes. As much as you may love making them, we think it's okay to give your blender a break by indulging in this yummy option. What makes it stand out is the hidden dose of kale you find in every bite.

You'll be surprised it's in there because all you'll taste is purely good sweetness!

Banana and Almond Smoothie

Tastes like nut butter swirled banana bread

I think Daily Harvest may have cracked the code by crafting a delicious smoothie that tastes like banana bread. It has a beautiful blend of bananas, cacao, vanilla bean, nut butter, and maca root in it that'll make you wonder if it's really healthy or not.

The answer is yes!

Mint and Cacao Smoothie

Tastes like mint chip ice cream

You've never tasted mint chip ice cream like this before. The minty peppermint blends nicely with the added chlorella while the bananas and cashew make you wonder if it's time to replace your heavy breakfast with something much lighter.

Blueberry and Cacao Smoothie

Tastes like dark covered chocolate blueberries

Always get a craving for chocolate right before your period? Try eating Daily Harvest's Blueberry and Cacao Smoothie as a healthy replacement for the candy bars you keep stashed by your nightstand. It also features kale, spinach and maca root for a blend that'll send your taste buds on a lovely journey.

Mango and Greens Smoothie

Tastes like swirled cucumber mango juice

Don't worry if you haven't booked your tropical vacation yet because this Mango and Greens smoothie is the next best thing. It tastes like literal sunshine in a cup with it's juicy mango, coconut, camu camu, and lime!

Harvest Bowls

Black Bean and Cheeze Harvest Bowl

There's a yummy black bean and cheese burrito waiting for you, but it's in bowl form! This is something I know my S.O. will love because it features black beans, cilantro, peppers, and a scrumptious cashew queso that he'll be talking about for days.

Brussels Sprouts and Tahini Harvest Bowl

I've never been a fan of eating Brussel sprouts, but this harvest bowl may make me change my mind because it has butternut squash, leeks, hazeltnuts, lentils, and sesame tahini it it. I love tahini on a good day so having a healthier version of it sounds like music to my ears, er, taste buds.

Spinach and Shiitake Grits Harvest Bowl

Those who are lactose-intolerant will fall in love with Daily Harvest's Spinach and Shiitake Grits Harvest Bowl. Instead of dairy, the nutritional yeast, cashew butter, and olive oil will create the vibe you're in the mood for. Also, you won't have to worry about a corn allergy because the 'grits' are millet and it's gluten-free!

Sweet Potato and Wild Rice Hash Harvest Bowl

Someone at Daily Harvest really loves burritos, but that's cool because we love them too! Actually, I've taken to eating more sweet potatoes these days so this is yet another bowl I have to try. Also, I've never had a smoky-sweet tomato sauce before so mouth is extremely curious to know how that tastes.

Lentil and Tomato Bolognese Harvest Bowl

It seems like Lentils and tomatoes are the stars of this Daily Harvest's show; not that we're complaining! Coupled with the cremini mushrooms and leeks, you'll get the heartiness of a traditional bolognese bowl without feeling weighed down afterwards.

Broccoli and Cheeze Harvest Bowl

This is just like Daily Harvest's Black Bean and Cheeze bowl except you'll have broccoli in it instead. It reminds us of the many vegetarian casserole recipes we've tried over the years, except there's no prep work involved!

Cauliflower Rise and Pesto Harvest Bowl

We live for a grain-free moment and this bowl isn't short of that. With basil, spinach, cashews, and olive oil serving as the base for the pesto sauce, we know we're in a for a healthy treat!

Herbed Squash and Asparagus Risotto Harvest Bowl

We're suddenly craving risotto again and it's all because of Daily Harvest's Cauliflower Rise and Pesto bowl! The brown rice, kabocha squash, garlic, asparagus, and more create tons of flavor that'll make anyone wonder where this dish has been all their lives.

Pops

Strawberry and Dragon Fruit Smoothie Pop

Daily Harvest's smoothie pops will forever change the way you approach popsicles because they taste good and they're healthy! For instance, this version has strawberry, banana, dragon fruit, cherry and cauliflower purées in it. Yes, we said cauliflower.

Blueberry and Banana Smoothie Pop

If your kids won't stop begging you for popsicles, trick them into eating their fruits and veggies with this Blueberry and Banana Smoothie Pop. It has blueberry, raspberry, and banana purées along with a put of spinach tossed in for good measure. They'll never know what hit them!

The last thing Noyes wants you to know is that "It has been less than a year since we launched in retail and you can expect to see more Daily Harvest items in the freezer aisles of more stores coast-to-coast in the months ahead." We're looking forward to see them launch online throughout the week!

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Lead image via Daily Harvest

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

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Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.