Welcome to Now Trending. Here’s what’s new in the world of natural health!
Stay satiated (and satisfy your sweet tooth!) with protein candy
Now you can eat your candy and have it too—protein, that is!
Not your average confectionary, protein candy is found in the form of fruit chews, brownie bites, chocolates, and peanut butter cups. Unlike regular candy, which typically contains little (if any) nutritional value, these snack-sized options can help you meet your protein goals when you’re on the go or low on time.
As with protein bars and shakes, protein candy has a place in a healthy eating plan. Always read ingredients—protein supplements have a tendency to contain higher amounts of sugar or alcohol sugars, the latter of which are known to cause stomach upset.
To stay energized and satiated throughout the day, try to include sources of dietary fiber and healthy fat with your protein candy—we love a side of fruit and a serving of nuts with ours.
Add raw-some power to your next dessert with date caramel
Made by blending Medjool dates with water and a pinch of salt (plus optional vanilla or coconut milk), date caramel is a raw, sweet paste that can be used in place of regular caramel sauce. Although the two sauces are mostly interchangeable when it comes to use, date caramel comes with one major advantage: it’s made from Medjool dates, which are rich in fiber, magnesium, calcium, potassium (50% more than bananas!), and phytonutrients.
By swapping Medjool date caramel for traditional sugar-based caramel, you may also reap health benefits such as better digestive function, support for the nervous system, and improved metabolism.
For best results, serve date caramel dolloped or swirled into baked bars, as a soft dessert filling, as well as spooned onto ice cream or frozen yogurt. Date caramel won’t firm up like traditional caramel, so avoid using in cakes or other desserts that rely on the caramel for structure.
Silent benefits: quiet time and silence for wellbeing
Silence is golden and, in this case, it comes with a well-researched set of benefits. Unlike forced isolation or loneliness, short-term periods of solitude are known to be rejuvenating and encourage self-reflection.
Finding moments of intentional silence is essential in today’s hectic world, especially when it comes to mindfulness and appreciation of the present moment. Silence is also a balm for the nervous system, which can in turn reduce feelings of stress, including a decreased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, less muscle tension, steadier breathing, and increased alertness and cognition.
Find silence with daily meditation or by undistracted enjoyment of a simple activity, such as eating or drinking without a device close by, avoiding your phone while in the passenger seat, or walking without music.
Pamper your skin with cleansing balms
In search of a gentle cleanser for your skin? Cleansing balms are formulated to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without the need for harsh scrubbing. Cleansing balms can be used alone or followed by a water-based cleanser if being used as part of the double cleansing method.
When choosing a cleansing balm, look for options that contain high-quality, cold-pressed oils, such as olive, sunflower, grapeseed, coconut, argan, rosehip, and sweet almond. Not only are these oils ultra-moisturizing, each has a unique set of benefits. Depending on the oils used, cleansing balms can target skin tone, prevent signs of aging, and fade scars and suns damage.
For those with dry, oily, or sensitive skin, cleansing balms are designed to suit a wide variety of skin types, with the exception of acne-prone skin as oil-based products are more likely to cause breakouts—even when used in conjunction with water-based cleansers.
This article was originally published in the August 2025 issue of delicious living magazine.
