The Products That Turned My Guilty Pleasures into Major Health Boosters

Listen, ladies–it's 2020: we can get therapy over our iPhones, track our cycles with an app, and get nutrients from every vegetable in a tiny tablet. We should be expecting as much from the brands we purchase as the boys we date (which goes without saying, it should be a lot). Rather than depriving myself of guilty pleasures or enjoyable habits (say, a glass of wine or a piece of chocolate), I find brands and products that aren't just not bad for me, but gives my body extra nutrients and benefits to feel my best. Here are five of them:

For your sweet tooth: Moodygirl

When the sweet tooth strikes, no need to binge on an ice cream sundae. Instead, go for one of these organic, vegan, chocolate bars with absolutely zero refined sugar. Not only is this chocolate bar just not bad for you like a Snickers or Twix, but it's actually really good for you (think of it like taking your vitamins, except much more delicious). The Chill Out bar (or the one I have most often) is infused with ashwagandha, magnesium, and mint oil to relax the body and help you fall asleep. What the Chill Out bar does for relaxation, the Libido Lover bar does for sex drive, with maca, horney goat weed, and raspberry oil. And the OG, the PMS Bar ("For That Time of The Month"), is infused with magnesium and vitamin B6 to ease period symptoms.

To replace your gum habit: Mighty Gum

I had the pleasure of chatting with Mighty Gum founder, Mat, and the story of how Mighty Gum came to be is as smart as the product is nutritious. Mat decided that the way to better health was replacing his bad habits with healthy ones (you know I'm all about replacing, rather than subtracting!). He decided to replace the sugary, chemical-laden chewing gum he chomped on every day with a brand new way to take your vitamins. Ashwagandha helps the body manage stress, astragalus builds and balances the immune system, elderberry and reishi mushroom supports immune response, and six additional vitamins are sourced directly from fruit. Plus, chewing actually helps your body absorb the vitamins even better than a pill or chewable. Win, win!

When 5pm Rolls Around: Good Clean Wine

Happy hour or having a second glass with dinner shouldn't interfere with your health goals. Because I'm a fan of good, clean fun in all its forms, I'm a diehard customer of Good Clean Wine. With minimal intervention, few additives (if any), and more natural processes than most wines, this brand is the most affordable clean option that won't give you a bad headache the next day. Most importantly, each bottle is as delicious and refreshing as the fanciest bottle at your local Whole Foods.

When You're Craving Your Mom's Fettuccine Alfredo: Tolerant Foods

There's a lot of plant-based pastas (and I'm a fan of all of them), but Tolerant Foods is my favorite brand because they're certified organic and made from only one ingredient, rather than including thickening agents and added chemicals like many other popular brands. Each penne, rotini, or fusilli is made using only organic legumes (choose between red lentils, green lentils, or chickpeas) for a tasty pasta that's high in fiber and protein for the perfect plant-based and filling meal. Just add Alfredo sauce (vegan, of course).

To Replace Your Morning Cup of Coffee: Four Sigmatic

Make your coffee addiction work harder for you by swapping a Keurig for Four Sigmatic. This certified-organic brand harnesses the power of mushrooms and adaptogens for better balance in the body, and more consistent energy and focus, all with less caffeine. For example, Lion's Mane gets your brain going, and Chaga keeps the body healthy–can your Dunkin' Donuts brew do that? Try the ground coffee for a machine or instant coffee packets to add to hot water.

What's your favorite healthy alternative to your guilty pleasure?

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