This week we'll explore hydrating coconut water and a healthier fudge alternative. We'll also delve into next weekend's micro blue moon and some travel must-haves.

Eat Colorfully

Seasonal Ingredient Spotlight: COCONUT WATER

As the temperatures warm up, it becomes increasingly important to be more mindful of hydration and electrolytes. If you don't already incorporate coconut water into your routine, why not give it a try? It's relatively low in calories, carbs, and sugar, but is very high in important electrolytes like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and manganese. It's actually one of nature's best potassium sources. This season, I'm encouraging you to ditch the sugary electrolyte drinks and try natural, delicious, and refreshing coconut water instead.

What can you do with coconut water? The options are endless! It's great served over ice, especially on a hot day. But you can also use it in smoothies, add it to oatmeal, and even use it to make a matcha latte (like this Tropical Ocean Matcha, which is perfect for summer).

Curious to give it a try? Look for coconut water that has only one ingredient; avoid products with added sweeteners. There are some nice carbonated options too, which are refreshing on a hot afternoon.

Try This Week: FREEZER FUDGE

Can I tell you a secret? Fudge doesn't have to be bad for you.

Let's be honest, traditional fudge doesn't have many redeeming qualities. It's basically just butter and sugar. However, get ready to change that. Let's ditch the heavy, sugary version and instead make "fudge" from plant-based, simple, whole-food ingredients.

I'm excited to introduce you to "freezer fudge", which is a healthy twist on fudge that's made with satisfying nut butter instead of regular butter. It comes together quickly, sets in the freezer overnight, and gets stored in the freezer (hence the name). This dairy-free fudge alternative uses just a few simple, whole-food ingredients: cashew butter, coconut oil (to help it have the perfect texture upon freezing), a bit of natural sweetener, and whatever other flavors you want to add.

Intrigued? Check out this Honey Raspberry Chocolate Chip Freezer Fudge or this Matcha Honey Swirl Freezer Fudge (both of which can easily be made with maple syrup if you don't eat honey). You can also try Matcha Strawberry Swirl Freezer Fudge, which I shared in the Valentine's Day issue of Eat Colorfully, Live Colorfully.

Live Colorfully

In the Natural World: THE MICRO BLUE MOON

Keep your eyes on the sky a week from today (Sunday the 31st), since May's full moon will be putting on a show. It just so happens to be BOTH a blue moon and a micro moon.

Next Sunday's full moon is classified as a blue moon, but not for the reason you're probably thinking. In modern times, the term "blue moon" has come to refer to the second full moon in a calendar month, which is a rarity. May's first full moon was on the 1st, and now we'll be getting a second.

Interestingly, this is also a micromoon. This term is used to describe a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth in its orbit, making the moon appear especially small (the opposite of a supermoon).

Want to view the micro blue moon in all its glory? Its peak fullness will occur very early on Sunday morning, so you'll be able to see it best as it sets, looking westward. You'll also have a great view of it on both Saturday and Sunday nights as it rises, looking eastward. You can read more about May's two full moons in this Farmer's Almanac article.

Self-Care Pick: TRAVEL MUST-HAVES

I'm almost done with one of my busiest-ever travel stretches. As I write this, I'm sitting in the Atlanta airport. In the past 7 weeks I've been on 18 different flights and stayed in 9 different places, much of it for my day job. Since I expect many of you are dreaming of fun summer getaways, I wanted to share some of my must-have travel items that help me prioritize wellness while on the road.

As numbered in the photo below, I won't leave home without:

1. ​Buoy electrolytes. I use these unsweetened, unflavored electrolyte drops a few times a day, both at home and while traveling. They've made such a huge difference in my overall health (the link will get you 20% off for everyone, or 30% off plus a free gift for new customers).
2. My Kindle. So much easier than traveling with a bunch of heavy books!
3. ​Pique beauty electrolytes. This isn't a daily go-to for me, but I love bringing these easy single-serve packets on a trip, especially given the toll travel can take on our hydration and skin health.
4. ​LMNT electrolytes. Also not a daily go-to, these high-sodium electrolyte packets are dynamite after big hikes or long days in the sun.
5. You guys know I won't go anywhere without my favorite matcha, Matcha Nude! Coffee shop matcha lattes are often loaded with sugar, so I always travel with my own (the link will get you 15% off, use code ROGUE).
6. ​Emergen-C. I generally try to stay away from drink mixes, but these are great for travel. I always have one on the plane as an insurance policy. Especially if you're flying, anything that helps you hydrate without a bunch of sugar is a win.
7. Snacks. Of course homemade is better, but sometimes for travel a packaged snack is easier. I look for options with abundant protein and minimal extra ingredients. There are some good bean-based packaged snacks like dry roasted edamame or roasted fava beans.
8. Protein powder. I won't go anywhere without my Sprout Living protein powder. It can easily be added to yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, etc., and is a great way to ensure I get some protein, regardless of what I find on the road (the link will get you 20% off, use code ROGUE).

Thanks for joining me for this issue of Eat Colorfully, Live Colorfully! I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to reply with questions, thoughts, or requests. If you missed a previous issue, you can view all my newsletters here. Have a great week!