By now, you probably know that stress takes a tremendous toll on your body, often showing up in the form of headaches, intestinal issues, weight gain, hypertension, insomnia, and other health problems. Did you know stress also wreaks havoc on your bones and calorie burning capacity? If stress travels with you like unwanted baggage, take advantage of summer’s slower pace to let it go, boost metabolism, and build [...]
Why is it that in the summer we naturally crave more fresh and raw foods? These foods have a cooling effect on the body. The lightness and high water, fiber, and vitamin content, work together to act as our internal air conditioning during these warm months. At this time of year we also need less dense, high-energy food because we get [...]
There are at least two good reasons why I eat organic—and encourage my clients to do the same: Organic food contains fewer pesticides and more nutrients. Fewer Pesticides Chemicals in pesticides can be absorbed into fruits and vegetables, leaving behind trace residues that then get absorbed by your body. Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) pores over the results [...]
We can get very attached to the smell of our favorite lotion or body wash, but there’s often something lurking behind the scent that can harm your health. Many fragranced personal care products contain chemicals called “phthalates,” which help the scent cling to skin and hair. The term hardly ever actually appears on the labels, but instead may be one [...]
The list of beneficial properties offered by greens is long and includes: Improving circulation Promoting healthy gut flora Improving liver function Strengthening the immune system Clearing congestion Greens provide a whole host of valuable nutrients, micronutrients, and phytonutrients. Chlorophyll (found in all green vegetables) is a powerful blood builder akin to liquid oxygen! If you are trying to get pregnant, you [...]
With changing seasons come insufferable allergies. Over-the-counter allergy medication frequently causes drowsiness, fatigue, and other unwanted side effects. As a healthy and natural alternative, consider this unlikely hero: Honey! Many swear by pre-season and general use of at least a tablespoon of raw local honey per day to reduce seasonal allergy and asthma symptoms. Recent preliminary studies are founded on [...]
By growing your very own fresh herbs, your medicine cabinet is only as far as your garden plot! Here you’ll find five all-star plants that have potent medicinal properties and thus dubbed "healing herbs." If you aren’t able to grow them yourself, you can still benefit from their healing nature by looking out for them throughout the summer at your [...]
Have you heard of intermittent fasting (IF) and wondered what it’s all about? Well IF simply involves alternating cycles of fasting and eating. Many studies show this can cause weight loss, improve metabolic health, protect against disease, and perhaps help you live longer. Specific benefits of intermittent fasting include: Lower glucose and/or insulin level Improved lipid profile and blood pressure [...]
Do you feel like you’re constantly on a stress-induced rollercoaster? How do your fluctuating moods rule your days? Do you feel blue more often than you feel joy? If so, you’re not alone. One in 24 Americans suffer from dysthymia, or low-level, chronic depression. Fortunately, making small changes in your food, fitness, and friendships can significantly increase your overall happiness [...]
You can’t turn on the TV, drive down the road or go to a party without being confronted with America’s hottest obsession: weight. Diets are a billion-dollar industry; companies spend millions and millions luring you to try the latest diet (low carb, high protein, low fat, no fat, you name it) with promises that this will (finally!) be the solution [...]