Natural Health and Wellness

"Patriotism on a Plate" is a must-see talk given by Robyn O'Brien that she presented at Tedx Austin 2011 . She shares her amazing journey with her own child's food allergies, her type-A personality to find out why so many of our children now have food allergies, why our food industry is affecting the health of our nation, and why organics cost so much. This is brilliant, informative, eye-opening, and inspiring to all of us to make big or little changes to move ourselves, our families, and our country, patriotically, into a healthier, happier, and more economically sound future.

Oh those sweets! We love them. We hate them. We love the taste of sweets. We love the feeling of sweetness in our mouths. In fact, we love the " feeling of sweetness ". Oh but the guilt that follows the bite down is enough to spoil that love affair with each swallow. I can hear it now... " this is bad for me, I will gain weight, my face will break out, where is my will power, this causes inflammation, this causes addiction, this causes disease ..!" * Gulp! * You just ate that, all that. The guilt is punishing enough to make you never eat another sweet again. That is, until the next bite tempts us. "Oh, hello my sweet love!" Sweet food is, for many of us, a love-hate relationship . We crave sweetness for many reasons. One reason people eat sweets is that we have become "programmed" unconsciously to do so. We have become mindless when it comes to putting something inside our bodies based on triggers that aren't the hunger triggers. How many t...

Give kids a chance to like fresh, living foods. Beyond the regular finger foods of carrot and celery sticks, expose them to tasty salads. It's ok. Let them play with their food. The other night I served my 6-year-old some rice pasta and marinara sauce along with a small bowel of cabbage, carrot, and cilantro salad (no dressing). After only 2 bites of the pasta, she literally pushed her bowl aside and grabbed her bowl of salad. Gobbled it down and had 2 more helpings! This is now one of her favorites! "I could sing my mouth is so happy!" she told me. So how do you get kids to like more raw fruits, vegetables and salads? Expose them to the salad at high-hungry times (after physical activities, snack times, before meals). So what if they fill up before dinner... it's the best thing they can eat! Eat living salads yourself, and often (do as I do, not as I say) Make games of it: "Are you a rabbit?? Here's your munchy, crunchy meal!" Ask them intriguing quest...

There is a myth (and a circulating email) that states placing cut onions around your home helps ward off colds and flu. The myth has pretty much been debunked. However, you CAN help ward off and reduce your symptoms by EATING ONIONS. Onions are rich in antioxidants and have antiseptic and ant-inflammatory properties . It can dry your congested sinuses, reduce phlegm, and reduce your cough, among other healthful benefits. Eating onions raw is best, as it can quickly clear up some of that congestion. Mince the onion well, mix with honey, and eat a spoonful. You can also try making onion tea by adding a chopped onion to 3 cups of boiling water. (Feel free to add some honey to this as well). Allow the water...

Is there something wrong with this image? This is a great Care2 article by Delia Quigley. Learn why you should ditch the milk. Here's an excerpt: A recent article in the New York Times disclosed that the F.D.A. has questioned the illegal levels of antibiotics in commercial milk, while the dairy industry refuses to allow testing. Reporter William Newman wrote that despite the Food and Drug Administrations intention to begin testing for antibiotics in milk, sometime this month, the dairy industry claims that testing “could force farmers to needlessly dump millions of gallons of milk while they waited for test results.” ... ... milk from cows treated with rBGH contains more antibiotics, bovine growth hormone, more pus, and something even more dangerous, Insulin-Like Growth Factor or IGF-1, one of the most powerful growth hormones in the human body and naturally present in cows’ milk. The concern is over the presence of rBGH in a dairy cow’s blood, because it is known to stimulate ...

Want or need to boost your energy? Besides... getting enough sleep (going to bed and getting up at consistent times), drinking plenty of water throughout the day (at least every two hours), maintaining a balanced, whole-food, plant-based diet with regular feedings - but not too much, avoiding excess stimulants (like caffeine and sugar) here are some other helpful energy boosters! (Whew, as if all the above wasn't enough, right?) Goji Berries High on my list of amazing super foods, goji berries pack a healthy punch as being one of the most nutritionally dense foods in the world, and they make a great snack! They contain a healthy balance and dose of both macro- and micro-nutrients, including a high-quality, plant-based complete protein content containing 18 amino acids (and all 8 essential amino acids) along with a rich source of antioxidants (including carotenes, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin - great for eye health). Goji berries also contain up to 21 trace minerals, like zinc, ir...

Most of us live busy lives that leave us exhausted. We want more energy, but fail to develop the habits that will bring that energy to us. As Charles Nobel said: "First we make our habits, then our habits make us." Plug yourself into habits that make you energized! Here are some simple tips to a healthier and more energetic you! 1. Chew your food to liquid before you swallow This allows you to digest your food easier (saving your body's energy for other important tasks); gives you the most nutrients out of your food for fuel; and creates a healthier alkaline internal environment (promoting increased health and vitality). 2. Drink water at least every 1-2 (waking) hours Even when we “think” we are hydrated, we generally are not. This causes fatigue. By drinking every couple of hours we will not allow ourselves to become dehydrated. When you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated - and exhaustion is sure to follow. ...

'Tis the Season to over-indulging, blood-sugar roller coaster rides, stress, and partying with a lot of viruses! It is a sure cocktail to feeling a little blue and bulgy. The good news is there are some strategies to help get you through the holidays. Drink plenty of water. Yes, water. Not just wine, cocktails, juice, coffee, tea, or other beverages. Water helps you to feel fuller and is the only drink that hydrates your body. This is also beneficial because winter tends to be very drying due to our heated homes. Try to drink some water at least every 2 hours. Have a healthy light snack before going out to dinner. Eat some fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, or seeds to partially fill your tummy with some nutrient dense food so you won't over eat on things that are less healthy. Eat Less. Watch your portion size when filling your plate. Intentionally leave some space on your plate and don't go back for seconds. Your body will thank you for this. Eat Slow. Take your time eatin...