Thursday, December 01, 2005

What's In Season - December



Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious.
Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for December:

  • Apples
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Chicory
  • Cranberries
  • Dates
  • Grapefruit
  • Greens (cooking)
  • Kumquats
  • Leeks
  • Oranges
  • Parsnips
  • Pears
  • Persimmons
  • Pomegranates
  • Shallots
  • Star fruit
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Tangelos
  • Tangerines
  • Winter squash

Great all year:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Scallions
  • Snow Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

What's In Season - November



Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious.
Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for November:

  • Apples
  • Bell peppers
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Chicory
  • Cranberries
  • Dates
  • Grapes
  • Greens (cooking)
  • Kumquats
  • Leeks
  • Lettuce (leaf and head)
  • Okra
  • Parsnips
  • Pears
  • Persimmons
  • Pomegranates
  • Pumpkins
  • Shallots
  • Star fruit
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Tangelos
  • Tangerines
  • Turnips
  • Watercress
  • Winter squash

Great all year:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Scallions
  • Snow Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Saturday, October 01, 2005

What's In Season - October



Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious.
Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for October:

  • Apples
  • Beets
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Chicory
  • Cranberries
  • Dates
  • Figs
  • Grapes
  • Kumquats
  • Leeks
  • Lettuce (leaf and head)
  • Okra
  • Oranges
  • Parsnips
  • Pears
  • Peppers
  • Persimmons
  • Pomegranates
  • Pumpkins
  • Raspberries
  • Shallots
  • Star fruit
  • Turnips
  • Watercress
  • Winter squash

Great all year:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Scallions
  • Snow Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Organic Earth



The earth is our nurturer, giving us life, land, and sustenance. Because of population growth, the demand for her gifts is ever increasing and simply living from day to day can now have a negative impact on the balance of nature. The byproduct of many needs is the release of toxic substances into the water, air, and soil. One way to minimize your impact on the earth is to try and use organic products as much as possible and to garden organically yourself if you have space. Though organic fruits and vegetables have become popular, the term "organic" can apply to any product produced from natural substances, including cloth and beauty items. Organic farming promotes a healthy earth, clean water, and healthy people. Organic products are created using natural ingredients that were grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers; haven't been treated with preservatives, hormones, or medicines; and don't contain artificial additives. Using organic products whenever possible not only helps lessen your exposure to harmful chemicals but also helps the health of mother earth as well. Organic farming uses helpful insects to combat pests and natural fertilizers like compost and manure, or crop rotation, to keep vital nutrients in the soil. Healthy soil contains microbes beneficial to plants and thick earthy hummus that retains water, reducing the need for artificial irrigation and the rate of top soil erosion. The benefits of using organic products go far beyond health concerns. Organic farming promotes necessary biodiversity through seed collecting and by encouraging wildlife to thrive alongside humans. We have only just recently begun to understand the effects of chemical-intensive growing on the environment. Organic farming of vegetables, cotton, or any other crop, is a gentle way to reap the earth's bounty and is conducive to a healthy ecosystem. Sometimes the results are slightly more expensive, but the environmental and health costs can be much higher and increased demand for such products can help to lower prices. Your use of organic products encourages a world where birds and insects help control pests, wildlife is an essential part of farming, and nutrition takes precedence over mass production.

Taken from DailyOM - A daily source for nurturing your mind, body & spirit. Every weekday, DailyOM will send you inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day.

Friday, September 16, 2005

To-Go Ware


To-Go Ware® Utensil Set

This utensil set is a toolkit to help reduce your ecological footprint and keep you connected to the world. Enjoy eating with organic utensils made of bamboo, which is highly durable and can be grown and harvested sustainably. "Throwaway" plastic cutlery consists of petrochemicals that create dioxins and other toxic chemicals harmful to the environment, as well as contributing to wasteful habits that feed the landfill rather than nourishing our lives. In addition, the holder itself has been produced by WEAVE, a women's cooperative on the Thai-Burma border. By purchasing this utensil set, you will have contributed to their advancement and empowerment, and made a positive impact to global community. Now that is hip!

For more information go to: to-goware.com

Thursday, September 01, 2005

What's In Season - September



Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious.
Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for September:

  • Apples
  • Arugula
  • Beans
  • Beets
  • Corn
  • Cucumbers
  • Dates
  • Eggplant
  • Fennel
  • Figs
  • Grapes
  • Lettuce (head and leaf)
  • Mangoes
  • Melons
  • Okra
  • Pears
  • Peppers
  • Plums
  • Pumpkins
  • Raspberries
  • Shallots
  • Sorrel
  • Summer squash
  • Tomatoes
  • Watercress
  • Watermelon
  • Winter squash

Great all year:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Scallions
  • Snow Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

A Coca-Cola Story













Once upon a time (in 2001, to be specific), the Coca-Cola corporation built a bottling plant in a small and remote Indian village in the state of Kerala. In exchange for sucking vast amounts of water out of the local land, the mighty corporation promised to bring the people great wealth. But within a few short months, the village people began to notice their wells were running dry, so they complained to the corporation. Coca-Cola calmed the concerns of the people and attempted to win back their favor by giving them vast amounts of free fertilizer, saying it would grow bountiful crops beyond their wildest dreams. After several years of use, we arrive at the present day when the village people have suddenly discovered the fertilizer is actually the bottling plant's waste sludge and is laden with cadmium, a highly toxic, cancer-causing heavy metal. The village soil and water are now too heavily contaminated to safely occupy human life, so the plant was shut down last week. Moral of the story: Don't drink Coke..........drink Pepsi! Just kidding, Pepsi is actually in the process of being thrown out of India for similar crimes, as well.

For more information go to commondreams.org or organicconsumers.org

Monday, August 22, 2005

Healthy Ways to Cook




Even if you use the healthiest of ingredients in your recipes, certain cooking techniques can literally eradicate the goodness from foods. Try the following techniques for healthy cooking:

Avoid using charcoal or gas grills, which can increase the production of cancer-causing chemicals. Use an electric grill instead.

Steam your vegetables. Boiling can deplete vegetables of many of their nutrients, while steaming removes far less of the good stuff, and leaves vegetables with a wonderful taste and texture.

To reduce the amount of fat when cooking, use broiling, baking and roasting pans (drizzle your items with extra-virgin olive oil instead of drowning them in butter or margarine). Chinese steamers or stir-fry pans are also good options.

Never microwave anything in plastic wrap or plastic containers.

Replace all saturated fats in your kitchen with extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil, or grapeseed or walnut oils - these monounsaturated fats are far healthier than their saturated relatives.

For more information on heathy cooking tips go to: drweil.com

Monday, August 01, 2005

What's In Season - August




Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious.
Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for August:

  • Apples
  • Apricots
  • Arugula
  • Basil
  • Beans
  • Beets
  • Blueberries
  • Corn
  • Cucumbers
  • Dates
  • Eggplant
  • Fennel
  • Figs
  • Grapes
  • Mangoes
  • Melons
  • Nectarines
  • Okra
  • Peaches
  • Peppers
  • Plums
  • Raspberries
  • Sorrel
  • Summer squash
  • Tomatoes
  • Watermelon

Great all year:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Scallions
  • Snow Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Slow Walks Burn More Calories


















Results of a small study published in the May 2005 issue of Obesity Research and conducted at the University of Colorado at Boulder found that obese adults burn more calories per mile when they stroll than when they walk at a faster pace. What’s more, the researchers say that a more leisurely pace can benefit the obese more than the brisk walking usually recommended as exercise for former couch potatoes by easing stress on the joints, thus lowering the risk of arthritis and injuries. The Colorado researchers studied 20 obese men and women and 20 men and women of normal weight as they walked a specified course at different speeds. The investigators found that the obese burned more calories when they walked at a slower pace for a longer period than they did when they walked briskly. The same team also found that, when performing identical exercises, obese individuals burned only 10 percent more calories than normal weight subjects did even though their weight was much more than 10 percent higher.

For more information on this article go to: webmd.com

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Consumers Beware: Teflon Can Give you Cancer














Organic Consumers Associations has just announced that using Teflon cookware can give you cancer. After ignoring numerous warnings from independent scientists for years, the "nonstick" chemical used in Teflon has now officially been categorized as a "likely carcinogen" by the U.S. government's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA scientists found four different types of tumors in lab animals exposed to the chemical. The agency announced it plans to collect millions of dollars in fines from DuPont, the maker of Teflon, for concealing studies indicating related health and environmental risks for over two decades.

For more information go to organicconsumers.org

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

10 Most Common Chemical Ingredients in Skin Products


















If you look at the ingredients of every skin-care product you currently own or almost all supposed "healthy" and expensive skin-care products sold in any store, you will find a combination of the following dangerous, chemical and synthetic ingredients. Please keep in mind that when you use ANYTHING on your skin or hair, ALL of the ingredients absorb into your body. Skin absorption is so potent that an increasing number of medicines are in patch form.

Applying creams and oils is NO DIFFERENT from eating them, because they enter the blood-stream regardless if they are ingested in the mouth or absorbed through the skin!

1) Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl Paraben- Some combination of these synthetic ingredients are in almost EVERY skin and hair product made today. Widely known to be highly toxic and cause allergic/skin reactions. Companies use this dangerous ingredient, because it is extremely cheap and extends the shelf life of the product by inhibiting microbial growth.

2) Propylene Glycol -This Petroleum by-product is a synthetic ingredient used as a humectant. Also used as an INDUSTRIAL ANTI-FREEZE to de-ice airplanes!!! This toxic ingredient causes many allergic reactions. Research data states that through skin contact it can cause "liver abnormalities and kidney damage."

3) DMDM Hydrantoin - A Petro-chemical used as an ANTI-FREEZE in cars.

4) Sodium Laurel Sulfate - This highly toxic synthetic substance (used for foaming abilities) causes urinary tract, bladder and kidney infections, genital disorders, eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions.

5) Synthetic Colors - Labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color number such as FD&C Red 6. These highly toxic substances are usually coal-tar based and have been linked as cancer causing agents.

6) Synthetic Fragrances - Most Products will simply say "Fragrance" which means any combination of the cheapest 200 synthetic, toxic ingredients the company can find. Causes headaches, dizziness, rashes, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritations etc...

7) Triethanolamine (TEA)/Diethanolamine (DEA) - Used to adjust the pH balance, but toxic and causes eye problems, and dryness of skin and hair. DEA has been linked with kidney, liver and other organ damage according to several government-funded research. One study found that the topical application of DEA in rodents resulted in anemia, kidney degeneration, and nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord. (Melnick et al., 1994) Even more disturbing was that several animals died before the study ended. Approximately 200 million pounds of DEA are produced annually in the U.S., most of which goes into personal care products. (USITC, 1990).

8) Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea - Used as a a preservative, but a primary cause of contact dermatitis. You might see these toxic chemicals under the names Germall II and Germall 115, which release formaldehyde at just over 10°.

9) Behentrimonium Chloride - Toxic ammonia compound. Ingestion can be fatal. Concentrations as low as0.1% can be irritating to the eyes and cause necrosis (tissue death) of mucus membranes.

10) Titanium, Zirconium, Benzalkonium, Bismuth, Antimony (*1), Barium (*2), Aluminum, Tin, Chromium, Benzene & PCBs. - According to Dr. Hulda Reghi Clark, all of these ingredients are extremely dangerous. *1 - Breast cancer cases show Titanium, Zirconium, Benzalkonium, Bismuth, Antimony, and Aluminum accumulation in the breast. *2 -Barium is described in the Merck Index as a "caution". ALL water or acid soluble Barium is POISONOUS! 10ed. P.139, 1983.

You must ask yourself if you wish to continue supporting companies who will do anything to you, animals, or the environment to make money. At least now you know what you are paying for...

Friday, July 01, 2005

What's In Season - July



Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious.
Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for July:

  • Apricots
  • Arugula
  • Basil
  • Beans
  • Beets
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Cherries
  • Corn
  • Cucumbers
  • Eggplant
  • Fennel
  • Mangoes
  • Melons
  • Okra
  • Peaches
  • Peppers
  • Plums
  • Raspberries
  • Sorrel
  • Strawberries
  • Summer squash
  • Tomatoes
  • Watermelon

Great all year:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Scallions
  • Snow Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Thursday, June 30, 2005

People Against Dirty













The guys at Method Home are so cool. Founders, Eric Ryan & Adam Lowry are all for clean. Clean air, clean water, clean homes, and clean living. Their premium home care products are highly effective, safe, and packaged with respect for both your design sensibilities and the environment. Your home is a reflection of who you are and how you want to live. So why not live clean?

You can start off by trying Method's starter kit which includes: all-purpose spray cleaner, dish soap, biodegradable wipes, hand wash, triple-concentrated laundry detergent and dryer sheets all for USD $24.99. You'll be hooked! Check out Methodhome.com for more information on some cool, hip, safe eco friendly cleaning products. Their smart and stylish packaging will look swell on your shevles too!

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Ten Good Reasons to Buy Organic

  1. Organic products meet stringent standards
    Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.
  2. Organic food tastes great!
    It’s common sense – well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.
  3. Organic production reduces health risks
    Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.
  4. Organic farms respect our water resources
    The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.
  5. Organic farmers build healthy soil
    Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.
  6. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature
    Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.
  7. Organic producers are leaders in innovative research
    Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment.
  8. Organic producers strive to preserve diversity
    The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.
  9. Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy
    USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.
  10. Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike!
    Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food agricultural products are being grown organically – even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.

Click here for more information on the various Organic Farming Associations

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Tongue Scraping for Health



Despite its recent exposure in the U.S., tongue cleaning is not a new practice. Long before we had terms like "plaque" and "halitosis," tongue scraping was a common practice in many cultures such as ancient India, Egypt and China.

The idea behind tongue scraping is simple: old mucus from meat, sugar, dairy and processed foods form a layer of coating on the tongue. This not only masks the taste of food by coating the tastebuds, but also keeps us tasting and craving those "old" foods.

Therefore, when starting to eat and enjoy natural foods such as vegetables and whole grains, the odds are against us if old mucus residues are on the tongue, as well as oral bacteria and debris. Tongue scraping helps to eliminate the layer of mucus by physically scraping it off on a daily basis, as opposed to brushing one’s tongue, which usually does little more than mash the mucus and bacterial debris down into the tongue.

Tongue scraping also reduces breath odors and bacteria by 75%, making breath fresh. And, it's safe and natural!

People report dramatically reduced cravings, the ability to better TASTE the essence of clean food and, as a result, weight loss, control over bingeing and cleaner breath after using the tongue scraper 2-3 times a day.

How to use the tongue scraper:
  • Apply a few quick strokes, 2 – 3 times a day.
  • Use the rounded cleaning edge to scrape gently down the tongue several times while
    applying slight pressure.
  • Rinse under running water and gently scrape again until no white residue is left.
  • There should be no pain or gagging involved whatsoever. If you feel any discomfort, you’re probably scraping too hard or starting too far back on the tongue.

You can purchase tongue scrapers at drugstore.com

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Are Plastic Water Bottles Safe?
















Recent studies link toxins such as bisphenol-a (BPA) to breast cancers and reproductive mutations. Plastics migrate carcinogens including BPA during regular use, exposure to heat, and especially after cleaning.

For those of you concerned with plastic water bottles, there is an alternative! Klean Kanteen is a reusable, light weight, risk-free stainless steel container that does not leach toxins into its contents.

Perfect for hikers, bikers, kids and anyone who keeps themselves hydrated. Rinse after use to keep it clean. This canteen works for cold or hot beverages. Slim design fits into most bottle holders.

It does a body good!

Click here for more information on Plastic Water Bottle Safety.

To purchase this and other cool "green" finds go to greenfeet.com

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Ayurvedic Insight - Raisins



Raisins are dried grapes.

One of the star fruits in Indian cuisine, ripe brown raisins are found dotted about in rich milk puddings, ensconced inside sweet syrupy cheese balls called Gulabjamuns, and stirred into fragrant rice.

Ayurvedic Physicians say there is a reason why raisins are used so generously in Indian cooking from times immemorial. The ancient sages and rishis of India taught the people to weave the use of raisins and other healing foods into their everyday lives. This enabled them to eat healthy food without thinking of it as "medicinal." Just like education is very effective when combined with entertainment, healing foods also work best when you also enjoy their taste. Just so with raisins.

In Ayurveda, raisins are considered a highly beneficial food. Ayurveda scriptures say they have great medicinal value. Some aspects of the psycho-physiology where raisins work best:
  • The lungs: Raisins lubricate the body's channels-particularly the lungs. Therefore, people with less than robust respiratory systems find them very healing.
  • The brain: Raisins have a medhya effect, which supports the brain and nurtures it.
  • The mind: Taken in quantities and combinations recommended by a qualified ayurvedic practitioner, raisins can uplift and balance the emotions.
  • The throat: Raisins with milk or water can relieve thirst.
  • The bowel: Raisins soaked overnight and taken in the morning support bowel movements.
  • The womb: Women who want to get pregnant have been known to benefit by including raisins in their diet-raisins are considered bringhana foods, supportive of natural fertility.

For more info on Rasins: mapi.com

Monday, June 13, 2005

Chocolate = Health Food



The "prototype" of chocolate milk was a foamy mess of cacao dregs with chili peppers that Indians in the Americas traditionally drank to stimulate energy, digestion and sexuality. This concoction worked because cacao is rich in phenol, an antioxidant that is also found in red wine. The U.S. Magazine Natural Health notes that phenol lowers blood pressure, make our vascular system ore elestic, and reduces the risk of blood clots. Note that milk chcoclate contains 2 to 3 times less phenol, so if you're enjoying chocolate for your health, choose the dark variety.

Ode Magazine voted Green & Black's chocolate one of their Top 20 Organic selections of the best natural products and sutainable companies.

Go to Green & Black's to find out where you can buy it in your area.

Protein Tips for Vegetarians



A vegetarian diet is associated with better health - lower cholesterol levels, increased anti-oxidants and greater intake of essential fatty acids. But vegetarianism can also lead to certain nutritional deficiencies, according the Australia's Nature&Health Magazine. Animal proteins contain a more full spectrum of essential fatty acids, while most vegetable proteins are less "complete". This is why variety is important. Those eating a vegetarian diet should understand the importance of classic protein combinations, such as re-fried beans on whole wheat bread, whole grain muesli and milk, chili beans with brown rice and vegetables stir-fried with tofu and cashew nuts. For fat, lean more towards seeds, nuts and healthy oils like linseed and olive oil. Also remember that calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin B12 are more difficult to absorb from vegetables sources. There is calcium in figs (usually in muesli or granola) and tahini (use in a salad dressing, substitute of peanut butter, or blend with chickpeas for a yummy dip). It's important to get enough vitamin C to absorb adequate iron. Zinc can be found in sunflower seeds, tahini, seaweed, and almonds, just to name a few. There are no vegetable sources of B12; a supplement is therefore recommended.

For the recipe of the rice and beans pictured go to: C & F Foods Inc.

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Smart. Proud. Hungry.



Hey Smarty-pants, brown-bag your lunches in style and feel proud that each day you are helping cut down on the 25 million tons of placstic that end up in landfills each year. Storage is a snap: Just wrap the plate, bowl, and cup in the place mat and secure it with the stainless utensils.

Find this and other great eco finds at vesselstore.com

How to Recycle Thermometers



When a thermometer breaks, the amount of liquid mercury it contains is roughly enough to contaminate all the fish in a 20-acre lake - and enough to cause neurological damage in people, especially children. Several states have now banned the sale of mercury thermometers and are urging consumers to use such alternatives as digital electronic thermometers.

But don't throw your old mercury thermometer or old home thermostats in the trash - it will end up in a landfill or an incinerator, where it will vaporize into the air or find its way into the food supply through fish. Instead, check epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/mercury/collction.htm for mercury-recycling programs in your area. If you can't find one, contact your local hazardous waste hauler.

Saturday, June 11, 2005

Natural Remedies for Depression

  1. B vitamins—richly supplied in brown rice and beans; also in brewer’s yeast
  2. Vinegar—ideally unpasteurized
  3. Apple, especially green organic (avoid "Delicious" variety non-organic apples)
  4. Cabbage, especially in the form of unpasteurized sauerkraut
  5. Blue green algae (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae)
  6. Exercise—very effective if practiced daily
  7. Meditation—very effective once skill is gained
  8. Avoid peanuts, pork, margarine, bad fats, deep fried foods, refined foods, overeating, late-night eating and too much saturated fat
  9. Essential oils: Peppermint, spearmint, lavender, ylang ylang, grapefruit, clary sage, melissa; take in 1 drop doses daily in water or 1 teasp olive oil
  10. Herbs in teas, pills, capsules, and extracts:
  • mints of all kinds
  • chamomile
  • St. Johnswort
  • citrus peel
  • licorice root
  • lemon balm leaf (sour, spicy, cool)
  • saffron (spicy, sweet, bitter, neutral)

For more information on how you can combat depression naturally, you can contact Holistic Health Counselor, Charita Singh for a free 1 hour health consultation. See how one conversation can change your life.

Friday, June 10, 2005

The Healthiest "Paint" you can Buy

.

Anna Sova Luxury Organics, paint that's made from up to 99 percent food-grade ingredients and none of the harmful compounds (solvents, mercury, formaldehyde, benzene) found in ordinary latex. Safe for children and pregnant women, they're pretty, to boot: Colors range from soft pastels to deep browns.

Add a $9 bottle of Anna Sova Organic Aromatherapy and your room will smell like fresh lemons, vanilla, orange and cloves, or sandalwood and spices — rather than headache-inducing chemicals.

Available online at annasova.com.

Preserved Produce



Get your recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables with these delicate decorative parchment bowls, constructed from slices of fresh produce. Designer Margaret Dorfman presses the materials until they are dehydrated, then crafts the one-of-a-kind bowls from overlapping strips of parchment. Perfect for potpourri and lovely when illuminated by a glass votive candle. Use decoratively, not for food. Like any other botanical, wreath or dry flower, color lightens with exposure to light. Many flavors to choose from, with blood orange the newest and sturdiest. Made in USA each bowl is $28

Available at uncommongoods.com

Ayurvedic Insight - Headaches



When you pop a painkiller to relieve a headache you are actually trying to quieten your body's distress signals instead of discovering and addressing the underlying imbalance.

The culprit is usually an imbalanced Vata-the most dominant and restless of the three doshas.

How Vata Headaches Happen

There are several factors that can cause Vata to go out of balance. Some of them are:
- Not sleeping well
- Not eating foods that nurture the brain
- Eating very dry or cold foods
- Eating leftovers or junk foods
- Keeping an irregular routine of meals and sleep
- Overexposure to cool, dry air
- Excessive reading, television watching or stressing at work
- Excessive air travel
- Not enough water

Before popping a painkiller, try drinking 2 glasses of water and wait 20 minutes, that usually does the trick.

More info on Ayurvedic Headache Cures are available at mapi.com

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

What's In Season - June



Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious.
Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for June:

  • Apricots
  • Arugula
  • Asparagus
  • Basil
  • Beans
  • Beets
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Cherries
  • Chives
  • Dandelion greens
  • Fennel
  • Lettuce (leaf)
  • Mangoes
  • Melons
  • Okra
  • Papayas
  • Peaches
  • Peas
  • Peppers
  • Plums
  • Rhubarb
  • Raspberries
  • Sorrel
  • Strawberries
  • Summer squash
  • Watermelon

Great all year:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Scallions
  • Snow Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Sunday, May 01, 2005

What's In Season - May



Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious.
Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for May:

  • Artichokes
  • Asparagus
  • Beans
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Cherries
  • Chives
  • Dandelion greens
  • Fennel
  • Fiddlehead ferns
  • Horseradish
  • Lettuce (leaf and head)
  • Mangoes
  • Melons
  • Okra
  • Papayas
  • Peaches
  • Peas
  • Rhubarb
  • Sorrel
  • Strawberries
  • Summer squash
  • Watermelon

Great all year:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Scallions
  • Snow Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Friday, April 01, 2005

What's In Season - April



Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious. Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for April:

  • Artichokes
  • Asparagus
  • Beans
  • Chicory
  • Chives
  • Dandelion greens
  • Horseradish
  • LeeksLettuce (leaf and head)
  • Oranges
  • Papayas
  • Peas
  • Rhubarb
  • Shallots
  • Turnips
  • Watercress

Great all year:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Scallions
  • Snow Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

What's In Season - March


Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious. Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for March:

  • Artichokes
  • Asparagus
  • Chicory
  • Chives
  • Dandelion Greens
  • Grapefruit
  • Greens
  • Horseradish
  • Leeks
  • Lettuce (leaf and head)
  • Oranges
  • Parsnips
  • Peas
  • Rhubarb
  • Shallots

Great all year:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Scallions
  • Snow Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Tuesday, February 01, 2005

What's In Season - February



Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious.
Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for February:

  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Cauliflower
  • Chicory
  • Fennel
  • Grapefruit
  • Greens (cooking)
  • Leeks
  • Oranges
  • Parsnips
  • Pears
  • Shallots
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Tangelos
  • Tangerines
  • Turnips

Great all year:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Scallions
  • Snow Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Saturday, January 01, 2005

What's In Season - January



Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious.
Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for January:

  • Brussels sprouts
  • Chicory
  • Grapefruit
  • Greens (cooking)
  • Leeks
  • Oranges
  • Parsnips
  • Pears
  • Shallots
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Tangelos
  • Tangerines
  • Turnips
  • Winter Squash

Great all year:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Scallions
  • Snow Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.