Blogs
Working Out After Sixty
I almost salivate every time I see a high impact aerobics class in session at my gym. I feel the same when I pass our local tennis courts and watch that yellow ball going back and forth over the net.I did aerobics most mornings for years. I also played tennis every day for years. But I don’t do either anymore. And I’ve stopped running 10Ks – an activity I was so proud to be able to do...
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A.Vogel "Beauty Essentials" Twitter Party!
How do you look so good?! Beauty comes from a combination of lifestyle, attitude, nutrition and more. Join Naturally Savvy and A.Vogel as we share tips, ideas and stories about natural beauty. We're also celebrating the launch of "Beauty Essentials," a brand new nutritional supplement for healthy skin, hair and nails from A.Vogel. Naturally Savvy will be your host, and naturopath...
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A Tampon Experiment: A Picture Tells the Tale
I recently started a petition, along with my Naturally Savvy team, telling Procter & Gamble to disclose what's in their feminine hygiene products. As consumers, we’re in the dark about what’s in our sanitary pads and tampons, largely because they’re considered a medical device, and as a result, the ingredients don’t have to be listed.While we’re not entirely sure of the ingre...
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Is the Decline of Cognitive Abilities Caused by Hearing Loss?
The more I think about the Johns Hopkins study’s conclusion that “adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop problems thinking and remembering than older adults whose hearing is normal…” (“Hearing Loss Accelerates Brain Function Decline in Older Adults, January 23, 2013), the angrier and more skeptical I get.Is This Study Hogwash?I even looked at the mass of comments abo...
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A.Vogel "Beat The Flu" Twitter Party, Part 3!
A.Vogel Beat The Flu Twitter Party... Part 3!Good things come in threes, so join us for our wrap-up #BeatTheFlu Twitter Party with A.Vogel Canada! The first two events were a massive hit, and together we warmed up the Canadian winter twittersphere with a TON of fun and informative chatter. In fact, we all had so much to say that both of the first two events ended up trending on twitter! ...
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Should A 9-Year-Old Give Healthy Eating Advice?
Being as passionate as I am about healthy living, I do my best to teach my kids the importance of eating a healthy diet. I talk a lot about avoiding The Scary Seven ingredients (for those of you who know me, food coloring is my nemesis), I stress the importance of starting our day off with protein, and I talk about how fish oil is a good fat and helps our brain function properly....
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Who Loves You Abby? Abby!
My two year old daughter Abby never ceases to amaze me. She is bright beyond her years (I have to say that, Im her mom), and like all young kids, she speaks the truth.A few months ago we were playing around and I asked her: Who loves you?, fully expecting her answer to be: Mommy!But to my surprise, her answer was an emphatic: ABBY!So, I asked her: Who else loves you? Her response...
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Don't Stress About The Little Things
With the onset of the new year I’ve begun to put things into perspective again – especially about the unimportant little things in life.Every once in a while I catch myself faulting my husband – in my own mind – about all the little irritating things he does: leaving empty or semi-empty drinking glasses un-rinsed on the sink counter, not checking for phone messages, leaving piles of paperw...
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Give (Frozen) Peas (and Dr. Oz) A Chance
I decided to wait before commenting on Dr. Oz’s recent Time Magazine article “Give (Frozen) Peas A Chance –And Carrots Too.” I wanted to digest the information and read the comments and articles pouring in from both the critics and supporters across the web.I created Naturally Savvy, in part, because I believe in the benefits of organic food for health, farmers who grow it, and the environ...
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Teach Kids About Healthy Eating
Last week I was asked to speak to a class of fifth graders. I introduced them to The Scary Seven and talked about the importance of avoiding chemical additives. The kids seemed well-informed about diet in terms of how it affects ones weight, and when I asked how many of them chew sugar-free gum, most of the class raised their hands. When I asked if they ever feel any side effects from chewing t...
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Is Breast Thermography A Useful Tool?
The news this week that clinics in two Canadian provinces have already been ordered to stop using breast thermography equipment thanks to a poorly reported CBC news expose is upetting. While thermography is approved by the FDA as an adjunct early detection tool for breast cancer, its only a matter of time before its validity is questioned in the U.S. too. Despite what is proclaimed in the media...
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7 Vegan Recipe Swaps for Thanksgiving
Holiday gatherings are meant to be a time of celebration, connection, and during Thanksgiving especially, being grateful. That can be oh so painfully difficult when youre the only vegan at the dinner table famished while others gorge themselves on turkey, rich gravies, buttery potatoes and creamy desserts.No one likes to waste food, and often hosts are nervous that making food for the sole...
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"We're not going to be that house, are we?"
The other night I was watching the Halloween episode of “Good Luck Charlie” with my kids. Its my favorite kids’ show - it always makes me laugh out loud.One of the themes of the episode was about how Teddy, the older sister, decided to make this years Halloween as healthy as possible so she bought single packages of mini carrots to give out to trick-or-treaters.Her younger brother Gab...
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Halloween Candy is Scary
Halloween can mean many things - costumes, decorations, parties - but it most certainly means: Candy.The ill effects of this junk food-filled holiday can last for days, or even weeks after our mini ghouls and goblins have returned from their trick-or-treating extravaganza. As the authors of Unjunk Your Junk Food, we are very familiar with the unhealthy ingredients found in most conven...
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GMOs in Foods Labeled 'Natural'?
It seems that much of what we read lately somehow relates to the topic of GMOs - genetically engineered organisms.It is an especially hot topic if you live in California with the vote for Prop 37 just around the corner, taking place on November 6th.As consumers, we are becoming more aware of the toxic chemicals found in our food supply and we are fighting to do something about it. If ...
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Fragrance Free: Protect Yourself from Toxic Scents
Stinky, sweet smelling air fresheners, cologne, body sprays, and scented shampoo are made with synthetic fragrances, and they’re bad for your health…especially children and pregnant women. These factory-made fragrances contain phthalates, which are chemicals that can cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects and reproductive problems. I recommend not buying artificially scented products ...
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"Why Women Still Can't Have It All"
I’ve been hearing a lot of hubbub about Anne-Marie Slaughter’s Atlantic Magazine (July/August 2012) article called “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All.” It’s had over a million views online in less than a week. I caught her appearance on the PBS Newshour on June 26, 2012 and also read Carolyn Anderson’s opinion, “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All (at the Same Time)” in the June 26, 2012 issue of th...
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Savvy Over 60 Travel Tips
About six months ago my husband said he’d like us to take a trip around the world. He warned we should go soon while we’re still able enough physically to make such a long journey.I said sure, I’d like to go, but I would prefer to travel to all the places on our bucket list in small, bite-size chunks. I can’t bear the thought of traveling for weeks and months on end. That’s not because I’m...
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Living With Age Spots
I’ve always admitted to being vain. I got that way from my mom. It’s embarrassing. I remember a time very close to the end of her life when she was well into her 90s. She was in the hospital and I was sitting by her bedside. And she kept looking at me and finally said, “You’re so beautiful. Look at me, how old and wrinkled I look.” It was a nice compliment to me, but it showed how she still car...
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"Healthy People, Healthy Oceans" Twitter Party!
Nordic Naturals Healthy people, Healthy oceans Earth Week Twitter Party! Care about our oceans?Concerned about ocean wildlife?Interested in sustainable ways to promote health naturally?Join Nordic Naturals and Naturally Savvy for a very special Earth Week Twitter Party! Well be talking about ocean health, sustainability and omega oil nutrition. Bring your sustainab...
Read more...Overcoming An Eating Disorder With Real Food
I battled an eating disorder for close to 20 years and often alternated between starving myself and compulsively overeating. When I was fortunate enough to find a great recovery program, I was in the middle of a binge eating phase and fully expected the nutritionist to teach me how to STOP eating, I was completely surprised when instead, she taught me how to START! I had a very unhealthy ...
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My Tragedy Survival Tool Kit
I think it’s safe to say that when we’ve reached age sixty and beyond we’ve already gone through our fair share of hard times, illnesses, and tragedy. I know I have. I was nine years old when my favorite uncle died in a plane crash, my first friend died of breast cancer when we were both in our forties, and my father and brother both died much too young – in their early seventies.During th...
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Lies, Exaggerations and Fabrications
Children lie for the same reasons adults do. They do it to get themselves out of a sticky situation, or if they are afraid of punishment or rejection. They do it if they feel threatened or trapped. They do it to impress or manipulate or they just think that lying will making things easier for everyone. Often, lying is a sign of low self-esteem and kids do it to make themselves look better. ...
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Dreams: Your Inner GPS (iGPS)
I sometimes am invited to talk about dreams on the radio, both commercial and Internet radio shows, and I’m looking forward to some in the coming months. More and more though teleseminars or “summits” are becoming popular and the next one that I’m participating in has a great name, “Inner Soul Safaris” (iSS). Isn’t our inner journey just as much a “trip” as hauling the family to Graceland? You ...
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This Week on Naturally Savvy - Feb. 26, 2012
We have a lot of great new articles on Naturally Savvy this week to help you live a more natural, green and organic life.Planning a party tonight to watch the Academy Awards? Naturally Savvy has lots of great tips for sweet treats that will actually help you to Unjunk Your Oscar Party!Have you ever really read - and understood - the nutritional labels on the food you eat? Its so impor...
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Nordic Naturals "What's Essential?" Twitter Party
Whats essential for living an extraordinary life? Do you have an essential life philosophy, outlook or attitude?Is there an essential activity - something you need to DO to feel good - like eat right or exercise?Join Naturally Savvy and Nordic Naturals to share your insights on the essentials of what makes a great life. Get inspired, chat with interesting people, and w...
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My Pedometer: The Great Motivator
My gym, the Spectrum Club, introduced a program called Virgin HealthMiles* in 2006, and I’ve been wearing a pedometer called a GoZone at my every waking hour ever since. I wear it everywhere, attaching to my clothes on the waste band of my slacks or skirts. It counts out my steps, and if I press a little button it also tells me calories spent, miles walked, or the time of day. My goal each day ...
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3 Easy Ways to Green Your Health
If youre like most people, a little voice inside your head has probably been telling you for a while that its time to get back to a more natural way of living and take a more serious look at the toxins in your everyday life. Even so, you may feel confused about the simple, practical things you can do to minimize your exposure and maximize not only your health, but your contribution to a cleaner...
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Healthy Guts Twitter Party With BioK+
Digestive problems? Prone to infections? Want to travel without getting sick?Come learn about how to keep your immunity high and your guts healthy!Join Naturally Savvys Andrea Donsky as she hosts BioK+ at the next Naturally Savvy Twitter Party. Win healthy prizes, learn from our natural health experts and chat with other natural health leaders and enthusiasts...
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New Year, New Intentions, New-Trition!
What could you do to gradually add more nutritious foods to your lifestyle this year? How about focusing on one nutrient dense food each month? Decide to eat that food a couple of times each week for the entire month, finding new recipes, or new ways of incorporating it into your daily routine. This will build a habit, and more than likely it will continue. Here are 12 suggestions for f...
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Turning 40 And Other Glimpses Over The Hill
Happy New Year! If you are anything like me, you have busy trying to sort through life and keep your head above the rising tide of post-holiday clutter! In preparing to write this blog I noticed that this is my 40th Dreams re over the hill you begin to pick up speed.” I’m way over that hill — and one other — yet I’m still 25 years old in my head! Even so, time is speeding up for all of us as we...
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Join the Edible (R)evolution!
Are you ready for a lifestyle change thats as easy as it sounds?From the creators of Naturally Savvy comes a new book that will help you do just that!Unjunk Your Junk Food is now available at all major retailers and its the perfect gift for a friend, family member - or even yourself!Want to catch a sneak peak of the book? Just click on this link and you can download it today!
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This Week on Naturally Savvy - Dec. 19, 2011
We have a lot of great new articles on Naturally Savvy this week to help you live a more natural, green and organic life.From the creators of Naturally Savvy comes a new book to help you live a healthier lifestyle. Check out Unjunk Your Junk Food to help you snack better. And dont forget to join our Twitter party tomorrow at 8pm (ET). Follow the hashtag #UnjunkYourJunkFood for the chance ...
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Does a Plant Based Diet Ensure I’ll Never Have a Heart Attack?
Dieting and food seems to take center stage especially after a holiday season of indulging. The Saturday after Thanksgiving my husband Bob and I watched a CNN article about Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn’s diet cure for heart attacks, and we discussed going on his plant-based diet ourselves. Neither one of us has excess plaque in our arteries and we want to keep it that way. Bob, however, has had bo...
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Unjunk Your Junk Food Twitter Party
Our next Naturally Savvy twitter party is all about our new book – Unjunk Your Junk Food! Natural health expert and Naturally Savvy co-founder Andrea Donsky will be hosting the discussion, along with her co-author and Chief Nutrition Office for NaturallySavvy.com, Lisa Tsakos. Were giving away 3 copies of our book and one lucky winner will receive a gift bag filled with goodies ...
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BRAIN FOOD!
Brain Health, Memory, Learning Challenges and Depression. Thank you to the people who showed up at McNally Robinson on a cold night to listen to me enthuse about the wonderful foods available to us to keep our brain healthy! I really appreciate the support, and sincerely hope each of you received several new ideas to add to your lifestyle, whether to improve memory, depression, learning abi...
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Playing with Dreams
We are living in black and white times; in the duality of either/or choices. Good and evil seem to call to us from the sidelines of our lives, and our choices — when we can even accept the fact that we have choices — seem to be only “this” or “that.” While I happen to look great in both black and white, in life I’m an advocate of many shades of grey! Among those who are trying to follow th...
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This Week on Naturally Savvy - Dec. 12, 2011
We have a lot of great new articles on Naturally Savvy this week to help you live a more natural, green and organic life.Want to win a copy of a copy of Unjunk Your Junk Food signed by the Naturally Savvy authors and a huge gift bag filled with healthy alternatives to the junk food you love, including chips, cookies, chocolate and soda? Then enter our Unjunk Your Junk Food Facebook Contest...
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Healthy For The Holidays With Prairie Naturals
Colds and flu can put a real damper on the holiday season. How do YOU keep yourself and your family healthy for the holidays? Our next Naturally Savvy twitter party is all about having a healthy holiday, free from colds and flu! Natural health expert and Naturally Savvy co-founder Andrea Donsky will be hosting the discussion. As a special treat, Prairie Naturals will be mailing ...
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Beware of Sugar Substitutes
AminoSweet is the new aspartame! I just want to be sure that all of you who follow the healthy food path are aware that aspartame has been renamed AminoSweet. For those of you who have my Eat Away Illness book, there is information on aspartame and why it is unhealthy, but the renaming occurred after the publication. Please do not be taken in by the hype with this new strategy to pull the wool ...
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