Natural Nutrition 101
Easter & Passover Recipes Vegan Style
Question: Why is Easter the best holiday? Answer: Jellybeans, of course.I know. Even though jellybeans sort of taste like fruity heaven, theyre little more than sugar, coloring and some sort of deliciousness that can only be the handiwork (Im assuming) of Easter bunn...
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6 Tips To Decrease Your Food Waste Now
Its astonishing to think about: more than 40 percent of the food the world produces never gets eaten, while billions of people continue to face food scarcity issues. How can this be? How can so much edible food end up in landfills? The ongoing food waste crisis doesn...
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7 Super Spices for Super Health
Food doesnt have to taste terrible to be good for us. If you shop at your local farmers market you likely already know just how incredible fresh, local and seasonal ingredients can taste. Those ripe, juicy fruits and vibrant veggies are also chockfull of nutritious benefi...
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Spring Detox Cleansing Programs
Warmer weather is already trickling in, and full-fledged springtime is not far off. That means you made it through another winter. Congratulations. But how did your diet fare? While we often embark through the colder months with good intentions of daily exercise and healt...
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Eating to Stay Young: Anti-Aging Foods
In some ways, anti-aging is a hopeless pursuit. We all inevitably age. Well, if were lucky. We all eventually kick the bucket too, but thats just how life works. We cant be young and vibrant without the other reality keeping it all in balance. However that doesnt mean tha...
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5 Quinoa Recipes You'll Love
2013 has been declared the International Year of Quinoa.The ancient grain is back in a big way, and with good reason. Gluten-free quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is quick and easy to cook and its nutritional value is unsurpassed. A rich source of protein, quinoa co...
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'Blind Faith' Equals Less Healthy
Its long been noted that laughter is the best medicine. We know that our outlook can dramatically affect our healing processes and our general sense of wellbeing. But new research indicates a strong correlation may also exist between whether or not we have a sense of blind fai...
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12 Egg Substitutes, Vegan Style
Chickens lay eggs. Humans have known this for quite a while—following hens around and snatching up their ovum like were hungry foxes (we arent?). But modern egg farming has consequences—chickens live in incredibly inhumane factories that are filthy and crowded. The hens are fe...
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Is Going Vegan the Healthiest Diet Choice?
No other conversation about food gets such a heated response as the moral question of whether or not we should eat animals. Tell someone with a face full of greasy bacon that the pig theyre chewing on was smarter than the average dog, and theyll likely scoff at you. Or make sm...
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The Dirty Dozen List 2012
Pesticides are chemicals used to control agricultural pests that damage crops and livestock. More than one billion tons of pesticides are used on crops in the United States every year, however less than one percent actually reaches the targeted organism. The remainder contamin...
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How Quickly Does Fruit Lose It's Nutrients?
Question: How much of the nutrients are lost when you have watermelon that is not rotten but you waited too long to cut it and its not at its optimum anymore? For eg. optimum is Day 1 when you should have cut it but you cut it on Day 12 when the insides are turning mushy rathe...
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8 Tips For A Successful Spring Detox
Spring! This is the season of renewal and rebirth. Spring is not only a time to clean out your home, but also your body. Mother nature provides us with naturally detoxifying foods in the springtime, so it is a perfect time to try a detoxifying cleanse. The best programs are th...
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What is the difference between stock and broth?
credit: lil miss priss/cc by-nc-nd 2.0Q: I would very much appreciate knowing what you consider the difference between stock and broth. Many thanks. –HelenA: While they are both used as a base for soup, sauce, and gravy, and both involve boiling meat and/or bon...
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Is Coconut Water Good For You?
The popularity of the coconut is not without good reason. Within the hairy shell lies a treasure trove of health-promoting nutrients. Coconut water is an excellent source of electrolytes, potassium in particular; delicious coconut milk is rich in anti-inflammatory lauric acid;...
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What Are Sulfites?
What are sulfites? Sulfites are a group of preservatives commonly used in dried fruit and products containing dried fruit, wine and other beverages, flavored vinegars (for example, balsamic vinegar), and many salad dressings. Sulfites are a common allergen and can cause headac...
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Can Food Help Dry Skin?
Q: My skin tends to get very dry in the winter. Are there any foods that can help?A: In fact, there are. First of all, make sure that you’re hydrated. In the colder months it’s easy to neglect water intake, or to substitute hot caffeinated beverages (which tend to dehydra...
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Can I Wash Veggies With Hydrogen Peroxide?
Q: I heard a way to clean veggies is spraying them with hydrogen peroxide. Is this true?A: Yes, its true! In fact, you can use food grade hydrogen peroxide alone. The method I use is soaking rather than spraying. It takes a little longer but provides a more thorough clean...
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Is Isolate Protein Better For You?
Q: There are a lot of types of protein and I’ve heard that isolate is better because of absorption, but I’ve also heard the opposite. What is your opinion? Thank you. –DoloresA: You’re right, there are many types of protein and brands to choose from. Whey Protein ca...
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Why Is There So Much Sodium In My Diet?
In ancient times, salt was precious. Roman soldiers were given a handful every day and later were even given money to buy their own salt. Greeks also used salt as currency. This was referred to as salarium argentum meaning salt money. In fact, the word salary is derived ...
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Is it worth it to eat fruit past it's prime?
Q: Is it worth it to eat a fruit when its past its prime? How many of the nutrients are lost when you have waited too long to cut a watermelon? -FaithA: Thats an excellent question, but one that there is no definitive answer for, at least without coming into your ki...
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How Can I Lower My Cholesterol Naturally?
Q: There have been so many things written these days about lowering LDL and bumping up HDL and I find it confusing. I want to keep to a more natural approach than going to pharmacological pills. I recently heard that 2 glasses of cranberry juice a day will lower LD...
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What Should I Eat To Keep My Blood Sugar Even?
Q: What should one eat in order to keep blood sugar even? I have tried whey protein powder drinks but they did not work. -CathrineA: Two important strategies can help to balance your blood sugar:Firstly, always balance starchy carbs with some protein (or with a...
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What's The Difference Between Natural and Artificial?
Q: What is the difference between natural and artificial ingredients? Is a naturally produced ingredient safer than an artificially manufactured ingredient?–Dave A: Natural ingredients are derived from natural sources –for example,soybeans and corn provide lecithin ...
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What Is Soy Lecithin?
Q:What is soy lecithin? It seems to be in everything!A: Soy lecithin is added to many processed foods and snacks as an emulsifier. Lecithin is a lipid (or fat) found naturally in animal and plant tissues. Although lecithin is a fat, it is also partially soluble in w...
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What Should My Baby's First Foods Be?
Q: What should my baby’s first foods be? –M.J.A: For the first six months of life, babies don’t need any food other than breast milk and/or formula (fortified with DHA). At six months (about the time when a baby starts stealing food off your plate), introduce single...
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How Can I Get My Family To Eat Vegetables?
Q: My family won’t eat vegetables. It’s very frustrating and we end up throwing a lot of food away. Help! – DebbyA: While we’d like our family members to appreciate their value, there are so many reasons why people won’t eat vegetables. Most of those reasons have no...
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Why Am I Bloated?
Q: I wake up in the morning with a flat belly, but it’s bloated by the middle of the day, usually starting after breakfast. What am I doing wrong? -NaomaA: There are several reasons why bloating can occur. Since the bloating appears after you’ve eaten, it could be t...
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How Can I Avoid Waking In The Night?
Q: I often awaken in the middle of the night and have trouble getting back to sleep. Any suggestions for staying asleep? A: Most people lying awake in the middle of the night find that their mind is racing, so many assume that their sleeplessness is caused by stre...
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What is TBHQ?
Q: What is the ingredient TBHQ? Is it safe?A: TBHQ is a petroleum-based food additive used to increase the shelf life of products and prevent the rancidity of fats. It has been associated with nausea, vomiting, and tinnitus, and prolonged exposure has been linked wi...
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Why is high fructose corn syrup unhealthy?
Q: I keep hearing that high fructose corn syrup is unhealthy, but why? -JasonA: The main problem with high-fructose corn syrup is the fructose. Fructose is now considered a major factor in obesity. It circumvents the body’s normal appetite signalling system, leavin...
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Are any cooking oils genetically modified?
Q: Are any cooking oils genetically modified? -LeslieA: Yes, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, corn oil, and canola oil are derived from genetically modified plants. Currently the U.S. Department of Agriculture and FDA does not require GMOs (genetically modified organism...
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What's the difference between whole grain and multi-grain?
Q: What’s the difference between whole grain and multigrain? -LisaA: Whole grain and multigrain are not necessarily the same thing. The term ‘whole grain’ denotes that all three parts of the grain (the bran, germ, and endosperm) are present. While ‘multigrain’ shoul...
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Is it safe for pregnant women to eat peanuts?
Q: Is it safe for a pregnant woman to eat peanuts or peanut butter?A: Traditionally, health experts have recommended against eating peanuts or peanut products during pregnancy and even while nursing; however, this approach is being reconsidered based on a new study....
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How much protein is in almonds?
Q: How much protein is in almonds? -TinaA: A quarter cup of almonds provides about 14 grams of protein. In comparison, an egg provides about 8.5 grams of protein.
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What are some plant sources of calcium?
Q: Lent is coming soon and I like to keep to the fast whenever I can. Can you please let me know from what non-meat and non-dairy foods I can draw calcium? -NickA: Calcium is found in these non-dairy foods: almonds (100g = 254mg), tahini (2 tbsp. = 128mg), calcium-s...
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What plant combinations add up to complete proteins?
Q: What combinations of vegetarian foods add up to complete proteins? – ChrisA: Plant foods contain most, but not all amino acids. You don’t have to worry about incomplete proteins as long as you combine plant foods from at least two categories: grains, beans, vege...
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Are certain foods bad for digestion?
Q: I have heard that certain foods (dairy and meat, for example) are terrible for digestion and can be constipating. Is this true? -KimA: Dairy and meat do not provide any fiber, but they will not constipate you if there is sufficient fiber in your diet from other ...
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What can I eat to lose weight fast?
Q: In addition to drinking plenty of water and continuing my gym visits, what can I eat for the next two weeks to lose 5 pounds? -NickA: The practice of ‘food combining’ – planning meal that combine animal protein and vegetables (for example, chicken and broccoli) O...
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How can I save money in my pantry?
Q: I throw away a lot of dried goods that sit in my cupboards for ages. How can I save money and make sure I use up what I buy?A: Purchase dry groceries in bulk. They’re less expensive (you don’t pay for packaging) and you can buy only the amount that you need. Whole food...
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Why is sodium so dangerous?
Q: Why is sodium so dangerous? I hear warnings to read labels and limit sodium, but I don’t know why. Can you please explain?A: The body needs some sodium, about 1,500 mg per day, but more than that can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and ki...
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