November 16, 2009

Go for the old

When it comes to natural foods, some of the tastiest and most nutritious ones are also the oldest. Today, challenge yourself to try foods that have nourished humans for millennia. Some ideas: dates, yams, fresh fruit, wild game, quinoa or quinoa...

November 13, 2009

Host a fitness scavenger hunt

Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? Not only does it test your competitive spirit, it’s a great way to get out and get moving with friends and family. With a little planning, you can take it to the next level and make it either a...

November 12, 2009

Sleep on it

Did you know that mattresses produced before 2005 can harbor toxic chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) intended to reduce flammability? Moreover, some release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because their foam is made from...

November 11, 2009

"Picky" an apple

Besides being delicious, apples contain a host of nutrients, including Quercetin, a flavonoid (see, it’s not only found in red wine!). So how do you choose the best one? Start by buying close to home, and stick to those that are organically grown...

November 10, 2009

When it comes to superfoods, kid around

Are so-called superfoods as beneficial to children as they are to adults? The answer is a qualified “yes.” Everyone needs the same nutrients – namely vitamins, minerals, carbs, protein, and fat -- but kids need different amounts, depending on their...

November 09, 2009

Stiffen up

If a crisp shirt is part of your daily ensemble, you can get the look you want without relying on potentially toxic agents. First, aerosol products like many spray starches can release spray droplets that can be inhaled and get into the bloodstream...

November 06, 2009

Eat your age

Fueling your body adequately means targeting what it needs nutritionally at any given life stage. For instance, many women in their 30s are balancing work, child-bearing, and fitness. So their must-have nutrients include iron, folic acid, and calcium...

November 05, 2009

Seat and greet

Stuck at a desk working all day? Make your seat work for you! You can do strength training with just a resistance band and a chair. Today, challenge yourself to break up your workday with a little muscle building. The Mayo Clinic has some great...

November 04, 2009

Color yourself healthier

Some conventional hair coloring agents test positive for lead acetate, a known nervous system toxin. (Small amounts have been approved by the FDA for use in hair coloring products.) If coloring your hair is a must, challenge yourself to find an...

November 03, 2009

Strike while the oven is hot

Challenge yourself to make your oven do double duty the next time you bake, and save energy in the process. Some ideas:

• If you’re baking a casserole for dinner, put in a potato that you can eat for lunch the next day.

•...