http://www.kashi.com/ Challenge yourself to a healthier lifestyle! en-us If filtered coffee is part of your daily ritual, don’t throw away those precious grounds just yet. Coffee grounds have myriad uses, from enriching worm farms, fertilizer, and compost to serving as natural odor eaters (when dried and stuffed in old stockings). Some people even use them to scour greasy pans! Today, challenge yourself to research creative ways to use those grounds. More tips: Sprinkle them in ant-infested areas. Soak them in water overnight and use the darkened liquid as a natural wood stain. Rub them in your hands to eliminate strong odors from fish, garlic, or onion. You may also like: Composting: Good for Plants & the Planet How To Grow a High-value, Natural Home Garden Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1167 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1167 If you’re an omnivore, chances are you tend to focus your cooking efforts on your animal protein-based entr√©e and leave veggie sides as an afterthought—plain, steamed, and, often, thoroughly uninteresting. Rethink this strategy! Vegetable dishes deserve your attention, and will yield extraordinary flavor and subtleties when given the benefit of complementary herbs, oils, spices, or fats. Today, challenge yourself to think outside the box when it comes to veggie dishes. Here are some tips: Add crumbled bacon to green beans, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, or Swiss chard. Serve asparagus with a dip made of low-fat yogurt, garlic, and olive oil. Dip broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, or zucchini spears in Dijon mustard. You may also like: Falling In Love with Vegetables Stocking a Natural Kitchen Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1166 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1166 When was the last time you sorted and restocked your medicine chest? Not only do prescription and over-the-counter drugs lose efficacy after their expiration dates, they can be dangerous if not used correctly (or for the right individual). Today, challenge yourself to get rid of outdated drugs, restock basics (e.g., bandages and dressings and OTC pain relievers), and take stock of your cabinet. You may also like: Challenge: Spring Clean Your Media Storage Natural Home Cleaning Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1165 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1165 Onion lovers: It’s time to break out of your yellow and white onion rut and enhance your game! Scallions, or green onions, are tender young onions that are harvested when they’re still green. Their delicate flavor and pleasantly tender crunch makes them a delightful addition to literally hundreds of sauces, crusts, soups, stews, salads, and other dishes. Scallions peak in spring and summer and are best stored in a plastic bag in your produce crisper. Today, challenge yourself to discover their unique flavor and texture. You may also like: Challenge: Love Leeks Recipe: Cashew Salmon with Apricot Couscous Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1164 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1164 The couple that stretches together... well, gets more flexible together! Doing simple yogic stretches at the end of the day is a great way to wind down, reconnect, and relieve your body of the rigors of the day. Today, challenge yourself by sharing your favorite stretches with your loved one. You may also like: A Newcomer’s Guide to Yoga Challenge: Pump Up Your Yoga Practice Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1163 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1163 If you work at a desk, try to be aware of your posture as the day goes on. It’s not only important to get up and stretch periodically; sitting tall and not slouching when you are in your chair can help prevent your back and other parts from becoming sore as the hours pass. Another option for relief is to experiment with different chairs and ergonomics (some people swear by exercise balls and knee seats). Today, challenge yourself to be more mindful when it comes to your seated posture. You may also like: Get Started with Strength Training Challenge: Strengthen Your Core Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1162 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1162 Going green sometimes means taking action—and, occasionally, letting go of old habits. Using products with artificial fragrance is a habit many find challenging to change—but the potential rewards are great, for both individuals and society. Studies show that chemical fragrances can be toxic to mammals. According to the Environmental Working Group, chemical fragrances in our personal products have been linked to problems with immunity, brain development, and fertility, among others. That said, with natural fragrances available from essential oils and other sources, there’s no need to live without scent. Today, challenge yourself to check your fragrance’s hazard level in the EWG’s SkinDeep database (don’t forget that many personal care products contain fragrance, not just perfume or cologne). Then, shop for something that meets a higher safety standard. You may also like: Get Summer Savvy: Natural Sunscreens & Insect Repellents That Work Challenge: Get It Done With One Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1161 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1161 Let’s accept it—eating an artichoke is just plain fun. Once you master peeling an artichoke’s pointy tips away to reveal the succulent flesh within, you’ll love the process and ritual of eating this elegant vegetable. (Yes, an artichoke is a veggie, but it’s also a flower bud!) Artichokes grow year-round, but most of the ones we see in stores are Green Globes, Big Hearts, Imperial Stars and baby-sized Green Globes from California. When you shop, look for firm, dense, not-too-large samples with pointy (not rounded) leaves. Avoid ones with brown spots. One tip is to squeeze the vegetable; a squeaky sound indicates moisture and freshness. They will stay tasty up to five days when stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Today, challenge yourself to cook up a ‘choke (they make a great starter). You may also like: Recipe: Crunchy Vegetable Wraps with Artichoke Hearts Recipe: Farrotto with Artichokes Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1160 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1160 Walking with a friend is a wonderful way to pass an hour. Next time you’re seeking some exercise, outdoor time, and companionship, ask a neighbor to join you. If you’re already close, you’ll enjoy reconnecting. And if there’s someone you want to get to know better, it’s the perfect way to bond. Today, challenge yourself to reach out to someone on your block and take that walk. You may also like: Make Your Neighborhood a Healthy One Challenge: Conquer a 5K Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1159 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1159 Although not something most able-bodied, younger adults worry about, falling is a grim reality for many people. (In the U.S., one out of three adults age 65 and older falls each year, and falling is the leading cause of injury death among seniors.) Thankfully, there’s a simple solution for nighttime spills: better lighting. Installing modest, low-energy nightlights in your home is an easy, affordable way to prevent injuries. Plus, guests, seniors, and visitors with children will appreciate the security of well-lit hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Today, challenge yourself to finish this simple task. You may also like: Challenge: Eradicate Radon A Happy, Healthy, Safer Home Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1158 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1158 Who doesn’t look forward to the simple pleasure of a Friday-night Happy Hour or Hump Day lunch with friends? One way to keep the companionship but up the activity ante is to make your meeting date more meaningful. Today, challenge yourself to give something back while with loved ones. Here are some thought-starters: Volunteer together—soup kitchens, shelters, environmental initiatives, schools, libraries, and kids’ programs always need help. Clean something up—look for local organizations that sponsor beach or park clean-ups. Work out for a cause—find a fun run, walk, or dance-a-thon that raises money for a good cause. You may also like:‚Ä® Pitch In Around the Neighborhood Challenge: Clean Up the Streets Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1157 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1157 Quinoa, like buckwheat, is not a true grain, but masquerades as one successfully. Quinoa is actually a seed, and can be found at natural food stores and, increasingly, conventional supermarkets. Quinoa has a nutty flavor and hearty texture that make it a natural as a base for a vegetarian main dish, or a lovely side with fish, poultry, or meat. With protein and fiber, it’s also a satisfying addition to any meal. Today, challenge yourself to discover this largely unsung seed. You may also like: Challenge: Try a New Grain Recipe: Toasted Quinoa Salad with Scallops & Snow Peas Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1156 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1156 Many yoginis swear by plank pose as an effective and meditative method of firming the body’s core muscles. As with all exercise, repetition and discipline are key; regular, even daily, plank practice will produce greater results. Today, challenge yourself to do a plank—and do it again tomorrow. You may also like: Challenge: Gift of Ab A Newcomer’s Guide to Yoga Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1155 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1155 If you are diabetic and taking insulin is part of your healthcare routine, it’s a good idea to periodically review your practices to avoid common mistakes. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common error is mixing up insulin types and injecting the wrong medication at the wrong time. What can you do to avoid this? Experts recommend using different delivery devices for different insulin types (pens vs. syringes); taking your time and double-checking doses and devices; labeling equipment with different-colored tape; carrying foods with simple sugars on you at all times; and wearing your diabetes ID bracelet. Today, challenge yourself to check in with your physician, research current safety techniques, and make sure you are following best practices for good health. You may also like: 10 Simple Ways to Increase Fiber in Your Diet Sleep Your Way to Better Health Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1154 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1154 If you’re like us, you’ve probably got a tattered but well-loved pair of shoes languishing in your closet right now, unworn yet not discarded. The good news is, with the proper care and repair, old shoes can be made new again—and you can be a good citizen by recycling. Today, challenge yourself to take your sole mates to a cobbler and see if they can be resoled or otherwise spruced up and worn again. You may also like: Challenge: Recycle Your Sneakers Challenge: Recycle a Centerpiece Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1153 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1153 You know spring’s arrived when thick and thin green asparagus starts popping up in stores and farmers’ markets. But have you tried its white cousin? White asparagus is known to be more tender and gentler in flavor than green, and it makes a stunning addition to the spring table. Its lack of color is achieved by growing it underground or without light, so chlorophyll never develops to color the stalks green. White asparagus can be used interchangeably with green in recipes. Today, challenge yourself to plan a spring menu featuring white asparagus. You may also like: Spring Into Healthy Eating Go Ahead, Try Organic Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1152 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1152 Tired of the same old crunches? Pilates 100 feeling more like 1000? Try mixing it up with some new core strength exercises. If yoga or Pilates are your thing, experiment with Nautilus machines, free-weight, or kettleball abdominal work. If you rely mainly on plank poses, add some V-ups or other movement-oriented moves. Today, challenge yourself to break out of your ab workout rut and try something new to you. You may also like: Challenge: Embrace Isometric Challenge: Try Pilates Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1151 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1151 In our diagnostic-minded health culture, it is easy to obsess about problems and their causes, often at the expense of recognizing what is good about our lives. As we learn more about the link between what goes on in our minds and what happens in our bodies, focusing on the positive is a simple, yet often elusive, way to optimize ourselves for health and healing. Today, challenge yourself by identifying what is good and healthy about your habits and life. You may also like: Challenge: Visualize Yourself Healthy Natural Relaxation Remedies Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1150 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1150 As with many things created by nature, fruit skins have uses beyond their primary job of protecting the fruit inside them. Orange peels are a case in point: Up to 98% of an orange peel’s essential oil is limonene, a natural cleanser found in all citrus fruit peels that is strong enough to wash away grease (that’s why you see it in so many natural cleaning products). In fact, orange peels have lots of around-the-home uses. Today, challenge yourself to reduce waste and reuse your citrus skins in the following ways: Toss them around houseplants and other places cats like to dig or urinate (cats are rumored to dislike their odor). Try them as kindling (their high oil content makes them natural firestarters). Dry and bag them to use as potpourri for musty corners and drawers. Grate orange peel and sprinkle zest to dissuade ants, mosquitos, and flies. Grind a few occasionally in your garbage disposal to deodorize the unit (even though composting should reduce your disposal waste, bits and pieces can end up there). Leave dried orange peels at the bottom of trash cans to mask odor and discourage insects. You may also like: Challenge: Natural Odor Eaters Natural Home Cleaning Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1149 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1149 Fennel is one of nature’s miracles—flavorful, fragrant, hearty, and delightfully pungent. With a taste reminiscent of licorice and a firm, resilient texture, this greenish-white bulb enhances fish, roast chicken, salads, baked potato casseroles, pork, green beans, and many other dishes. Fennel is at its best from mid-fall to mid-spring. When you shop, look for bulbs with no soft or discolored spots. Today, challenge yourself to plan a meal that includes fennel. It will stay fresh in the fridge for three to five days. You may also like: Vegetable Roasting Guide Recipe: Zucchini, Fennel & White Bean Pasta Recipe: Cucumber & Fennel Dip Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1148 http://www.kashi.com/challenges/1148