Striving4Zen

France’s health minister is planning a checkup for cosmetics to assess the health risks they pose for children and pregnant women, and may introduce a logo for products that are considered toxic to reproduction.

Roselyne Bachelot said during a conference focusing on chemicals, reproduction and child development Tuesday that she’s instructing government agencies to research the toxicity of certain chemical substances, particularly with respect to reproductive issues. AFSSAPS, or the French Health Products Safety Agency, will be called upon to evaluate the risks posed by cosmetics during pregnancy and for children, for example.

“I’m thinking notably of cosmetics distributed in maternity wards,” said Bachelot, according to a copy of her speech posted on a government Web site. She added she aims to make information on the potential risks of using products containing certain chemicals available to pregnant women and women planning to have children.

“I would like to study, in partnership with industry [bodies], the possibility of putting a logo on products that are toxic to reproduction, indicating they are not recommended for pregnant women and for young children,” she said.

The Fédération des Entreprises de la Beauté, a French trade association that represents the 300 companies with 97 percent of the beauty sector’s turnover, said it is willing to work with health authorities on the issues raised.

Source

Labels: cosmetics, France, health and safety, toxic, toxins

Smoothie chain Jamba Juice is teaming up with Organic To Go to test out a new line of organic food products.

In an effort to boost sales, Jamba Juice is considering adding Organic To Go branded items — grab and go salads, sandwiches, wraps, cookies, and yogurt parfaits — to their already existing menu of classic fruit smoothies. The testing will take place in three West Coast stores in Los Angeles and Orange County, CA, and Bellevue, WA. If the test is successful, the partnership will expand to all of Jamba Juice's 749 stores nationwide. Steven Berrard, CEO of Jamba Juice, explains the affiliation:

We’re excited about the possibilities of this test. Our partnership with Organic To Go provides Jamba customers organic and natural food that supports their growing desire for a healthy lifestyle.

The news comes as no surprise as fast food chains across the country scramble to deal with the declining economy.

Thanks for the tip!

Labels: Jamba Juice, Organic To Go

Essential oils effectively penetrate skin thanks to their small molecular size and lipid solubility. Here’s what they can help heal.

1. Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens): varicose veins, sore throat, excessive menstruation.
2. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): bruises, inflammation, pain, sprains, tension.
3. Eucalyptus (E. globulus): congestion, inflammation, colds, flu, chickenpox, shingles, herpes.
4. Lavender (L. angustifolia): acne, bee stings, bruises, headaches, insect bites, rash, sprains, sunburn.
5. Lemon (Citrus limonum): digestive tonic, sore throat, detoxification, lymphatic congestion.
6. Marjoram (Oreganum majorana): insomnia, menstrual cramps, sore muscles.
7. Rose (Rosa damascena): liver and digestive tonic, vascular tonic, menstrual aid, grief.
8. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): headaches, fatigue, hangover, constipation, muscle aches, circulation.
9. Spearmint (Mentha spicata): indigestion, nausea, headaches, fatigue, fever, sinu-sitis, poison ivy.
10. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): athlete’s foot, burns, warts, acne, cold sores, flu, insect bites.

Formulating with Essential Oils

Many of the following massage formulas combine 20 drops total essential oils with 2 ounces of carrier oil. All these combinations are given in drops, and these formulas are suggested for external application only. Follow the guidelines for inhalation or specific instruction as noted, either blending these oils or using as single essences.

• Anxiety or stress: 7 geranium, 5 lavender, 4 lemon, 1 rose
  
• Burns: 20 drops lavender in 1 ounce aloe vera juice or gel
  
• Constipation: 7 marjoram, 13 rosemary (massage abdomen)
  
• Cough: 5 cypress, 5 eucalyptus (as an inhalation)
  
• Fatigue: 15 rosemary, 5 lemon
  
• Hangover: 5 carrot seed, 5 rosemary, 3 peppermint, 2 rose, 5 helichrysum (massage over liver)
  
• Injury: 5 lavender, 5 German chamomile, 3 geranium, 2 tea tree, 5 helichrysum (in calendula-infused oil; best for impact injuries such as bruising)
  
• Insomnia: 15 Lavender, 5 lemon, 5 marjoram (add 8 drops of the blend to a full bath or use as massage oil along spine)
  
• Menstrual cramps: 5 clary sage, 5 marjoram, 5 geranium, 2 rose, 5 lavender (massage abdomen, hips and lower back)
• Sinus congestion: 3 tea tree, 2 rosemary, 3 eucalyptus (as an inhalation or chest rub)
  
• Sore throat: 12 clary sage and 13 sandalwood (massage); gargle with one drop each cypress and lemon in water
  
• Stress: 5 chamomile, 10 lavender, 5 marjoram
  
• Stings or insect bites: 10 tea tree, 10 lavender
  
• Ringworm: 5 geranium, 5 tea tree, and 1 peppermint in oil, applied directly
  
• Muscle Strain: 5 rosemary, 3 eucalyptus, 5 marjoram, 7 lavender

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Labels: essential oils, holistic healing, Holistic Health, natural therapy

1-Legged Seated Spinal Twist can help get things moving in your belly. It's also a great pose to do after sitting for a long period of time. Bend one knee and cross your opposite elbow over to the outside edge of your knee and look over your back shoulder. As you breathe, continue to deepen the twist. Stay here for five breaths or more, then do the other side.

If you're bloated, having gas pains, or are constipated, bend both knees into your chest and give yourself a big hug. This is affectionately called Wind-Relieving Pose, if you catch my drift. It'll help to massage your abdominal organs.

Another great stretch for digestion is Wide-Legged Forward Bend. This is great at helping relieve gas pains and that uncomfortable bloated feeling.

This is a pretty intense stretch when it comes to aiding digestion so ease into this one called Wide Squat. If you're bloated, this pose can bring relief, but you may want to do this in private.

Thanks!

Labels: benefits of yoga, bloating, digestion, gas, yoga

While it’s not obvious (or pretty), scarring is actually our body’s healing mechanism for injured skin. Post-trauma, we produce more cells to stimulate re-growth of the affected area…which leads to new, excess tissue (read: scars).

Today’s technology has made scar removal more effective, but there are also helpful tools right in your kitchen. Try these natural remedies on old and new scars alike:

Cucumber: Putting cucumber juice on a scar can reduce its puffiness and eventually depth.

Honey: Naturally antiseptic, it will keep the area clean while softening and nourishing the skin (thanks to its abundant vitamin content).

Aloe: When applied, it can reduce the appearance of darkness and eventually fade the scar.

Olive oil: Just rub the oil into the scar consistently for a long period of time and you will eventually see an improvement in its appearance.

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Labels: aloe vera, healing with food, honey, natural therapy, olive oil, scars

While there are plenty of organic and natural body care products for babies, products for older children are harder to come by.

Jason Natural Products is aiming to fill that void with its just-launched Kids Only collection.

“We realized that there weren’t a lot of products out there for kids aged three to 10,” said brand manager Catherine Blackwell. “We wanted to bring out a range of shampoos, conditioners and bath gels targeted to that age range.”

Jason, which is owned by The Hain Celestial Group, has been around since 1959. Jason is just one brand within Hain’s vast naturally-positioned personal care portfolio, which includes Earth’s Best, Avalon Organics, Alba Botanica and Zia Natural Skin Care.

Citing research that children’s skin is known to be 30% thinner than that of adults, Blackwell said the company wanted to bring out a line that was free of toxins, including parabens and other synthetic by-products. It is also wheat and gluten-free.

“We are just getting a sense of the market, reviewing the sales data and getting feedback from customers,” she said, adding that there would also be more additions to the Earth’s Best baby line.

Product prices range from $5.49 for the toothpaste to $8.99 for the shampoos and bath gels.

Blackwell agreed that it was especially important to keep prices reasonable given the current economic situation.

“Consumers are really educating themselves about what’s right for themselves and their families,” said Blackwell. “When it comes to products that are healthful and associated with wellness for their children, consumers are still interested in buying products that are free of irritants and are filled with ingredients that are good for the body.”

Source

Labels: Avalon Organics, Hain Celestial Group, Jason Natural Products, Jason's, natural products, new product, paraben-free

"This work will do huge damage to the GM [genetically modified] industry worldwide, since it shows that a crop -- Monsanto's maize line NK603 x MON810 -- which has been approved as safe by EFSA, and given consent for use in food and feed by the EC, is in fact dangerous to health. It demonstrates that the approvals process is at best inadequate and at worst corrupt."

Dr. Brian John of GM Free Cymru speaking about a new study out of Austria confirming previous study results that indicate GM corn damages the reproductive system of laboratory rats.

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Sun protection
What to eat: sunflower seeds and almonds

These seeds and nuts are loaded with vitamin E. Collectively, antioxidants act like an army, protecting skin from UV-spawned free radicals. But E is on the front lines; skin’s top layers contain high levels that guard cells’ outer membrane so cells stay healthy. Plus, strong membranes hold water in, keeping skin hydrated. Aim for 2 tablespoons hulled seeds or 23 almonds daily.

A fresh complexion
What to eat: dark orange, leafy green and red veggies

Squash, sweet potatoes and spinach are full of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Your body converts it to vitamin A, which regulates cell production and turnover so skin’s surface is smooth, says Valori Treloar, M.D., co-author of "The Clear Skin Diet." Carotenoids may also decrease skin’s sensitivity to sun. Aim for three 1-cup servings a day.

A youthful glow
What to eat: fortified cereal, lean meat, pork, poultry, oysters

You’ll get zinc and iron, minerals key to skin functioning. Zinc contributes to cell production, plus natural cell sloughing, which keeps dullness at bay. Red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen to skin, helping give you a glow, says David Bank, M.D., a dermatologist. Aim for 1 serving of cereal (a cup), 1 palm-sized serving of meat or poultry or 3 oysters per day.

Dewy skin
What to drink: water

Skin cells contain mostly water, and if you’re dehydrated, skin will look and feel parched, too. But you needn’t chug 8 cups a day; researchers found no studies to back up the recommendation. Simply ward off dehydration — and dryness — by drinking when you’re thirsty.

Fewer wrinkles
What to eat: wild salmon, Atlantic mackerel, walnuts

These fish and nuts, plus fortified eggs, are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation in the body caused by sun and stress. "Inflammation produces free radicals, and free radicals contribute to aging by attacking collagen," says Susan Taylor, M.D.

One study did find that older people who consumed more fish and veggies over their life had fewer wrinkles than those who ate more meat, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports. The research didn’t focus solely on fish, however; vegetables' antioxidants, for example, may have been a factor. Aim for two 5-ounce servings of fish per week; on other days, 1 oz of walnuts or 2 omega-3 eggs.

Clearer skin
What to eat: whole wheat and grains

In the past, dermatologists have maintained that unless you wipe greasy fingers on your face, food doesn’t cause zits. But some are rethinking the party line: Australian researchers found that a low-glycemic diet (more whole grains, protein and produce versus refined carbs such as white bread) may reduce acne.

One explanation: Low-glycemic foods keep insulin steady, and refined carbs and sugar spike it. The surges may boost production of androgens, hormones that when elevated can cause zits. After 12 weeks of a low-glycemic diet, subjects’ pimple counts dropped 20%, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes.
Aim for 3 servings a day (one serving equals a slice of bread or 1/2 cup cooked grains.)

Smooth texture
What to eat: strawberries, citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli

Vitamin C, plentiful in this produce, is vital for the production and formation of collagen, skin’s support structure, says Toby Amidor, R.D., director of nutrition for DietTV.com. And a strong support layer helps smooth what’s on top and prevent wrinkles, she says. Aim for two 1-cup servings of fruit and 1 cup of red peppers and/or broccoli a day.

Source

Labels: best foods, David Zinczenko, eating for good skin, healthy eating, iron, Omega-3s, skin care, Vitamins, Whole grains

	WHAT IT DOES	HOW TO USE IT
Cypress	Among its other benefits, this vasoconstrictor can diminish the appearance of varicose veins over time if used every day.	Add 2 drops to a hot footbath to control perspiration and odor; place 6 drops in a full bath for arthritis, asthma, and cramps; or blend 2 drops into 1 ounce of massage lotion and apply to skin.
Eucalyptus	Ideal for treating most respiratory problems and relieving muscle tension, eucalyptus loosens flu-related congestion.	To make a natural vapor rub, add 1 ounce melted beeswax to 1½ cups sweet almond or vegetable oil; pour into small containers. Mix in 30 drops of essential oil per ounce of base, shake, and let it harden. Apply to chest and back.
Geranium	Less expensive than rose oil, geranium relieves PMS symptoms, stress, and anxiety. It also helps clear up eczema, treats burns, and repels insects.	Mix 5 drops into a hot bath or blend a few drops with massage lotion and apply to skin.
Jasmine	Use this antidepressant oil to ease muscle pain, relieve tension and nervousness, and soothe coughs.	Add 1-2 drops to a hot bath.
Mandarin	A mild sedative, mandarin has a peaceful effect and is safe for children.	Add 7-10 drops to a bath; add 3 drops to a humidifier.

Labels: essential oils, Holistic Health, natural therapy

Skin is smart. It can breathe on its own. Consisting of millions of tiny dermal passages, skin can regulate how much air, light, heat and water it lets in. In healthy skin, these passages are open to activate absorption of nutrition and stimulating restorative functions. Synthetic products — courtesy of the petroleum industry — cover and coat the skin, preventing it from breathing on its own. This is the basic idea of Evan Healy skin care.

Evan developed her skin care line on the premise that “the less you interfere with the skin’s ability to achieve balance the better.” All items in her range are made from simple, plant-based ingredients and many contain to improve circulation, eliminate toxins and regenerate the skin. By working with individual farmers, growers and distillers, she is able to create small batches by hand that are 100% paraben-free.

A holistic aesthetician with 15 years’ experience, it’s not surprising that Evan views the body in its entirety. Her signature Rose and Blue Lavender Treatment lines were developed around the two most common skin conditions she experienced. The former is for irritated, red and sensitive skin, while the latter suits out-of-balance skin in the form of an oily T-zone with dry outlying skin. Either one will restore your skin’s vibrancy and luster.

But which one should you choose? Evan suggests you trust your sense of smell to determine which is right for you. But with delicious ingredients like rose geranium, rosewood, blue chamomile and lavender, my skin isn’t quite ready to make a decision. Now that’s smart.

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Labels: Evan Healy, living holistically, organic skin care, paraben-free, skin care

The newest wrinkle in anti-aging treatments might make some youth-obsessed oldsters think twice about leaping into the treatment face first.

Vavelta is a clear liquid derived from baby foreskins, donated by mothers whose babies have just been circumcised. The liquid is injected into adult skin damaged by acne or burns.

The results look promising so far, but it's a bit early to get too excited. Vavelta, developed by a British biomedical company called Intercytex, is at least four years away from being available in the U.S. If it does win FDA approval, chances are Vavelta would be used only in the treatment of burns and acne, at least initially, a company spokesperson says.

The treatment, which claims to be permanent, is different from skin fillers like Juvederm and Restylane because it contains tiny skin cells, called fibroblasts. The cells rejuvenate and revitalize damaged, aging skin from the inside by actually repopulating the lower skin layers with millions of healthy young skin cells.

Dermatologists on this side of the Pond find the idea intriguing - but say it still needs fine-tuning.

"The technique of injecting cells that make collagen, rather than collagen itself, is a very interesting idea," says Dr. Judith Hellman, a Manhattan-based dermatologist who specializes in various anti-aging skin treatments. "Normally, if you inject something into the body that is foreign, the body rejects it. But fibroblasts do not elicit such a reaction in the body."

Calling it "one step after stem cell," Dr. Eric Siegel, dermatologist and founder of the Millburn Laser Center in Millburn, N.J., says further tests on Vavelta are needed.

"There is a lot of potential downside to a treatment like this, such as infection," he says.

Mothers and babies are screened before the foreskins are accepted to be used in Vavelta, says a Intercytex spokesperson, adding that a Valvelta treatment costs the equivalent of about $850.

Noting that Intercytex is in talks now with the FDA about bringing Vavelta here, a consultant to the company notes that one foreskin makes enough cells for hundreds of thousands of treatments because the cells can be grown in cultures and then frozen.

While they're waiting for the viability of Vavelta to be decided by the FDA, wrinkle-conscious Americans can still try other unorthodox anti-aging treatments for the next few years.

Those who aren't squeamish about, well, poop, might take advantage of a one-of-a-kind facial that combines "sanitized" nightingale droppings with natural oils to hydrate the skin. Called the Geisha Facial -- it's been used by Japan’s geishas for centuries -- the treatment is said to break down dead skin cells and draw out any bacteria from the cells more gently than acid peels. Among the celebs said to have tried (and loved) the Geisha Facial is Victoria Beckham.

Another unusual celebrity beauty regimen is "cupping," an ancient Chinese acupressure method said to be favored by Gwyneth Paltrow. There's also leech therapy, reportedly used by Demi Moore to detoxify her body.

The rest of us can resort to more old-fashioned remedies.

"There are things you can do to keep your skin young as we age and the fibroblasts take a little nap, which means we have less collagen," says Dr. Flor Mayoral, a dermatologist who researches new anti-aging treatments. "Take antioxidants and vitamins, don't smoke, get enough rest and eat well. You may age a bit more slowly than your friends, but the truth is that we are all going to continue to age - if we are lucky."

Finally, there's the anti-aging remedy that no sun worshipper wants to hear about.

"I tell my patients, there are no miracles in any jars," says Dr. Siegel. "The best anti-wrinkle cream around is a very good sunblock."

Source

Labels: anti-aging, baby foreskins, innovative, skin care, Vavelta

HSN and Carol Alt, international supermodel, actress and "go-to expert" on raw nutrition/beauty, have joined together to transform the natural beauty category with the introduction of RAW Essentials by Carol Alt.

RAW Essentials goes beyond natural and organic with skin and body products that are completely raw yet still highly effective. Made with raw ingredients that are Certified Raw(TM) by Carol Alt and free of synthetic preservatives, RAW Essentials is created through a special low-temperature manufacturing process that helps ensure the products retain the nature of the key ingredients that are essential for glowing, healthy-looking skin.

"HSN's mission is to bring new discoveries to our customers and RAW Essentials is unlike anything available in the marketplace today," said Michael Henry, SVP Merchandising for Beauty at HSN.

"I am passionate about using raw ingredients and living a completely raw lifestyle," said Ms. Alt. "My philosophy is that it's just as important to know about what we put on our bodies as well as what we put in our bodies. I created RAW Essentials for the healthy appearance and beauty of my own skin and I am thrilled at the opportunity to offer HSN viewers a fresh, raw alternative in beauty. I cannot wait for the launch in December on HSN."

Not knowing what products Carol could trust, she began creating skin care products in her very own kitchen. Raw Essentials is created from 100% raw, active ingredients derived from the earth. Unlike many other companies, Raw Essentials doesn’t use any irritating petrochemicals, parabens, preservatives, synthetic additives or fillers.

The December debut will feature four stand-out items including:

RAW-ACTIVATE Daily Revitalizing Facial Moisturizer $29.50 - 1.7 fl oz. -- Blended with aloe vera gel, virgin coconut oil and tamanu oil, this Carol Alt Certified Raw(TM) moisturizer adds a fresh, vibrant glow to the skin. It contains a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals found in the environment.

RAW-COVERY Facial Revive Wash $35 - 4 fl oz. -- Formulated with aloe vera and oil of the tamanu tree, this lush, foaming face wash refreshes as it cleans. Other ingredients include: beta glucan; oat extract; sucrose cocoate, and soy protein.

RAW-SURECTION Body Wash $18.50 - 8 fl oz. -- This luxuriously gentle body wash is rich in nutrients that cleanse and filled with Carol Alt Certified Raw(TM) oils and humectants to make the bathing experience a pleasure. Raw ingredients include: aloe vera; beta-Glucan, oat extract; decyl and lauryl glucosides and alpha hydroxy acids.

RAW-JUVENATE Eye Recoup $22.50 - .5 fl oz. -- Blended to revitalize thedelicate and often dehydrated area around the eyes, this rich eye cream includes Carol Alt Certified Raw(TM) ingredients such as Aloe Vera; Coconut, Tamanu and safflower oils; Shea butter; Tocopherol; and a selection of Chinese herbs.

An expanded assortment of products will be introduced exclusively on HSN during the line's official launch January 27 - 28.

Source

Labels: Carol Alt, DIY, eating for good skin, food for the face, HSN, raw beauty, raw food, skin care

Take B. You need B vitamins for your mitochondria -- the parts of your cells that turn food into energy -- to do their job. Unfortunately, 99% of us don’t get enough from our diets. B ut most of us absorb the B vitamins well (either in liquid or pill form), so it’s a good idea to take a multivitamin in the morning and the evening (twice a day to keep stable levels) to keep you energized. Also, get your B level checked once a year. You may be the rare person who needs a yearly injection of vitamin B, because you don’t absorb it well from your stomach and intestine. This handy tool will help you find the best food sources of B6, B9, and B12.

Go green. Green tea has been shown to have the highest content of polyphenols, which are chemicals with potent antioxidant properties. Because green tea leaves are young and have not been oxidized, green tea has up to a 40% polyphenols content, while black tea contains only about 10%. Another interesting note: Although green tea has one-third the caffeine of black tea, it’s been shown to yield the same level of energy and attentiveness. Fortunately, these come in more even levels than other caffeinated drinks, which can cause ups and downs. Just don’t drink milk with it: The casein in milk has been shown to inhibit the beneficial effects of tea. Try these delicious green tea beverage recipes.

Go Peruvian in the morning. Tribesmen in the mountains of Peru get energy by sucking on maca (Lepidium meyenii) plants. This turnip- or radish-shaped vegetable from the mustard family has been used as food and medicine to promote endurance and improve energy, vitality, sexual virility, and even fertility. The data on its increased energy effects seem strong, but the reported side effect is insomnia. You can find it in a powder form at many stores (Whole Foods, etc.) or from reputable dealers on the Web. Add 1 teaspoon (that’s the dose in the studies) to blender drinks, pancakes, or other food products. T he teaspoon keeps you going all day long. Or you can take it in 1/2-gram pills twice a day.

Scoop up, power up. The real nutritional hero: ribose. This special sugar is made in your body and doesn’t come from food, but you can get it in a supplement; it helps build the energy blocks of your body. Of all the things you can do to combat the effects of knee-dragging fatigue, taking a daily ribose supplement is the one that seems to really turbocharge some people who have diseases associated with low energy. (The only side effect is that some people feel too much energy.) The data aren’t good enough to recommend ribose for everyone. But if you want to give it a try, start with 500 mg 3x/day for a week or so until you get used to the taste (or find a smoothie, coffee, or tea to put it in). Then, go to 5g 3x/day for 3 weeks to get a sense of the effect. After that, you can scale back to 5 grams twice a day.

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Labels: b-vitamins, energy, green tea, maca, ribose, supplements

Instant rice (also called "rapid cooking" or "precooked" rice) is simply rice that has been fully cooked before you buy it. Once this rice has been precooked in the factory, it's dried to a low moisture level so it can be packaged and be shelf stable.

Because it's been precooked, instant rice doesn't need to be fully cooked again, which is the reason for its short cooking time right out of the package. Yet, while it may be a convenient option, instant rice is usually more expensive than regular rice that needs to be fully cooked.

Both white rice and brown rice can be precooked and can be featured as "instant rice" products. Since the nutritional quality of the instant rice that emerges out of the cooking process depends on the nutritional quality of the rice going into that cooking process, instant brown rice is a much better choice than instant white rice for your Healthiest Way of Eating.

I like to prepare my rice from scratch using regular brown rice as I prefer its flavor, smell and texture over that of instant rice; yet, I do understand that the difference in cooking time (a few minutes for instant rice compared to about 45 minutes for rice prepared from scratch) may be important for some people. Since there is little nutritional difference between instant rice and rice prepared from scratch, I would support the use of instant rice when necessary. But I would make a point to purchase high-quality instant rice like organic, whole grain, instant brown rice rather than instant white rice or even conventionally grown brown rice. You'll still get the convenience but you won't have to sacrifice as much nutritional value, and with an organic instant rice, you won't have to risk unnecessary exposure to contaminants.

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Labels: brown rice, instant, organic, question of the day, white rice, Whole grains

Jonathan FitzGordon begins with a few basic principles in his FitzGordon Method walking program:

1. Bones stacked. Your body should fall in a straight line — ears, shoulders, hips and ankles.

2. Buttocks released. Unless you’re going uphill, your derriere should have no active role in standing or walking.

3. Legs back. Set the muscles of your inner thighs back to allow the legs to fall directly underneath the pelvis. This will keep the pelvis level and the spine balanced.

4. Belly strong. The stomach should be strong and the middle back filled out so that you are using your entire core as you walk.

5. Head lifted. Imagine someone is pulling a string from the back of your head, allowing the chin to fall to level (most of us walk with it slightly raised) and the throat to soften.

Source

Labels: how-to, Jonathan FitzGordon, walking

A far cry from Wonder Bread, these fiber-rich options contain a short list of recognizable ingredients — think whole wheat, water, yeast, honey, and salt — and no bleached flour, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup.

1. Gluten free

   Sandwiches are no longer off-limits to gluten-free eaters. Popular flour alternatives, such as tapioca and white rice flour, fall short on important nutrients, though, so look for nutritious whole-grain flours such as brown rice or millet, and additions like nuts, which add protein and fiber.

   TRY>> Food For Life Wheat & Gluten Free Raisin Pecan Bread, toasted and spread with ghee

2. Spelt

   Cultivated in southern Europe for thousands of years, spelt contains B vitamins, copper, manganese, and niacin. Some people with wheat sensitivities find they can tolerate spelt because it contains a slightly higher ratio of protein to starch.

   TRY>> French Meadow Bakery Organic Spelt Bread, chopped into croutons and toasted, then tossed with salad greens and Caesar dressing

3. Sprouted

   When grain seedlings sprout, enzymes convert some of the fats and carbohydrates into vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. A complete protein, bread made with sprouted seeds is filling and has less of a spiking impact on blood sugar.

   TRY>> Alvarado Sprouted Soy Crunch Bread, spread with crunchy nut butter

4. Whole grain

   Because their bran and germ are left intact, whole grains retain higher levels of B vitamins, vitamin E, selenium, protein, and fiber. But beware: “Whole wheat” labels don't always mean bread was made with 100 percent whole grain or wheat. Always check the ingredients list.

   TRY>> Rudi's Organic Bakery Honey Sweet Whole Wheat Bread, layered with sliced turkey and Havarti cheese

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Labels: bread, eating healthy, Whole grains, whole wheat

One of my friends is a true follower of all things natural. Food? All organic and local. Clothing? Either recycled or handsewn. Beauty? When it comes to products, nothing of the paraben / synthetic nature remotely touches her body.

So, when I saw her splash a little bergamot oil on her pits one day, I was intrigued. "It's a natural deodorizer," she said. I gave it a whirl. With surprising results, I was practically stink-free. From what I could tell, my underarms smelled rather nice — well, like citrus. She also recommended I dab on a little baking soda if I ever felt a little drippy.

Like playing mad scientist? You can always mix up your own custom scent. Try Aura Cacia Bergamot Essential Oil ($13.59) paired with a complementary aroma such as sandalwood, nutmeg, vetiver, geranium, lavender, lemon, neroli, or ylang ylang.

Thanks Bella!

Labels: aroma, bergamot oil, deodorant, DIY, essential oils

OfficeMax Inc. founder Michael Feuer is back with another big idea, and this one has nothing to do with office supplies.
He is anxious to launch Max-Wellness, his newest retail venture. He and his business partner, Jared Florian, plan to create a chain of healthy living stores to capitalize on the fact that Americans are living longer, staying more active, taking better care of themselves -- and, yes, getting older.

Called Max-Wellness LLC, the stores will carry a range of products to salve, bandage or treat what ails you, from vitamins and supplements to walkers and exercise balls. In-store pharmacies will be run by a third party.

Feuer said his stores will offer more selection, better customer service and one-stop shopping convenience in a dignified and private setting.

Creating something targeted to baby boomers made sense to Feuer because boomers are redefining what it means to grow old.

"Sixty is the new 40, 50 is the new 30, and 30 is the new 20," Feuer said. "People do not want to live the same lives their parents lived."

Florian pictures Max-Wellness as "superstores for health and wellness products, without being the size of a superstore."

Full article

Labels: baby boomers, healthy living, innovative, Max-Wellness, new store

Researchers have recently found that the higher a person's body mass index, the more likely she is to develop breast cancer. Obese women are also more likely to live shorter lives and suffer a recurrence of their cancer, and may also get a more deadly form of breast cancer (inflammatory breast cancer).

On the flip side, a separate study has found that vigorous exercise (running, fast jogging, aerobics, bicycling on hills, etc.) can reduce the risk of breast cancer by about 30% in normal-weight women.

So the moral of the story is to exercise and try and keep your body weight down as much as possible. The ways in which exercise helps your health far exceeds the annoyance of putting on your gym shoes and pounding through an hour at the gym. It's important that we keep reminding ourselves of this from time to time.

Thanks FitSugar!

Labels: breast cancer, exercise, healthy living, Obesity, prevention

New eatery Rouge Tomate is helping its clientele cut the fat by offering fare the restaurant hopes is as appealing to the taste buds as it is to the waistline.

Neither spa cuisine nor diet food, the menu under executive chef Jeremy Bearman (a Joel Robuchon and Daniel Boulud alum) is based on the principles of S.P.E. (Sanitas Per Escam or "Health Through Food"), a nutritional charter conceived by its Belgian owner Emmanuel Verstraeten to offer maximum health benefits and culinary pleasure.

A three-course meal can clock in at just 550 calories. Butter and cream are verboten, as are frying and grilling; vegetables are seasonal and in heavy supply and even the sodas like ginger ale, tonic and lemon-lime are homemade. But if the Rouge Tomate team has their way, you won't even notice what's not on the plate. "The main direction we give the chef is to make the food taste good," explains Rouge Tomate vice president Nil Sönmez. "And then at the end of the meal the great thing is, 'Oh, by the way, it's healthy.'"

The Location: The former Nicole Farhi store and restaurant space across the street from Barneys New York.

The Details: 10 East 60th Street; 646.237.8977; rougetomate.com

Source

Labels: cool new place, healthy cooking, NYC, restaurants, Rouge Tomate

"GMO" stands for "Genetically Modified Organisms," and in the case of food, it usually refers to foods which have been genetically engineered for reasons unrelated to health or nourishment. You may also see the term "GE foods" (genetically engineered), "genetically altered," "genetically modified" or "genetically improved" to describe these foods.

The process of genetically modifying foods is very new to the world of agriculture. In 1994, there were zero acres of GE food crops in the entire US. At present there are more than 100 million acres! The Center for Food Safety, a non-profit public interest and environmental advocacy group, estimates that 70-75% of all grocery store products contain at least one genetically modified ingredient. You have almost certainly already consumed many GE foods, whether you knew it or not!

Uncertain health risks with GE foods

The health risks associated with GE foods have not been clearly identified. However, many scientists have speculated that these foods are more likely to trigger allergic reactions in some people. Additionally, they suggest that they may change the protein composition of foods in a way that could present problems for the body's immune, inflammatory, digestive, and cellular signaling systems.

GE soybeans and GE corn are of special concern

In addition, a 2004 survey conducted by the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology determined that 45% of all corn, 85% of all soybeans, and 76% of all cotton produced in the U.S. were genetically engineered. This very high percentage of genetic engineering for corn and soybeans is alarming because corn and soybeans are processed into so many commonly used ingredients in processed and prepackaged foods.

For corn, of course, the most common processing product is HFCS, or high fructose corn syrup. This product is found in literally thousands of processed foods, including sodas, baked goods, and many other foods. Other processed food ingredients that often come from corn include corn syrup, corn syrup solids, malt, maltodextrin, maltose, maltol, ethyl maltol, malt syrup, mannitol, dextrose, dextrin, and polydextrose. Of course, corn starch, corn flour, and corn oil are also corn-based ingredients.

As the most common GE food in the U.S., soybeans can be even more difficult than corn to identify in processed and prepackaged foods. The list of processed food ingredients derived from soybeans is a long one and includes: hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), textured vegetable protein (TVP), textured soy protein (TSP), textured soy flour (TSF), lecithin, meat analogs, isolated soy protein, isolated vegetable protein, soy protein concentrate, and structured protein fiber (SPF). Of course, soy bran, soy fiber, soy nuts, soy oil, soy sauce, soy grits, soy meal are also made from soybeans.

Unless you stick with certified organic foods, you will need to avoid any products with the ingredients listed above if you want to minimize your risk of GE foods. There are simply too much GE corn and soybean crops being raised for you to be sure that your non-organic foods are "GE safe".

Organic will help you avoid GE foods

Since the National Organics Program forbids the genetic modification of foods to be certified as organic, you can go a long way in avoiding GE foods by purchasing organic. For example, a food certified as 100% organic cannot contain any of the ingredients listed above if those ingredients have been derived from genetically engineered corn or soy.

"Non-GMO" or ""GMO-free" on food labels

Unfortunately, no labeling laws for GE foods exist in the US, even though England, France, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, China, Indonesia, and over 25 other countries require labeling of GE foods. (Some GE food crops are actually banned in many countries, including England, Japan, Brazil, Norway, India, and Thailand). In the US, the FDA has generally discouraged the use of terms like "GMO-free" or "non-GMO" on food labels and has expressed concern about these terms as being misleading. From the FDA's perspective, any statement that implies superiority of a "GMO-free" food is misleading because they note that there is no scientific evidence to support any increased health risks associated with GE foods. While I agree that scientific studies are sadly lacking in this area, I also believe that GE foods can logically be expected to bring with them added health risks, and I would like to see all GE foods and non-GE foods clearly labeled for this reason. However, until such labeling is widely adopted, the only way to lower your GMO risks is to stick with certified organic foods.

Source

Labels: genetically engineered, genetically modified, GMO, healthy diet, organics

If you’re like most of us, you were taught the importance of warm-up exercises back in grade school, and you’ve likely continued with pretty much the same routine ever since. Researchers now believe that some of the more entrenched elements of many athletes’ warm-up regimens are not only a waste of time but actually bad for you.

The old presumption that holding a stretch for 20 to 30 seconds — known as static stretching — primes muscles for a workout is dead wrong. It actually weakens them. In a recent study conducted at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, athletes generated less force from their leg muscles after static stretching than they did after not stretching at all. Other studies have found that this stretching decreases muscle strength by as much as 30%. Also, stretching one leg’s muscles can reduce strength in the other leg as well, probably because the central nervous system rebels against the movements.

“There is a neuromuscular inhibitory response to static stretching,” says Malachy McHugh, the director of research at the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital. The straining muscle becomes less responsive and stays weakened for up to 30 minutes after stretching, which is not how an athlete wants to begin a workout.

The right warm-up should do two things: loosen muscles and tendons to increase the range of motion of various joints, and literally warm up the body. When you’re at rest, there’s less blood flow to muscles and tendons, and they stiffen. “You need to make tissues and tendons compliant before beginning exercise,” Knudson says.

A well-designed warm-up starts by increasing body heat and blood flow. Warm muscles and dilated blood vessels pull oxygen from the bloodstream more efficiently and use stored muscle fuel more effectively. They also withstand loads better.

To raise the body’s temperature, a warm-up must begin with aerobic activity, usually light jogging. Most coaches and athletes have known this for years. That’s why tennis players run around the court four or five times before a match and marathoners stride in front of the starting line. But many athletes do this portion of their warm-up too intensely or too early. And a number of recent studies have demonstrated that an overly vigorous aerobic warm-up simply makes you tired. Most experts advise starting your warm-up jog at about 40% of your maximum heart rate (a very easy pace) and progressing to about 60%. The aerobic warm-up should take only 5 to 10 minutes, with a 5-minute recovery. (Sprinters require longer warm-ups, because the loads exerted on their muscles are so extreme.) Then it’s time for the most important and unorthodox part of a proper warm-up regimen, the Spider-Man and its counterparts.

“TOWARDS THE end of my playing career, in about 2000, I started seeing some of the other guys out on the court doing these strange things before a match and thinking, What in the world is that?” says Mark Merklein, 36, once a highly ranked tennis player and now a national coach for the United States Tennis Association. The players were lunging, kicking and occasionally skittering, spider-like, along the sidelines. They were early adopters of a new approach to stretching.

While static stretching is still almost universally practiced among amateur athletes — watch your child’s soccer team next weekend — it doesn’t improve the muscles’ ability to perform with more power, physiologists now agree. “You may feel as if you’re able to stretch farther after holding a stretch for 30 seconds,” McHugh says, “so you think you’ve increased that muscle’s readiness.” But typically you’ve increased only your mental tolerance for the discomfort of the stretch. The muscle is actually weaker.

Stretching muscles while moving, on the other hand, a technique known as dynamic stretching or dynamic warm-ups, increases power, flexibility and range of motion. Muscles in motion don’t experience that insidious inhibitory response. They instead get what McHugh calls “an excitatory message” to perform.

Dynamic stretching is at its most effective when it’s relatively sports specific. “You need range-of-motion exercises that activate all of the joints and connective tissue that will be needed for the task ahead,” says Terrence Mahon, a coach with Team Running USA, home to the Olympic marathoners Ryan Hall and Deena Kastor. For runners, an ideal warm-up might include squats, lunges and “form drills” like kicking your buttocks with your heels. Athletes who need to move rapidly in different directions, like soccer, tennis or basketball players, should do dynamic stretches that involve many parts of the body. “Spider-Man” is a particularly good drill: drop onto all fours and crawl the width of the court, as if you were climbing a wall.

Controversy remains about the extent to which dynamic warm-ups prevent injury. But studies have been increasingly clear that static stretching alone before exercise does little or nothing to help. The largest study has been done on military recruits; results showed that an almost equal number of subjects developed lower-limb injuries (shin splints, stress fractures, etc.), regardless of whether they had performed static stretches before training sessions. A major study published earlier this year by the Centers for Disease Control, on the other hand, found that knee injuries were cut nearly in half among female collegiate soccer players who followed a warm-up program that included both dynamic warm-up exercises and static stretching. (For a sample routine, visit www.aclprevent.com/pepprogram.htm.)

You’re Getting Warmer: The Best Dynamic Stretches

These exercises- as taught by the United States Tennis Association’s player-development program – are good for many athletes, even golfers. Do them immediately after your aerobic warm-up and as soon as possible before your workout.

STRAIGHT-LEG MARCH

(for the hamstrings and gluteus muscles)

Kick one leg straight out in front of you, with your toes flexed toward the sky. Reach your opposite arm to the upturned toes. Drop the leg and repeat with the opposite limbs. Continue the sequence for at least six or seven repetitions.

SCORPION

(for the lower back, hip flexors and gluteus muscles)

Lie on your stomach, with your arms outstretched and your feet flexed so that only your toes are touching the ground. Kick your right foot toward your left arm, then kick your leftfoot toward your right arm. Since this is an advanced exercise, begin slowly, and repeat up to 12 times.

HANDWALKS

(for the shoulders, core muscles, and hamstrings)

Stand straight, with your legs together. Bend over until both hands are flat on the ground. “Walk” with your hands forward until your back is almost extended. Keeping your legs straight, inch your feet toward your hands, then walk your hands forward again. Repeat five or six times. G.R.

Full article in NY Times

Labels: atheletes, exercise, muscles, stretching, study, warm-up

Cranberries are in the peak of their season and are our food of the week.

Did you know that cranberries contain one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any fruit?

Studies conducted at the University of Scranton, PA, found cranberries to contain the highest level of phenol antioxidants when compared to 19 other common fruits! (Some of the other fruits found to be rich in phenols, in descending order after cranberries, were apples, red grapes, strawberries, pineapples, bananas, peaches, lemons, oranges, pears and grapefruit).

Antioxidants are premier disease-fighters and anti-aging agents. Cranberry phenols have been found to help protect against certain types of cancers, the brain cell damage that usually occurs in the early stages after a stroke, and urinary tract infections. They protect against the free radical activity that is thought to be responsible for making cholesterol harmful to arteries and the heart, memory impairment, difficulty in mobility, cataracts and macular degeneration of the eyes. So, as the holiday season approaches, you can enjoy your cranberry sauce, not only because it tastes great, but because you know you will be getting an extra big dose of health-promoting antioxidants.

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Labels: antioxidant, cranberries, food of the week, fruits, healthy food, phenols