Have you noticed the proliferation of “gluten-free” stickers and labels on food products at your local supermarket lately? Whether you eat gluten-free or not, my guess is that you have noticed. Frankly, it would be hard to miss the huge impact that gluten-free foods have had on the supermarket shelves in the last year or so especially.
Screen-free week is April 29-May5. Here are some fun ideas for keeping kids happily occupied when the tube’s off, the computer is “sleeping” and hands are kept away from hand-held screens.
Spring is the perfect time for sprucing up your home, but have you thought about cleaning up your diet? By diet, I’m not referring to a weight-loss plan. Simply put, your diet is what you eat—the collection of foods that you consume each day. If you’re like most folks, there is room for improvement in your diet, and now is a great time for a fresh start!
Not necessarily. The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes no claims that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food. In fact, technically, organic certification has nothing to do with food safety. According to the USDA’s National Organic Program, organic products are “managed according to defined processes for planting, growing, raising and handling.” The term “organic” on the label also indicates that no synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation or genetic engineering was used in producing that food.
This is likely one of the most common fluid “prescriptions” on the planet. However, despite its historical use, there is little in the way of actual science to back up the recommendation that eight glasses of water is required for good health. In fact, according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), one needn’t keep track of water consumption at all. Rather, healthy people should “let their thirst be their guide,” meaning that what we need to do is listen to our bodies rather than count our cups.
For years, we’ve heard various health authorities recommend that we consume less salt in order to reduce our risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Though obtaining accurate data on sodium consumption is not easy, it’s been established that most Americans consume substantially more sodium than is recommended. But what does the science say about how salt impacts the health of your heart?
We’ve all been there. It’s the night before your kid’s classroom V-Day party and you forgot you “volunteered” to bring in a treat for the class. It’s now 8 pm and you’re tired, but the grocery store is open until 9, so if you hurry you can put together something cute and healthy for the little cherubs to enjoy tomorrow. Here are two easy, tasty and Valentine-appropriate snacks that any kid would be proud to bring to the school soiree and a few completely store-bought ideas if you have NO time to prep anything—no guilt necessary!
