Browse Category: Nutrition

Not Just Fool’s Gold: Uncover the Powers of the Real Acai Berry

The acai berry has been known for its amazing benefits for health concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes, poor sleep, digestive disorders, and arthritis, as well as for its powerful anti-aging properties and effectiveness in aiding weight loss. But lately certain acai products have come under fire by the Better Business Bureau due to false claims and lack of promised results. Celebrities like Oprah and Rachel Ray are outraged at the use of their names to endorse such products and are stepping in to aid in the fight. What’s the real story behind the acai berry? The following article will set the record straight about this superfruit and its numerous health benefits.

Don't Drink It: Diet Soda Puts Your Health in Danger

There are certain things on this earth that seem like a godsend. The wheel, cell phones, Astroturf . . .  the list goes on. In terms of foods and drinks, diet soda may seem like a godsend to some. After all, you get all (or most) of the taste without the calories. But is it really the next best thing since sliced bread? Not even close. Diet soda has been getting a bad rap for some time now, and emerging evidence against diet soda as a responsible choice continues to grow. Consider the following before the next time you hit the vending machine.

Smoothie Move: Make Your Own for Best Energy, Timing

As seen in the Alternative Health Blog, this article is part of our "Best of the Blog" series. The perfect smoothie? “If someone can hand you a smoothie as you walk in the door from a workout, that’s the ideal smoothie,” said Aimee Gallo, a Bastyr University-trained nutritionist and certified personal trainer who operates the Vibrance Nutrition counseling service in Seattle. Gallo advises her clients to make their smoothies at home, mostly because you can’t find the perfectly healthy smoothie at the local or franchise stands. Here's how to make the best smoothie at home!

Coffee Break: The Pros and Cons of Coffee Consumption

For many people, the day cannot begin until the morning coffee ritual takes place. Whether your coffee routine is based on frothy cappuccino or a mug of regular joe, there are health concerns and benefits that you should consider.

The Scary Truth about High-Fructose Corn Syrup

High-Fructose Corn Syrup (or HFCS) is becoming almost as controversial as the Atkins Diet was in its hay-day (well, some would say the Atkins Diet remains quite controversial). You may have seen recent advertisements touting high-fructose corn syrup as natural (made from corn) and comparable to table-sugar. But is it really as “safe” as those commercials would have you believe? Read on for some startling information on this “natural wonder.”

Fill Your Cart with These Healthy Go-To Groceries

As the cost of groceries get more expensive with rising energy costs and a tight economy forces manufacturers to reduce the sizes of packages, you may have to start doing a little belt-tightening to stay on budget this season. So how can you shop smarter and make the healthiest choices?

Eat Well for Less: How to Shop Healthy on a Budget

With the ever increasing awareness of the importance of eating healthfully, there is a greater demand for places to buy health foods, organic foods and nutritional supplements.  However, you may find that the products you want are found only in expensive health stores and markets.  And because of the added expense, you find it difficult to balance the benefits of eating healthfully with your already-tight grocery budget.  Have no fear . . .  there are many ways to eat well for less if you do your research and follow these simple tips.

Bottled Water: What's the Difference?

While there are many different types of bottled waters on the market, is one any better than another? That depends on your needs and your taste preferences. Read on to learn the differences between the most popular options.

How to Make Healthy Choices in a “Packaged Foods World”

In this day and age, it’s hard to get away from eating packaged foods . . . at least every now and then. As hard as you may try to eliminate packaged and processed foods from your diet, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Luckily, you can be smart about choosing these kinds of foods if you have the knowledge to identify the really unhealthy ones. Keep reading for some tips on how to survive in a “packaged foods world.”

6 Foods You Need Each Day for a Balanced Diet

Do you know what you should be eating on a daily basis? You may think you’re eating the right foods – and the right amount of those foods, but unless you really understand what a “balanced diet” means, you may be missing out on essential nutrients. So how can you get “in the know”? Well, let the food pyramid be your guide. Having recently gone under a significant makeover, the new My Pyramid takes into consideration the varying nutritional needs of people of different ages and sexes. Keep reading to find out what nutrients you might be missing . . .