Sunday, June 7, 2009

To Eat Organic - Or Not?

Eating 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits are an important aspect of healthy living. Vegetables and fruits provide nutrients and fiber that are not available from other food sources. Today, many crops are grown in massive quantities where toxic pesticides are used. Choosing organic (produce grown free of pesticides) is more important for some rather than others.


Best to Eat Organic:

1. Apples
2. Peaches
3. Bell Peppers
4. Pears
5. Celery
6. Potatoes
7. Cherries
8. Raspberries
9. Imported Grapes
10. Spinach
11. Nectarines
12. Strawberries


Not Necessary to Eat Organic:
1. Asparagus
2. Kiwi
3. Avocados
4. Mangos
5. Bananas
6. Onions
7. Broccoli
8. Papaya
9. Cauliflower
10. Pineapples
11. Corn (sweet, frozen)
12. Peas (sweet, frozen)

Thursday, June 4, 2009

6 Ways to De-Stress Your Home

From Andrew Weil's Tip of the Day

Your home - whether big, small, or somewhere in between - should be your sanctuary, a place where stress is left at the door and your soul is nurtured. For a more comforting environment, gradually implement the following changes into your home:

  1. Bring the outdoors in. Green plants, cut flowers and blooming bulbs, or pieces of wood, rocks and other organic elements can create a feeling of nature indoors.
  2. Paint a room to suggest a mood. For instance, blue and green promote a relaxed feeling and may be good choices for the bedroom, while warm colors (maroon, coral, burgundy) suggest a cozy environment and may be inviting in a family room.
  3. Surround your senses with beauty. Artwork, fragrance, smooth textures and calming sounds all provide a pleasant environment in which to relax.
  4. Set aside a room or area for peace and calm. A place for spiritual reflection and meditation can provide shelter from noise and distraction.
  5. Clean out clutter. A low-maintenance home is refreshing after a day of hectic meetings, errands and chores. Fewer items can mean less frustration.
  6. Create an atmosphere of love. Display handmade or meaningful gifts from loved ones and photos of family and friends.