On Monday, Strolling of the Heifers released its second annual Locavore Index, which ranks the 50 states and the District of Columbia for their commitment to local foods, rating them for the availability and consumption of locally produced foods in their state. Strolling of the Heifers, the Vermont-based advocacy group, assesses the number of farmers markets, consumer-supported agriculture … [Read more...]
Last week, researchers from three different studies reported in the journal Nature identified an association between dietary salt and the development of autoimmune disease. This precedes a study published yesterday that links the consumption of processed foods with an increased risk of early death due to cardiovascular disease and cancer. According to the Voice of America, researchers were … [Read more...]
Focusing on nutrition and lifestyle, we know that the causes of the rise in obesity include the overconsumption of processed foods and sugar, too few nutrient-dense foods and too-large portion sizes, as well as stress, a sedentary lifestyle, sleep disturbances, not getting enough exercise, metabolic factors, and even environmental toxins. Now, a new study by researchers from Yale University School … [Read more...]
I believe that every significant life experience has something to teach us—about life, ourselves, our relationships with others. For what is life if not for building meaningful connections with others, for learning about the world in which we live and for truly discovering our own true nature, the boundless potential we possess and the sacred path we are meant to follow? I have learned so much … [Read more...]
As we welcome in the New Year, what more tempting a time it is to consider turning over a new leaf in life. We look back on the experiences of the past year, some amazing and beautiful, others we’d much rather forget. We look back on the chances we didn’t take or the promises we made to ourselves that we broke, and we swear to ourselves that this year will be different. The year ahead of us … [Read more...]
When I first began my pity party path to recognizing and acknowledging the blessings of turning 35, I wasn’t sure how the experience would play out. I couldn’t predict what it would feel like having to come up with 35 truly positive things about my life as it is now, without only citing banal, yet genuine daily items of gratitude that might put you to sleep. To be honest, some days were harder … [Read more...]
To Love and Creativity! Day 5 is Dedicated to My Love 1. I am grateful to My Love for showing me real, unconditional love from a romantic partner. Loving me as exactly, completely me. Loving with kindness, compassion and patience. Love without judgment. Love without co-dependency. Love without jealousy. 2. I am grateful to My Love for being so open, honest and true. For baring everything and … [Read more...]
Day 3 is Dedicated to My Parents 1. I am grateful to my parents for taking me back into their home when my health got too bad for me to live on my own (with or without a partner). And for the times when live-in relationships deteriorated… ;) 2. I am grateful to my parents for the sacrifices they have made occupationally (my mom transitioned to telecommuting full-time to keep an eye on me when my … [Read more...]
Better late than never: Later this, I will be turning the big 3-5. I know, it’s hard for even me to believe it, but it’s true. While I know it’s not exactly over the hill, as a never-been married woman with no kids, it makes me feel pretty damn old if I think about it too much. So to silence the ridiculous screams of “spinster” and “cat lady” in my subconscious, I’ve decided to count the days … [Read more...]
In exactly one week, I will be turning the big 3-5. I know, it’s hard for even me to believe it, but it’s true. While I know it’s not exactly over the hill, as a never-been married woman with no kids, it makes me feel pretty damn old if I think about it too much. So to silence the ridiculous screams of “spinster” and “cat lady” in my subconscious, I’ve decided to count the days until my birthday … [Read more...]