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2013 Farm Bill Amendment Aims to Kill State GMO Label Laws

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:29:55 +0000

Being dubbed the "Monsanto Protection Act 2.0" an amendment added into the 2013 Farm Bill could prevent individual states from passing their own GMO labeling laws.

Why Are We So Obsessed with Spicy Food?

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:56:42 +0000

If your spicytooth seems to have gotten stronger recently, you're not alone. It appears our taste for hot and spicy foods is on the increase.

A natural extracts specialty firm, Kalsec, has developed a new heat index way of measuring the use of hot peppers in food production. Evaluating more than 2,400 restaurant menus in the U.S., the group found that since 2009, the heat index has grown 21 percent—with an 8 percent increase in 2012. Hot and spicy retail products increased by 16 percent.

The Five-Second Rule: Real or BS?

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:07:30 +0000

I was traveling around the far coastline on an island in Indonesia, and stopped at the equivalent of a seaside rest stop for a lunch break. Diving into my box lunch of fried rice, fried plantains and fried chicken, my clumsy nature took hold and I dumped the entire meal into my lap and onto the dirty concrete floor.

“FIVE SECOND RULE!” one of my companions screamed. “Don’t waste food,” she continued, “there’s nothing wrong with it if you pick it up and eat it now!”

Monsanto’s Roundup-Ready GMO Alfalfa Gets Court Support

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:52:17 +0000

The U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld a lower-court ruling stating that the USDA correctly categorized Monsanto's GMO Roundup-ready alfalfa as not needing regulation.

How to Green Your Lawn: 4 Natural Grass Alternatives

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

For many of us, it is grass cutting season again--and that fact is not bringing joy into our lives.

Lawns first originated with the aristocracy in Europe and were a sign of wealth and status. The trend was transported to the Americas and is certainly still with us today. The lawn, and its rigorous care, is without a doubt one of the status symbols of the American suburbs.

Gesundheit! All-Natural Spring Allergy Remedies in Your Kitchen

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Spring allergies got you down? You're not alone. But over-the-counter allergy remedies can leave you drowsy, not to mention over-medicated. Never fear: there is another -- all-natural -- solution to your allergy woes. And the best part? Most of the remedies are probably already in your home!

Top 21 Reasons to March Against Monsanto (This Saturday!)

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:47:22 +0000

It's coming. This Saturday (May 25^th) the March Against Monsanto is happening. Across the globe, protest marches big and small will be going on in more than 40 countries. Here in the U.S., at least 38 states are participating.

Kroger Distribution Center Fueld by Food Waste

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:10:10 +0000

Kroger, one of the world's largest supermarket retailers, with more than 340,000 employees, has unveiled a clean fuel system generated by food waste that its Los Angeles' City of Compton distribution center will run on.

Outdoor Oasis: How to Make a Zen Garden

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

We all need a retreat to escape to every once in a while. For those of us who can’t take off on a vacation very often, creating a refuge in your backyard can be its own kind of paradise. Consider creating a Zen garden for meditation and stress relief. Designate a section of your backyard or side yard to use. Choose a space away from noise and fence off the area to keep out children or pets. Even better, use a fence made of natural elements, like bamboo. After you clear the area of weeds and debris, you can start designing your garden. Planning is key, otherwise the space will feel out of balance—and that will affect your mood. Wherever you decide to put your garden, there are several basic structures to include for a serene space.

3 Surprising Composting Tips for Apartment Dwellers

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Apartment dwellers already know that they have more than enough tools to create a fantastic kitchen garden, but as you get ready to make your selections for this summer's bounty, consider the fact that not only is a garden in your reach, but composting as well! Some may already have taken to apartment composting... but you can still take advantage of these fantastic tips to make apartment composting even easier!

Natural Beauty: Make this Lavender Lip Balm

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

With the weather quickly turning from pleasant to steamy, I’m always looking for natural beauty products that are moisturizing and refreshing. And, hey, if I can make the beauty aid on my own, even better! DIY is the way to go because I love (love, love) knowing what I’m putting on my bod.

USDA to Invest in Growing Organic Food Segment

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:34:14 +0000

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that the agency would begin focusing more attention on the growth of the organic industry, reports Food Safety News.

Skip the Steakhouse: Aged Grass-Fed Beef at Home

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

If you're an omnivore who loves a good steak, you probably already understand that grass-fed beef has more flavor than conventionally raised beef and is healthier. You've probably also had a great aged steak at a steakhouse, but unless you have access to an uncommonly good butcher, you haven't been able to find or buy an aged, grass-fed steak—until now.

Sleep Like a Baby: 10 Tricks For a Better Snooze

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Have you been a crabby grump bucket lately? It’s probably because you haven’t been getting enough sleep. Sleep—or rather lack of it—affects so much of our waking lives. It messes with the quality of our work, our relationships and our happiness. Don’t let a lack of Zs make you grouchy and sluggish. Try these 10 natural (no sleeping pills here) tips to help you drift off.

Get Squashed: Grow Summer and Winter Squash Varieties

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Squash belong to two main families: winter squash, which is characterized by its hard shell, and summer squash, which has a soft, edible skin. Summer squash produces prolifically all summer long, providing plenty of starchy freshness for summertime barbeques, salads and breakfast breads. Winter squash has a longer growing season and requires ample growing space and warmth in the summer. However, growing winter squash is well worth the effort, as just a few squash can provide several pounds of food. Use our guide on how to grow squash and get squashed this gardening season!

4 Moves to Give You Tight Sexy Arms

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

If you'd rather get stabbed with a pencil than sport a tank top these days, it's time for an arm-toning intervention. These moves will give you tight, sexy arms by sculpting muscles for sultry shape. What they won't do, however, is remove any fat from the region—no single exercise can accomplish that. To trim down excess bulge, you'll need to lose weight all over by eating fewer calories and fitting regular cardio workouts into your schedule. With a combination of weight loss and these super-effective toning moves, you'll want to show off your fabulous arms in no time.

Statins Block Effects of Exercise in Overweight Patients

Sun, 19 May 2013 17:04:29 +0000

Statins-drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease—may be interfering with an ability to lose weight, according to new research.

Credibles Offers Edible Credits to Support Local Restaurants

Sun, 19 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

"If you eat, you're an investor." That's the motto of a startup called Credibles that aims to bring a crowdfunding model to all sorts of food businesses.

The GMO Wars: Biotech Companies to Do 'Whatever It Takes' to Get Your Support

Sun, 19 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Reuters recently reported that a group of executives from biotech giants including Monsanto, Dow Chemical and DuPont, are creating a campaign targeted at changing public opinion about genetically modified organisms. "The big biotech firms are still working out details of their plan, but it will likely have a large social media component," the company executives said. "The group will focus on conveying what it says are the many benefits of biotech crops."

4 Bark-Worthy Natural Dog Snacks

Sun, 19 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Dog lovers are a dedicated lot. We tend to treat our pups with the utmost care and spare no expense when it comes to our furry friends’ health and happiness. That’s why so many of us tend to buy all-natural and organic dog food and treats. If it’s good enough for us, it’s good enough for our wiggly, furry buds.

Meatless Monday Roundup: 4 Savory Strawberry Recipes

Sun, 19 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Strawberries are popping up in local markets, but there are many more ways to enjoy these sweet treats than using them in desserts or eating them plain. We love the idea of using fruit in savory dishes, so give it a try with strawberries. There are many tasty ways to integrate this sexy, vitamin-rich fruit into your daily menus... particularly when it comes to Meatless Monday!

Philadelphia Eagles Coach Bans Junk Food

Sat, 18 May 2013 08:29:20 +0000

Chip Kelly, the new head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles thinks what his players eat has a profound effect on how they play football. The once popular "Taco Tuesdays" and "Fast Food Fridays" were cut from the team's diet and replaced with fresh, whole food meals.

Amazing Alliums: Decorative, Edible and Easy to Grow

Sat, 18 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

More than 1,000 plant varieties are found in the allium family, which includes garlic, onions, leeks, chives and several decorative flowers. Alliums have been cultivated for decorative and edible uses as far back as 1594, and wild varieties have been foraged for millennia. The allium family provides at least one of the staple foods in nearly every culture, as onions, garlic and their relatives often provide depth to nearly any savory (and some sweet) dish. Check out our guide on amazing alliums to learn more about the different plant types and how to grown and use them!

The 5 Best Foods For Sexy Skin

Sat, 18 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

When it comes to natural skincare, you don’t need a bunch of expensive products to look gorgeous. All you need is food. Well, the right foods. When applied topically, certain organic foods can feed your skin, leaving you feeling all over moisturized and refreshed. Some foods can even cure skin irritations, like redness, dryness and eczema. Others can prevent and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Keep a supply of these five foods on hand for naturally sexy skin.

Would You Eat Bugs to Lose Weight? UN Says Dining on Insects May Reduce Obesity

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:08:45 +0000

Many approaches have been employed in curbing the cases of obesity, which continue to skyrocket. But how about eating bugs? According to a UN report, it may be the next best weapon against obesity.

The Art Of Container Gardening Part 2: 4 Designs for Happy Artisan Container Gardens

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

As the world turns in the West, we are becoming more and more aware of the negative impact our consumer problem-solving mentality has on the environment and humanity's future. It is becoming increasingly important that we be on the lookout for ways to creatively upcycle and begin to practice fostering a pragmatic do-it-yourself philosophy. And one fun-tastic way to do both is with your approach to gardening. More specifically, with container gardening, by making (and repurposing) your own pots and planters.

The Spiralizer: Plant-Based Pasta in a Snap and a Vegan Raw Pasta Recipe

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Are you a lover of all things pasta but are trying to cut back on the carbohydrate overload? Vegetable pasta may not sound very interesting, but you'd be surprised what a little change in shape and the addition of a delicious pasta sauce can do to an otherwise neutral-tasting vegetable. The spiralizer is an incredibly useful addition to your kitchen appliance cabinet, as it lets you enjoy pasta in the most nutritious, figure-friendly and delicious way possible. Step away from the boiling water and discover just what a zucchini and some strategic cutting can add to your dietary arsenal. Enjoy!

New Research Shows Marijuana May Lower Cancer Risk

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:11:01 +0000

Marijuana continues to make its case as being more than just something to do while listening to Pink Floyd records. The latest: it may prevent the development of bladder cancer.

Pigs Fly in New Jersey: State Passes Ban on Cruel Gestation Crates

Wed, 15 May 2013 07:00:21 +0000

Big news out of New Jersey, particularly if you're a pregnant pig: The state legislature voted to ban gestation crates by a vote of 60 to 5 in the Assembly and in the Senate by a vote of 29 to 4. It now goes to Governor Christie's desk, where he's expected to sign it into law.

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Monsanto’s Right to Patent Seeds (And Sue You)

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:11 +0000

The Supreme Court announced its ruling yesterday in favor of biotech giant Monsanto in the highly publicized Bowman v. Monsanto case brought about by an Indiana farmer over the company's right to patent seeds.