The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has just released its ranking of 47 conventionally grown fruit and veggies according to their pesticide load. In this economic climate when all of us are a little more attentive of each dollar we spend, this list can provide some parameters on when to spend the extra money for organics.

DIRTY DOZEN (Buy these organic)

1.Peach
2. Apple
3. Bell Pepper
4. Celery
5. Nectarine
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes (Imported)
11. Carrot
12. Pear

CLEAN FIFTEEN (Lowest in Pesticides)

1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn
4. Pineapple
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet Peas
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Papaya
12. Watermelon
13. Broccoli
14. Tomato
15. Sweet Potato

With all that is out there these days, it’s really a matter of consumer beware. In fact some of the things that we think are healthy for us, turn out to be quite the opposite-dangerous even. Sprig has put out a list of the 10 most dangerous foods. Foods that we should really avoid when given the option. None of the foods on the list will immediately strike you dead, but consistent exposure to some of the contaminants in them could cause long term effects.

Continue reading 10 Most Dangerous Foods

These days it seems like eczema is becoming something rather common, almost like a rite of childhood. When my son started suffering from it at around the age of 2 I, like most other parents took him to our family doctor for some answers. We were given steroid creams and no answers. I reluctantly tried them, but found they provided no relief. It seemed strange to me to just treat the symptoms when I was more concerned about treating the cause. One trip to the Naturopath provided us with some much needed answers. He suggested we:

Continue reading Eczema Relief!

With the new year comes a new list of resolutions. On the top of mine and probably many others is to cram a workout (at least 3x a week) into my busy schedule. Now, I have to be honest and preface that I have never, ever worked out. I am one of those naturally uncoordinated people. I can’t learn a dance routine or play a sport by just watching it or trying it once or twice, for some reason my body doesn’t move in that way. Regardless, any workout that I take on has to overcome 2 obstacles:

1. It can’t require too much coordination. No crazy dance moves (at least not yet)

2. It can’t take longer than 20 minutes.

I have found the perfect solution as seen on Oprah (well, not by me, but a girlfriend sent me the link to the workout she saw on Oprah): the Joel Harper 20 minute workout. I will have to vary it, so I don’t get bored, but for now this is perfect for my schedule. Let me know what you think!

All you Oprah fans will recognize the name Dr. Oz. He’s become a regular on Oprah with his integrative medicine approach.

To make your diet more healthy, Dr. Oz says to remember his “rule of fives.” Look at the labels of the foods you eat. If you see one of these five ingredients listed as one of the first five things used to make it, don’t eat it.

Continue reading 5 Ingredients to Avoid