Thrive Short Order | Paleo Black Forest Breakfast Bars {Gluten-Free, Vegan, No-Bake}

I don't know about you, but I find most mornings in my household to be just short of a circus act. Between caring for a rambunctious three-year-old, working and tending to the nitty- gritty details of the home, sometimes I feel a sense of complete overwhelm - as I am sure many do. Yet, as with most things in life, daily chaos is also fertile ground for inspiration along with one of my all time favorite topics: chocolate.

Recently I was pondering the amazing health benefits of this delicious food and realized it could easily be transformed into a stellar breakfast meal. With a little creativity and plenty of superfood caliper additions, chocolate could be a near perfect beginning to any day for the reasons found here. Hemp seed adds protein, coconut flour a good dose of sugar balancing fiber and cherries are a powerhouse in their own right. The end result also had to be effortless in preparation and something that is grab and go. And since I need all the help I can get with clarity of thought in the morning, the bar absolutely had to support brain function in a serious way. Walnuts fit the bill nicely with an abundant dose of mind boosting omega-3 fats. Drop me a line and let me know if you give these a try.

Chocolate-based fuel and plant fiber car - A new wave of eco-friendly innovation

A team of scientists in Britain have harnessed the unlikely fuel source of waste caramel and nougat from chocolate manufacturer Cadbury Schweppes. As part of the experiment, Escherichia coli bacteria were fed the sweet left-overs from the factory. The bacteria then belched out hydrogen gas after a process of sugar fermentation and conversion of formic acid. This surprising source of hydrogen was subsequently used to power a small fan via fuel cell technology. As a highly efficient source of energy, fuel cells have a zero emission rate when used with hydrogen. Continue »

Estrogen overload - How environment and lifestyle contribute to hormonal imbalance while devastating the health of both men and women

Estrogen is typically considered a female hormone, vital for the reproductive system. Yet with the widespread use of plastics and pesticides, estrogen dominance is now a serious issue for both men and women. Excessive levels not only increase the incidence of breast, colon and prostate cancer, but also foster weight gain, fatigue, irritability and mental instability. Present in a variety of consumer goods like cosmetics, shampoos, oil-based coatings and animal products, we are bombarded by chemical estrogens at every turn. Minimizing the damaging effects is a three-fold process: limit exposure, detoxify and balance with progesterone. Continue »

Wash radiation, heavy metals and other health harming poisons down the drain with a detoxifying soak

Therapeutic baths are a simple, inexpensive and effective way to keep the body and spirit in top form. Radioactive poisons, heavy metals and other hazardous substances are safely removed from the system without overburdening internal organs or triggering an uncomfortable healing crisis. Stress and tension are relieved as well -- providing yet another health advantage. An enjoyable and potent therapy, restorative baths are an excellent addition to any healing protocol. Continue »

Create radiant health with the medicinal advantages of papaya

Named the "Fruit of the Angels" by Christopher Columbus, papaya is enjoyed around the world as a sweet tropical delight. Every part of the papaya tree and its fruit lend great therapeutic value in maintaining health and correcting bodily imbalances. Indigenous people have known of the health promoting benefits of papaya for centuries, and now the knowledge has entered into the spotlight of modern medicine.

Papaya is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. The ripe fruit provides a bounty of vitamin C, E, and A along with folate and potassium. The shining star of papaya nutrition is papain, a formidable enzyme that helps digest protein and reduce inflammation. Papain is 3 times more abundant in green papaya than fully ripened fruit. Just make sure you source organic varieties. Continue »

Genetics have little influence over health, top stem cell biologist asserts

Bruce Lipton believes 98 percent of all illness is environmental, while a mere two percent of disease can be traced to genetic disposition. Working as a stem cell researcher at Stanford University, Lipton uncovered a startling truth: Our genetic composition has very little influence on health whereas the impact of chemistry within the body is far-reaching. The key to unlocking exceptional wellness is actually found in the subconscious mind -- if we reprogram our negative thought habits, we create a new internal chemistry where spontaneous healing and vibrant health are possible. 
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Is Your Anger Killing You? Discover How to Prevent Arthritis, Cancer, Heart Attacks, Insomnia by Managing Your Anger

Most of us have been there…feeling the blinding anger provoked by a specific circumstance, encounter or injustice. Well-meant outrage followed by rage about GMOs, environmental destruction or corruption in the medical establishment, along with a host of everything else that gets under your skin. Other times your anger may manifest as an interpersonal dispute or issue with a coworker. Even the hapless stranger is fair game. It doesn’t really matter the trigger, but one aspect is certain: chronic anger is bad for health, plain and simple.
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Worried About Radiation and EMF Poisoning? Research Reveals the Humble Apple Offers Exceptional Protective and Detox Benefits

The old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” holds more truth than you may think. Whether bombarded by electromagnetic fields (EMFs) or radiation from nuclear disasters, active compounds found in apples provide a remarkable health protective shield. As an affordable superfood, this readily available fruit is a near perfect snack for staying healthy in this toxic age. Continue »

Edible schoolyards and healthy cooking lessons - Growing fresh solutions for childhood obesity

(NaturalNews) Purple carrots, raspberry bushes and a bounty of schoolyard-grown vegetables are sprouting up around the nation. Edible schoolyards are teaching children about sustainability, nutrition and the fun of growing, cooking and eating their own food. As more of these gardens germinate from an idea to a full fledged classroom, children learn about wholesome food choices -- helping to curb childhood obesity. Continue »

Discover the gateway to remarkable health with a diet rich in color

(NaturalNews) Consuming a diet rich in naturally colorful foods not only is beautiful but encourages ultimate health balance. Enjoying a variety of each color group provides a powerful defense against disease and environmental stressors. Scientific research has confirmed the importance of consuming a broad spectrum of fruits and vegetables to protect and enhance physical well being. Continue »

GMOs - Suspected culprit in devastating 'fiber disease'

(NaturalNews) Straight out of a sci-fi horror film, a mysterious disease that produces sores, rashes and sharp fibers beneath the skin may be linked with genetically modified organisms. Along with bug-like crawling sensations, Morgellon's disease causes other alarming symptoms: extreme chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, short-term memory loss and impaired thought processing; attention deficit, bipolar and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Severe depression and a propensity toward suicide are also common. Continue »

Stop hair loss and damage with these natural remedies

(NaturalNews) Americans are not known for their lush locks and it is no wonder -- their diet tends to be high in harmful fats, laden with sugar and heavy in animal protein along with dairy. All these foods contribute to hair loss and breakage according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Harsh shampoo as well as chemicals in the water aren't helping the matter either. But there's hope. By revamping the diet, adding a few supplements and introducing shampoo-free cleansing, a healthy head of hair is possible. Continue » 

Thrive Short Order | Shaved Fennel Salad with Arugula and White Balsamic

Fennel is one of those vegetables we don't tend to hear much about these days. A shame, really, as the raw crunch and unique sweetness is a nice paring for warm weather. Combined with arugula along with a light balsamic vinaigrette and this recipe comes together in a flash. Not only that, but it's a nutritional powerhouse, chock-full of vitamin A and C as well as iron from the greens. And chipotle pepper adds a surprising smoky kick. Use as a side for grilled chicken or fish. It can certainly hold its own as a light meal too. Whichever you choose, make sure to share with good conversation and friendship.

Fukushima update - North American food supply poisoned along Pacific Coast

(NaturalNews) If you live on the West Coast of the U.S. or Canada, you may want to reconsider your water filtration method as well as how you select and prepare food. Evidently, the nightmare of Fukushima is far from over - another 16 million years to be exact. Due to the astonishingly long half-life of iodine-129, the whole ecosystem of the Pacific Coast will be contaminated pretty much forever.

Among other dangerous radioactive isotopes released from the Fukushima meltdown, iodine-129 also spewed forth from the damaged reactor. Incredibly, this isotope has a half-life of 16 million years. Essentially, the entire West Coast food supply of North America will be contaminated with radiation for unlimited generations. We have fundamentally entered into a new way of life - one that takes a giant leap toward illness, disease and heightened mortality rates. Read more »

Thrive Short Order | Sparkling Wine Braised Tilapia with Accent of Opal Basil

I'm beginning a new series here to fit modern lifestyles and belt-tightening budgets. Thrive Short Order will focus on penny wise recipes that work with a time-impaired week. Busy moms, professionals and everyone in-between can benefit from these snappy creations that won't break the bank or skimp on flavor and nutrition.

'Miracle grass' encourages longevity while dispelling disease

The Chinese mountainous region of Guizhou is famous for its sheer number of centenarians. After 10 years of research, scientists discovered a common link among these long-lived people: daily consumption of sweet tasting jiaogulan tea. The centenarians also had very low incidences of Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. Researchers believe such disease-free longevity is due to the abundance of antioxidants and saponins found in the herb. Read more »

Approved by the USDA -- Common additive in organic food triggers significant inflammation and cancer

Found in a wide variety of organic products, from almond and hemp milk to cottage cheese and yogurt, carrageenan is an familiar ingredient. Unfortunately, many are unaware that it can wreak havoc on the intestinal tract and cause inflammation of the gut -- aggravating conditions such as IBS, Chron's disease and ulcerative colitis. Carrageenan is also implicated in tumors and lesions of the intestine along with other inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and arteriosclerosis. 

Lobbyists for the additive proclaim 'food grade' carrageenan is completely safe, the only culprit is degraded carrageenan. What proponents fail to address is the likely conversion of food grade carrageenan into the degraded form during digestion. Scientists have suspected this to be the case since the 1980s. Read more »

Flash greens with red pepper, olives and bacon + Why I switched to a Paleo diet

Fast, easy and delicious is the name of the game this summer. If truth be told, who wants to spend time slaving over a hot stove when the weather is sparkling bright and a host of outdoor activities beckon? Yet we also don't want to substitute convenience for good food. Man (nor woman) can live by protein bar alone. So a happy medium is struck with a medley of colorful vegetables and a smattering of bacon with a few choice olives tossed in. A squeeze of lemon along with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and you're set. For those who have the time and inclination, roasting the red peppers is a nice touch – although it isn't necessary. I am not a big fan of pork for health reasons, but thankfully we live in an abundant age where convincing organic and nitrate/preservative free turkey alternatives are available.