Thrive Short Order | Caramelized Italian Plums with Mascarpone and Almond {Gluten-Free}

We have some beautiful Italian plums in season at the moment - firm, dark and mysterious. With a slightly tart-sweet flavor, they are absolutely perfect for caramelizing and pair wonderfully with the richness of mascarpone. And cardamom makes an appearance here as well. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 5,000 years, modern science is now verifying the healthy usefulness of the spice. More than just a flavorful favorite, cardamom also has many surprising benefits. It's a potent antidepressant, aphrodisiac and relaxant. But these are just a few of the reasons to use the spice. Find out more here.

Eliminate acne once and for all with these simple tips

Not only bothersome, acne can also indicate toxicity. Encourage radiant skin and cleanse the body by making easy adjustments to the diet and utilizing natural remedies. Exotic or expensive ingredients are unnecessary -- a solution may be no further than the kitchen pantry.

We are what we eat

It should come as no surprise that diet is intricately linked with the health of the skin; whether acne, premature wrinkles or general clarity. A spectrum of colorful fruits and vegetables are key, especially leafy greens which help to detoxify the liver. A whole food diet is a must. Essential fatty acids found in flax, borage, hemp and fish oils support luminous, healthy skin as well. Nix dairy forever along with red meat, both of which encourage inflammation -- one of the many causes of skin eruptions. The same for refined sugar. If you need something sweet, xylitol or stevia are good substitutes. Choose organic, always. This will reduce the toxic load and bump up nutritional content. Vitamins A and E, magnesium, calcium and zinc are vital for glowing skin -- make sure you are getting enough.

Thrive Short Order | Swift Chicken and Gorgonzola Salad

If you haven't noticed lately, I'm on a fast and furious theme concerning food. With the weather glorious and a long list of life priorities in hand, I am just not in the mood to be fussing with elaborate recipes. I know this will change once the temperature drops and we spend more time indoors. For now, simplicity is the key. I also realize that quite a few working mothers absolutely demand meals that do not require hours in the kitchen (at least during the week).

Although a breeze to toss together, this summer salad is far from humdrum. The pungency of the gorgonzola offsets the slight sweetness of the honey-lime vinaigrette. And the lightness of the cucumbers is a nice compliment to the chicken. But don't be fooled - this salad packs enough protein and heartiness to qualify as a main course. Garnish with sliced avocado and a few toasted almonds to make it more so. Remember to enjoy the end result in the spirit of the Slow Food movement - always savor your meals with good company. An outdoor picnic is my favorite.

Physician heals multiple sclerosis in eight months with paleo diet

The tale of Dr. Terry Wahls is an inspiring one. Diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, Wahls abandoned her conventional regime of chemotherapy and immune suppressing drugs for an unorthodox approach: food. Within a year of adopting what is essentially a paleo eating plan, she was able to walk without a cane and complete an 18-mile bicycle tour. Considered a miracle by many, Wahls is a thriving testament to the power of sound nutrition.

Devastating manifestation of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating disease that leads to a wide range of motor control issues -- sometimes resulting in the need for a wheelchair. It can strike at any age, but usually occurs between ages 20 and 40 years old. When the disease sets in, the immune system attacks proteins in the nerve protecting myelin sheath -- resulting in muscle tremors and weakness, loss of coordination, fatigue, imbalance and blindness. To date, drugs have proven to be ineffective for reversing the effects of multiple sclerosis. When Wahls discovered this fact through her own experience, she turned to diet in the hope of slowing the disorder.

DIY Spirulina Superfood Micro-Farm Can Prevent Starvation and Help you Survive Tough Times — Grow it Yourself

Create a micro-spirulina farm as an alternative to maintaining a full-fledged aquaponics garden and grow your own superfood to maintain good health, detox and provide nourishment during tough times. Economical and easy, growing spirulina is one of the best ways to ensure food security when times are rough. Exceptionally rich in vitamins, minerals and protein, spirulina can enhance the diet and even prevent starvation when food is in short supply.

One of Nature’s Most Powerful Plants

Prized by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, spirulina has also been used throughout the world to fend off starvation when famine hits. As a complete protein, spirulina contains all eight essential amino acids in a form that is five times more easily digestible than meat or soy. Abundant in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, chlorophyll and beneficial fatty acids, spirulina is truly a wonder food. Not only is it exceptionally health enhancing, spirulina can also be grown easily at home for pennies on the dollar. Continue »

Modern science validates light and color therapies in promoting full-spectrum health

The ancient practices of phototherapy and chromotherapy are gaining momentum as valid science. Researchers are now able to study how light and color not only affect psychological behavior, but also physiological systems of the body. An article in The New York Times explores how color and light influence well-being in a variety of circumstance; from prison cells to neonatal units, coal mines to classrooms.

Early use of light and color for healing

Phototherapy (utilizing full-spectrum white light for healing) and chromotherapy (using specific colors to influence health) have been used since 2000 BC. Ancient Egypt, Greece, China, and India all practiced light therapy while the Egyptians and Greeks also embraced color therapy. In the hermetic traditions of Egypt and Greece, colored stones, minerals, and crystals were used in chromotherapy. Treatment sanctuaries were also common. These spaces were painted in specific colors recognized for their healing qualities.