Cinnamon, Cocoa and Cardamom Truffles {Paleo-friendly, Adaptable Vegan & Gluten-free}

Around this time of year, I really try to slow down and take stock of what I am grateful for in life. Sweet and spunky Evelyn, health, friends and family. Nothing overly shocking here. But I have to confess, I am outrageously grateful for organic dark chocolate. Really. Not that I am more appreciative of chocolate than say, my daughter, but it does hold a special place for me -- infusing a truly delicious quality into life. Dark chocolate is actually a health enhancing food when savored in moderation and with intention. Find out how it sharpens the mind here or wards off cancer along with other disease here. Even the ancient Aztecs recognized the benefit of chocolate on well- being, both emotionally and physically.

How I Cured My Acne With Apple Cider Vinegar

(MindBodyGreen) By Erica Scime

I had acne pretty much since puberty and spent most of my middle school, high school and university years with a broken-out face. I tried everything in my battle against blemishes — drugstore cleansers, department store skin regimens, medicated creams, dangerous prescription pills — you name it. It wasn’t until years later, after hearing Scarlett Johansson sing the praises of apple cider vinegar as her skin care secret, that I made my own apple cider vinegar toner and found my acne cure. After all, who needs “dermatologist recommended” when you’ve got Scarlett Johansson?

Source: http://themindunleashed.org

Everything Doesn't Happen For A Reason

By Tim Lawrence

(The Adversity Within) I emerge from this conversation dumbfounded. I've seen this a million times before, but it still gets me every time. 

I’m listening to a man tell a story. A woman he knows was in a devastating car accident; her life shattered in an instant. She now lives in a state of near-permanent pain; a paraplegic; many of her hopes stolen.

He tells of how she had been a mess before the accident, but that the tragedy had engendered positive changes in her life. That she was, as a result of this devastation, living a wonderful life.

And then he utters the words. The words that are responsible for nothing less than emotional, spiritual and psychological violence:

Everything happens for a reason. That this was something that had to happen in order for her to grow.

That's the kind of bullshit that destroys lives.

And it is categorically untrue.

Yet Another Reason to Enjoy Wine — Study Suggests it Can Help You Burn More Fat

Whether consumed as whole fruit, juice or wine, muscadine grapes hold promise for managing obesity and metabolic disorders like fatty liver. The dark-colored red fruit is native to the southeastern United States, and contains potent natural chemical compounds that reduce the growth of existing fat cells as well as the development of new ones. One of the chemicals, ellagic acid, is particularly powerful - demonstrating the ability to boost the metabolism of fatty acids in liver cells.

Is Your Paleo Diet Making You Irritable, Depressed and Sleep Deprived?

Struggling with mood swings, anxiety, brain fog or fatigue? If so, you may be GABA compromised. An important neurotransmitter that contributes to our overall sense of well-being, GABA production can become severely disrupted by chronic stress and during the dark winter months. Gut flora imbalance, environmental pollutants and pharmaceutical drug use are also associated with lowered levels. Those on a Paleo diet may suffer from insufficient GABA too.

Reverse Osmosis, Distilled, Spring or Ionized? Experts Weigh in on Water

"Water composes half to four-fifths of you, depending on how much body fat you have. It makes up about 85 percent of your brain, 80 percent of your blood, and 70 percent of your lean muscle. The human body, like all living organisms, survives by means of an ongoing flow of energy. You are an engine, and water is your fuel, coolant, and lubricant. Water keeps you running," states Suzanne Winckler in the UC Davis publication Groundwater.

Generally, health-conscious folks are well aware of the importance of proper hydration. And yet, with so many options for water purification and enhancement, the question remains—which water is best?