Aspartame may be the reason that diet soda consumption during pregnancy has been linked to premature birth.

When we learned how bad butter was for us, the food industry responded by giving us margarine, which turned out to be even worse.

When the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) dietary guidelines directed us to lower our fat intake in hopes that we would pick up an apple, the food industry gave us fudge drizzled Snackwell cookies.

That is precisely reasoning like this that has led to the billion-dollar diet soda industry. …read more of Aspartame: Fibromyalgia and Preterm Birth here

Even though we may begin the day with a charge of energy, around two or three o’clock in the afternoon we may feel as though we are running out of steam.

Mid-afternoon is often a time when we feel like we need a little boost of energy to get us through the rest of the day.

Instead of reaching for a candy bar or salty snack, Ayurveda has a better solution. One that is not only good for you, but delicious as well!

Almond Energy is an energizing herbal almond beverage mix made from an original ayurvedic recipe in an easy to use blend of blanched almonds, rare herbs and raw sugar.  I like to call it my ayurvedic protein powder! …read more of Boost Your Energy the Ayurveda Way! here

When a local newspaper interviewed people about their favorite fall things, a young woman replied that the Starbucks® seasonal beverages made her the happiest.

Tea is possibly the most popular hot beverage in the world and Starbucks, more than a coffeehouse has become a brand recognized the world over.

Every autumn you can depend on cooler weather, warm sweaters and seasonal drinks at Starbucks. Wildly popular, thirsty customers line up for their favorite beverage from the lineup.

Unfortunately these beverages are not only expensive, a regular habit can be pretty fattening, as they are full of sugar and heart-clogging dairy.

Perhaps this seasonal pick-me-up should be a once-a-year treat, if at all, especially for those who want to keep their energy level steady, their skinny jeans fitting and their head colds at bay.

For those of us who want to enjoy a seasonal treat at Starbucks with less money, fewer calories and very little sugar, there is a way and it’s 100 percent vegan. …read more of Seasonal Starbucks on the Skinny here

Coconut water is refreshing and has been marketed in recent years as an energy boosting natural sports drink because of the high level of minerals and potassium.

When you exercise or play sports heavily, you lose electrolytes, such as potassium as you sweat. These electrolytes need to be replaced and beverages, such as coconut water can do just that.

Popular beverages packaged from the clear, almost sweet liquid of young Thai coconuts can be pretty expensive. …read more of Coconut Water Fresh from the Source for Frugal Fitness Freaks! here

With much of the country suffering under a blanket of triple-digit temperatures, some icy, homemade, low-cal treats can bring welcome relief for the whole family.

1) Smoothies

If you don’t want to use juice or young coconut water as your base, make a creamy “paste” by blending a few tablespoons of filtered water with any kind of raw nuts.  This base contains its protein and heart-healthy fat, which provides long-lasting energy.

Now add frozen fruit and a banana, adding a touch of water if it is too thick to qualify as a beverage. Bananas add natural sweetness. Keep sliced frozen bananas on hand in bags or containers; it’s a great way to preserve ripe bananas and really convenient, too. Choose agave, stevia or a dash of cinnamon for wholesome and flavor-enhancing additions. …read more of Chill Out with Summer Treats that Beat the Heat here