November 2011
99 posts
How Many Times a Day Should We Eat?
“I’m hungry!” says the tummy to the brain some 4 million times a day (welcome to the world of food writing!). “But mealtime is in a few hours,” pleads the computer-glued brain to the gurgling stomach, eventually surrendering and grabbing a handful of something edible—and surprisingly, rarely is the next meal-time appetite ruined. How is that, exactly? And just how...
Chick-fil-A Threatens to Sue Vegetable Enthusiast...
Citing an infringement of its longstanding tagline “EAT MORE CHIKIN,” Chick-fil-A is trying to shutdown a Vermont t-shirt maker for using the tagline, “Eat More Kale.” http://dlvr.it/yJsBj
Don't Be Fooled: 5 Foods You Thought Were Healthy...
Organic, all natural, gluten-free, sugar-free, cholesterol-free, fat-free, low calorie… these are just some of the labels your eyes scan over each time you walk down the market aisles. While they all seem to be screaming, “I’m healthy, you can trust me,” there’s often a catch, especially if a product is highly marketed. Unfortunately, several of the foods...
New Research Shows Organic Farming as Viable as...
More good news for organic farming enthusiasts. Despite longstanding opinions that organic farming could not successfully challenge the perceived efficacy or durability of conventional farming, or the big push from Monsanto and other manufacturers of genetically modified seeds that claim to provide higher yield and less dependence on pesticides, the benefits of organic farming are becoming more...
Gift Away with the Organic Authority Holiday...
We love the holidays. And, we love deals, too. Our Fall Harvest Goodie Box was such a smashing success we know you’re going to love our Holiday Goodie Box as well! Celebrate the season with gifts for loved ones and for yourself with these fabulous holiday-themed products hand-curated by our editor-in-chief, Laura Klein.
We’ll have 40 goodie boxes available with over $530+ worth...
Reishi, Cordyceps and Maitake: Weapons Against...
As we move into the depths of winter, our sneeze and cough radar heightened to the-holidays-will-not-be-ruined-by-the-flu levels accompany megadosing ourselves with vitamin C, obsessive handwashing, of course, and a few merciful pleas to the gods of good resistance. But you can also arm yourself with several more sort-of secret immune-boosting weapons: medicinal mushrooms.
READ THE...
The Local Food App Revolution Has Arrived
Eating locally has become an environmental catchphrase and a new reality for many people concerned about the ecological footprint that their food products leave in their trail. While interesting new research shows that such a practice isn’t always in the best interest of the planet—sometimes growing vegetables or fruit in climates that are not made to handle them is actually more damaging...
Michael Pollan Has Some 'Food Rules' to Live By
Michael Pollan is a change-agent in the sustainable food movement. In 2010, _Time Magazine_ named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He is the author of five books including _The New York Times_ bestsellers_ In Defense of Food, The Omnivore’s Dilemma_ and _The Botany of Desire. _His latest edition of_ Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual _is intended to help Americans...
The McRib: WHY?!
Buzzing in food news lately is the return of the McRib, McDonald’s pork patty sandwich that is shaped like a little slab of ribs. Served with slivered onions, sliced pickles and sweet barbeque sauce on a 5 ½” sesame bun, the McRib has become something of a cultural phenomenon. Today there are websites dedicated to locating the fast food sandwich, which has appeared on Charlie’s Angels,...
Are Essential Amino Acids the Key to Stimulating...
Caring for our skin is no small feat. It is an organ after all positioned _on the outside _of our bodies exposed to all sorts of daily wear and tear. We can cleanse and moisturize it all we want, but if we’re not properly feeding it the nutrients it needs (like all organs) it will suffer. Feeding our skin system—which runs deep below the surface—helps the constantly renewing skin cells to...
Out with The Text, In with The Illustrations: They...
If you are an artist, a chef, a baker, a kid or simply a kid at heart, _They Draw & Cook _may be the single best cookbook to put on your holiday gift list this season. Nothing like regular cookbooks, it’s a compilation of illustrations of recipes, rather than instructions, each contributed from various artists around the world. Truly captivating the spirit of cooking, it illuminates the...
Naked But Not Transparent: Hidden GMOs Land Juice...
Claims that the Naked Juice Company is falsely advertising its products as ‘all natural’ despite a number of synthetic ingredients, has landed the Monrovia, CA-based company with several class action federal lawsuits. http://dlvr.it/y0KD8
A Clean Shave, The DIY Way
As the folks over at _WIRED_ said, “Thick, rich, velvety – and chock-full of ingenious chemicals.” That’s conventional shaving cream for ya. We don’t have to tell you that the triethanolamine and stearic acid that thicken into a rich lather, the polyvinyl pyrrolidone and isopentane that make hairs stand up straight for a cleaner shave and plethora of other ingredients...
'Tis the Season for a Super Toxic-Free Kitchen
We love the useful tips for a safe holiday kitchen from Senior Vice President for Research at the Environmental Working Group, Jane Houlihan: Choose foods low in added chemicals and pollutants; use non-toxic cookware; store and reheat leftovers safely. And we’ve added a few more tips of our own that we think will make your holidays a whole lot healthier, and yummier.
READ THE...
Waiter, There’s 1,221 Percent More Toxic BPA in My...
New research published in the _Journal of the American Medical Association _shows a significant spike in urine BPA (bisphenol-A) levels in individuals consuming canned soup products. http://dlvr.it/xr5mQ
5 Stellar Organic Pet Foods
You eat the freshest organic produce, drink only hormone-free milk and insist upon pesticide-free meats to feed your family. Shouldn’t your furry, four-legged friends get to eat the same healthy fare?
Pet food has come a long way from the horsemeat and filler fluff of the past, and today several companies manufacture natural and organic kibble that is as delicious as it is nutritious. Demand...
Invigorating Homemade Yogi Tea Recipe
Yogi or non-yogi, whichever you may be, enjoying a steaming cup of Ayurvedic tea can nourish the body and soul. Whether you sip a cup of tea to end your yoga practice, or just to warm up on a chilly day, yogi tea offers a host of healthy benefits for your body. This nourishing beverage will cleanse you body, mind and spirit. Are you ready?
READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/xlcPx
4 Warm, Aromatic Spices to Heat Up Tasty Treats
Gone are the days of craving cool, refreshing organic spices. It’s time to start cooking with spices that conjure thoughts of winter months and holiday cheer. Earlier this year, we covered chili spices: Chili powder, cumin and cayenne pepper, which was dedicated to vegan and vegetarian chili. Now it’s time to cover winter spices that complement organic baked goods and holiday...
Inflammation: The Silent Killer (And How to...
As if our human bodies weren’t strange enough, the process by which the body regularly heals and detoxifies itself can also lead to life-threatening illnesses. The culprit: Inflammation. The dilemma: Without it, stubbed toes and runny noses don’t heal; inflammation is the body’s natural healing ability—essentially removing the injury to allow for recovery—but it can also...
‘Environmentally Friendly’ Biofuel Cropland...
New warnings in a report published by the European Commission’s Joint Research Center caution against the proliferation of biofuels, citing major habitat loss as a result of converting pastures, savannas and forests into cropland for the gasoline alternative. http://dlvr.it/xc8BZ
Green-Is-the-New-Black-Friday, 11 Deals that...
This Black Friday, we’ve rounded up some incredible organic, eco, conscious and pretty kick-ass faves that make great gifts as well as usher in new models of doing business fit for any day of the year. And since the where-I-spend-my-dollar choice is far more than a symbolic gesture these days, there’s even more reason to turn Black Friday into Green Friday this holiday season. Not...
Madagascar’s Wild Lemurs Feed Nation’s Hungry
Facing devastating issues such as the widespread incidence of HIV/AIDS, malaria and a growing number of starving people, Africans in Madagascar are turning to wild bushmeat as food, cites a new study published in the journal _Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. _ http://dlvr.it/xSDpL
5 Reasons We Heart Glass Over Plastic
As the modern world stands, both glass and plastic have a place, and unfortunately are taking up too much space (in landfills and in our oceans). We would be remiss to not acknowledge that both substances have awesome uses crossing many fields from the everyday to the medical. We must also note that we have abused and overused both. But, here at OA we can’t help but cheer for glass in the...
Pomegranate Poached Pears
Pears have a certain elegance. Maybe it’s their sweetly refined flavor, maybe it’s their tender skin, maybe it’s that feminine shape. Whatever it is, pears are somehow fancier than most other fruits. And wait ‘til you see them in red.
READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/xJGdx
Goal! Soccer Field Sized Urban Garden to Be...
The urban farm movement has been quickly gaining ground from the increasing presence of community gardens and local farmers markets cropping up all across the nation to restaurants growing their own herbs and hotels getting into the beekeeping business. But it’s about to take a few giant leaps—or rather, yards—as Germany is planning to become home to the world’s largest urban...
The 7 Cruelest Foods on Earth
Most of us consider ourselves to be kind and compassionate, and rightfully so. Humans possess a great capacity for empathy and love; and we rely on support systems of family and friends to not only help us in our times of need, but also to bring us joy and pleasure, love and happiness. For some of us, dogs and cats fit into this discussion; they are as much family members as they are...
Green Tea Stops the Pig-Out Cycle
It’s nearly Thanksgiving, and people throughout America are digging out their fat pants. After all, when you’re presented with turkey, bread, potatoes, butter-drenched veggies and two or three pies, you don’t have much choice but to eat until you’re stuffed.
Or do you.
READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/x7pDz
All-Natural Holiday Pecan Pie Recipe
Indulge in a homemade pecan pie this Thanksgiving season that’s easy as… well, pie. Just mix, pour, and bake with this no-hassle recipe for bourbon-spiked pecan pie. It’s all-natural for a delicious—and wholesome—holiday dessert. Enjoy!
READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/x7pDw
Waste Not: 8 Ways to Reduce Thanksgiving Day Waste
Thanksgiving is not about stuffing your face and unbuttoning your pants to allow your stomach that extra inch of space. Nor is it about wasting oodles of food, paper products and energy. Shocking, I know. The renowned holiday is really about being thankful for what you have, family and good food prepared with care — and consciousness.
READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/x7pDs
Dehydrated? Bottled Water Can’t Help You States...
According to a new law set to be effective next month throughout the European Union, water sold in bottles in any of the 27 member countries is no longer aloud to claim that the product is able to prevent dehydration. Penalties for labeling and selling bottled water as such could result in a two-year jail sentence. http://dlvr.it/x7dct
Traditional Chinese Medicine More than Doubles...
Australian researchers at Adelaide University have created hope for women suffering from infertility as a recent study sheds new light on effectively treating women suffering from infertility issues with Traditional Chinese Medicine. The research, titled _”Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the management of female infertility: A systematic review”_ concluded that...
The Holidays Are Coming! 6 Reeeaally Calming (And...
Whether or not members of your family were spawned by Satan, are mildly annoying or are an absolute joy to be around, there’s nothing like the stress of the holidays to amplify their little quirks that just might make you feel like the only gift you hope Santa brings this year is your sanity. But you can hedge off the potential freak-outs by taking responsibility for your chill level by...
Too Salty? Too Spicy? How to Balance a Seasoning...
With the holidays in full swing, you’re no doubt going to be cooking up a storm all season long. While jamming out to Bing Crosby Christmas carols and watching the snowflakes fall outside the window, you might lose track of your “pinches” and “teaspoons,” only to find one of your dishes too salty or too spicy. When this happens, don’t despair: You can salvage that potpie, apple crisp or turkey...
Nepal Pushes Back Against Monsanto’s Hybrid Seeds
Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is battling the U.S. Agency for International Development and Monsanto, the largest seed company in the world, over the development of a hybrid corn crop intended for planting in the Nepalese regions of Chitwan, Nawalparasi and Kavre. http://dlvr.it/ws5rH
Radiation Risks Lead the EU to Ban Airport X-ray...
Citing human health risks and safety concerns as factors in making the decision, the European Commission announced earlier this week that it will no longer allow the use of X-ray body scanners at security stations in any of Europe’s 27 member countries’ airports. http://dlvr.it/wpCpT
Frame It: 5 Ways to Decorate With Old Windows
Windows are a whole lot more than just something to look through. They bring in that endorphin-inducing natural light, those simple combinations of glass and wood act as portals to the outside world, and when pulled open, windows can filter refreshing breezes into a stuffy house.
Windows create the perfect semi-transparant separation between you and the outside world. You know you savor that...
Farm-to-Table in the Dead of Winter, by the Beacon...
East Coast natives have a fairly skewed perception of the Midwest, one that is filled almost entirely with tumbleweeds and acres of farmland. While the former may represent reality, it doesn’t always parallel the overall community-oriented impression of the Midwest. Most of that farmland is owned by corporations, not families, and their operations are anything but locally focused.
Chef Matt...
Congress Considers Pizza and French Fries...
The newest version of a proposed Congressional spending bill will classify pizza and French fries served as part of school lunches as vegetables, reports the Associated Press. http://dlvr.it/whbyc
Bacon May be Back, But It's Still Bad: Enter...
The surge in bacon as a flavoring in everything from chocolates and soaps to ice cream and soda also brings a return in considering the many reasons to avoid it, from the excess fat and sodium content to the ethical issues in raising and slaughtering pigs. But there’s another reason for caution found in the often-overlooked fine print on the label: Nitrites.
READ THE REST…...
5-Ingredient Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe
Just five ingredients are all it takes to create this beautifully festive holiday dessert: Cranberry Pear Pie. (Technically, the pie crust is a sixth ingredient, but once you’ve mastered our Olive Oil Crust, you’ve got that in the bag). Prepared without a traditional lattice topping, this open-faced—and vegan—fruit pie dazzles a crowd with its stunning winter hues and shimmery glazed look....
Donating, A New Tradition These 6 Orgs Make Easy
We uphold various Thanksgiving holiday traditions every year, from sweet pies and hearty meals to that annual brisk walk taken after the big feast. This year, how about we start a new tradition? It’s simple — pick a nonprofit that celebrates women’s leadership or encourages sustainability, and take part in a little holiday charitable giving. The following nonprofits encourage...
Michael Pollan: Call it ‘The Food Bill’ Not ‘The...
Food focused author and journalist Michael Pollan is known for his simple approach to nutrition (“Eat Food. Mostly Plants. Not too Much.”) in books including _The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Food Rules_ and _In Defense of Food_, but his pared down approach doesn’t end there. In a new video released by the educational initiative campaign, Nourish, Pollan reflects on the value of...
How Supermarkets Trick You Into Spending More...
How many times have you made a quick stop by the grocery store for a couple of simple items like milk and bread, only to wander out in a daze almost an hour later with an entire basketful of random items, junk food and 2-for-1 deals?
Perhaps you walked in with a mission and a list, only to be dazzled and delighted by the delicious smells in the bakery, shiny towers of fruits and vegetables,...
Long Gone DDT Pesticide Linked to Increasing Rates...
Conclusive new research titled “A Prospective Study of Organochlorines in Adipose Tissue and Risk of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,” published in the journal _Environmental Health Perspectives_ suggests a very strong link between organochlorine pesticides and the risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. http://dlvr.it/wR2Nr
An Olive Oil Pie Crust to Dessert For
This holiday season, treat your guests to a flaky, savory pie crust that’s made with olive oil—no butter required at all. This incredible recipe is from the culinary school Natural Gourmet Institute, where I received my training. It’s been a staple recipe in my kitchen for years, and it will transform your holiday desserts forever. Promise.
READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/wR2Mv
The Perfect Smoked Turkey Sans a Smoker!
Thanksgiving may arguably just be the most important holiday of the year. Done right, it’s a happy, heartwarming and totally gourmand celebration of life’s luxuries. And what could be a better symbol of simple luxury than a beautifully cooked turkey? A world where so many families can feast like this is a beautiful world indeed.
So you’ve gone out and bought the perfect...
Cure Cold Feet, the Literal Kind
Cold feet is not just something that happens before your wedding. It is a literal condition that - at its least - is really annoying and - at its most - can be a sign of a serious condition. For most of us, cold feet just makes us plain unhappy. And if you prefer to not live in wool hiking socks 24/7 (who doesn’t love socks and sandals?), then we’ve got another way. All those...
350,000 Sign On to Demand Labeling of GMOs
Efforts to make the FDA finally require mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods appear to be well on their way to becoming a reality. In just over one month, more than 350,000 people have signed on to support the Just Label It – We Have the Right to Know campaign. http://dlvr.it/wLlYY
Bumps on a Log: Grow Your Own Shiitake Mushrooms
A few years back, Paul Stamets told TED viewers that mushrooms can save the world. If that announcement surprised you, you’re not alone — but as most vegetarians know, the humble mushroom packs a big portion of B vitamins, antioxidants and rich flavor, without packing on the calories. Of all the varieties of edible, non-psychedelic mushrooms, shiitake is one of the best known....
Greenpeace Tackles Overfishing in Spain with New...
One of the easiest ways to know that things are not going well is the continued use of the word “deep.” Deep well drilling and deep sea fishing are perhaps the two most prominent in today’s world, cluing us in on the fact that those industries have exhausted more manageable supplies. A recent investigation by Greenpeace has found that Spanish fleets are pulling in three times...
