Articles

Though cleansing may seem like just another fashionable trend, it’s a custom with roots reaching way back into history. In fact, ancient Egyptians were apparently passionate about intestinal cleanses, and purification rituals of all kinds are standard practice in religions all over the world. For so many of us, cleansing and purifying our bodies holds...

The Rumor: Sweets are addictive Superman has Kryptonite. Werewolves steer clear of silver bullets. Achilles had, well, his own heel. My can’t-say-no-gotta-have-it weakness isn’t nearly as exotic or capable of spawning its own blockbuster movie/beloved comic book series: It’s a warm, soft brownie. Or five. Make it the whole pan, m’kay? So, my love of...

“Omigod, Aunt Alia,” said my then 18-year-old niece, thumbing through my high school-era photo album. “Look how skinny you were!” The room fell instantly silent, as other members of my family waited in stunned silence for my reaction. (I think my husband actually ducked for cover.) Would my post-pregnancy hormones take over, sending me into...

Americans spend less on groceries than the people of all other industrialized nations. When it comes to our food, we like it cheap and fast — now more than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our spending on processed foods has doubled since 1982, and today we put more dollars into bags of cookies,...

The Rumor: Sports drinks have magical restorative properties that plain water doesn’t. Face it: You want to be the kind of person who needs a sports drink. In your mind’s eye, you picture yourself wiping away the huge beads of sweat that are dripping down your forehead as you climb Mt. Rainier (or Mt. Kilimanjaro,...

The Rumor: Certain foods can help you stay young The drug companies probably don’t want you to know this, but many believe it’s what you eat — not slather over your face – that’ll keep wrinkles at bay. The Verdict: Some foods really will help you turn back time The truth is, certain foods can...

What It Is Fall means pumpkins, and whether they are teeny-tiny or giant-sized, they bring out the happy in all of us. They have personalities that range from sassy to silly but interesting as they may be on the outside, they are tough little suckers to crack into. A member of the gourd family, pumpkins...

What It Is Didn’t we just go through this with eggs? They’re good for you, they’re bad for you and now they’re good for you again? Well, it’s the coconut’s turn. We were leery, but now we’re in love, so if you’re not already nutty for coconut oil, it’s about time you made room in...

You’re still following that healthy diet you started on January 1, but now you’re feeling like the “d” in “diet” stands for “deprivation.” More agitated and sluggish than usual, you swallow that last forkful of dinner on your plate, longing for just a little bit more food. You may find it comforting to know that there...