Rice Cakes: Why They Make Me Happy

I love rice cakes. Therefore, they make me happy. I first got wind of these low-calorie snacks in the 80's when they were all the rage. Then I took a long hiatus even forgetting they existed. Thanks to my mother, (who gave me a package after deciding she didn't like them), I fell in love …

Lose Weight With These Herbs And Spices

Need a natural boost for your metabolism? Look no further than your spice rack or health food store to find some of these fat-burning herbs and spices. This yellow root offers a myriad of uses from treating inflammation and balancing hormones to fighting Alzheimer's Disease. But did you know its warming properties boosts metabolism as …

Is Food Combining Worth The Effort?

Admittingly, I have never paid attention to food combining. I pretty much mix up my foods with little or no thought. Nevertheless, I was curious about it. When I researched the logic behind food combining, it made sense to me. There isn't much scientific evidence to support it, probably because in Western culture we are …

Herbal Spotlight: Holy Basil!

It's not called Holy Basil for nothing. Holy Basil (ocimum sanctum) is a powerful herb indigenous to India and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat colds, coughs and flus. It has been shown to treat a variety conditions from depression to inflammation. Here are just a few examples of …

The Negative Side Of Weight Loss

Becoming a slimmer version of yourself is nothing short of exciting. But weight loss doesn't come without negatives. Here are a few aspects you should consider before embarking upon your weight loss journey. Loss of lean tissue If you eat too few calories, your body will dip into its precious lean muscle to fuel itself.  …

Estimating Portion Size Using Your Hand

Eating out, whether at a party or restaurant can throw off calorie counting in a big way. We tend to lose track of calories if we aren't reading labels and measuring portion sizes. Here's a simple way to estimate serving size using your hand. A fist or cupped hand = 1 cup Palm = 3 …

Enjoy Halloween Candy Without The Guilt

I love fall. Even in Southern California where we don't have "real" seasons, I've learned to embrace the subtle changes, the brisk air, the leaves on the ground and the cooler temperatures. I can't seem to get enough of it especially after a long hot summer. Fall is many things: apple and citrus fruits, piles …