It is old news nowadays if you have an intolerance to gluten. Some individuals even suffer from Celiac disease – a much more serious inflammation of the digestive tract.

However, there are many other foods that can cause sensitivities that we are unaware of – as well as full blown allergic reactions. It can be of great benefit to our well-being to identify foods that do not mesh well with our bodies

There are differences between a food allergy and a sensitivity (or intolerance), with sensitivities being much more common and generally less severe than actual allergies. They can however be hard to differentiate.

The main difference between the two is due to the type of immune reaction and antibodies involved. It can be either an Immunoglobulin G (IgG) response (usually a delayed reaction), or an Immunoglobulin E response (IgE) (an immediate reaction).

Signs you may have a food allergy

• Hives or itchy skin after eating
• Swelling of the lips, throat and mouth
• Instant digestive reactions (pain, vomiting, diarrhea)
• In severe cases difficulty breathing leading to anaphylaxis

The most common food allergens are dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, sesame, and tree nuts. It is important to note that even minor reactions to a certain food, such as hives, may progress into a much more serious reaction.

Signs you may have a food sensitivity

• Headaches
• Bloating
• A general sense of fatigue
• Bowel sensitivities
• Erratic moods

The most common food sensitivities are lactose, gluten and food additives such as sulphites. Reactions to food sensitivities can occur up to several days after the offending food has been ingested. This can of course make it more difficult to pinpoint the specific food. A simple elimination test may help:

• Avoid a suspicious item for two weeks then reintroduce a small amount and pay attention to how body reacts. A negative reaction may signify a food sensitivity.

When in doubt, a Naturopathic doctor can help you in both identifying the culprit, assessing whether your reaction is based on an intolerance or indeed an allergy, and recommend a course of action. A simple blood test provided by your Naturopath is an excellent diagnostic tool for both IgE and IgG reactions.

Related ethicalDeal:

VANCOUVER – $49 for a nutrition and sensitivity assessment, plus a Bio-Energetic session with Vancouver Nutritionist ($125 value). Save 67% May 15-22

>>> Do you have a food allergy or intolerance? How did you start testing for it?

The variety of organic products stashed on supermarket shelves can be overwhelming to choose from. Often, you may find yourself debating – is it is really worth it? Especially at costs up to triple the amount over generic brands.

To help you pick which fruits and vegetables are the absolute, most important to buy organic, the Environmental Working Group released a 2013 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides which lists foods with the highest levels of pesticide residues.

You can lower your chances of eating nasty chemicals and bug sprays by choosing to buy these 12  foods from organic farmers instead of uncertified companies. While there is a general rule of thumb, “if you eat the skin, you’re letting pesticides in”, it does not apply to all foods.

ethicalDeal has created an easy-to-read infographic for you to share, or print and pin to your fridge, of these 12 foods that you should be opting for organic options.

Happy easy, organic shopping!

Your medicine cabinets are probably packed beyond capacity with skincare products like cleaners, toners, moisturizers and eye creams. But little do people know, our diet is the main contributing factor to the appearance of our skin.

Healthy diets are not only to maintain a healthy weight, but they also help our skin in ways that most products cannot. Here are seven super skin super foods to help clear your pores and get radiate skin.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are an ultimate wrinkle fighter. The omega-3 fatty acids help deter and smooth fine lines and also diminish spotting on your skin as an added bonus. Flaxseeds can be added to shakes, baked into breakfast muffins and mixed in with yogurt.

Tomatoes

Cooked tomatoes, like those in spaghetti sauce, homemade ketchup and roasted tomatoes, keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. Lycopene helps to prevent the free radicals from UV light that causes your skin to age.

Safflower Oil

Do you suffer from dry skin or eczema? Safflower oil may be your skin’s saviour. Omega-6 fatty acids aid your skin to provide moisture, which may help treat eczema.

Green Tea

Green tea is filled with antioxidants, including catechin, which has proven anticancer properties. Those who tend to drink two or more cups of green tea a day lessen their chances of developing skin cancers. But the antioxidants are in their prime when hot, so make sure to drink your tea before it cools. Green tea is also a top skin defender because it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Pomegranates

Polyphenol in pomegranates is a rich antioxidant that protects the skin from cancer-causing free radicals. Pomegranates also help to smooth wrinkles and fine lines when applied to the skin.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt contains more protein than regular yogurts, which helps to keep your skin firm and smooth. When applied directly to the skin Greek yogurt can also help ease irritation and counteract dry skin.

Soy

Hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone, is something that many of us have to face as we age from years of sun exposure. The protein and minerals in soy help to even out your skin tone to reveal a more youthful appearance. Turn to soy products like tofu, soy milk and edamame.

>>> Have you heard of another super skin super food? Please, do tell below… 

I love eating berries and growing up, we seemed to always have a ton of blackberries and raspberries all summer long without anyone really putting in any work. Busy folks like me like the sound of that – little work with great results! Therefore, my third post is on how to plant berries.

Step 1: Find a spot

Raspberries need a lot of sun and can grow quite high. These are the two things to look for when deciding where to plant the seeds. In my case, it was against a fence that gets full sun all day long.

Step 2: Prep area

You may remember my last post, where I made a raised bed and cut out a piece of lawn. For this project, you need to do same: cut three inches deep into the grass on both sides of a five-inch wide piece for the whole length of the area. Roll the lawn and replant it if you can or flip it. Read Gardening Tips 101: How To Make A Raised Garden Bed for more tips. Prepare the soil with compost or aged manure and ideally, wait a week or two before you move on to step 3.

Step 3: Planting

I was lucky enough to have been given a few raspberry plants (tip: start talking about wanting to start a garden and suddenly seeds, plants, and advice start flying your way). To plant them, dig a hole into the prepared soil, big enough and loosen the dirt for the roots to spread. Space plants about three feet apart in a row. If you do multiple rows, have those about eight feet apart. Because they can grow high, I fashioned some support with bamboo sticks. Do this right away so the plants are not disturbed when maturing.

Step 4: Care

Raspberries are easy (you recall my motivation) but need quite a bit of water – water deeply (rather than frequently) and don’t let them dry out.  After planting, cut back canes (the shoots) to about eight to 10 inches and remove yellow or damaged branches at any time. Enjoy!

>>>Do you have any crop tips for summer? Share your ideas below?

If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, whip together these superfood ingredients to get your system running at 100 percent.

The power couple of chia seeds and coconut oil will keep you feeling energized all day, while burning fat. A banana and two dollops of probiotic-rich Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt for you non-meat eaters) will also help increase digestion, and take the ‘sissy’ out of this smoothie so you feel full and satisfied right after drinking it! The high potassium in bananas will also help achy muscles to make you get up on the right side of the bed. Detoxifying blueberries and lemon juice not only helps clean your body, but tastes delicious and zesty fresh.

Chia seeds

are a great source for your daily intake of fibre, minerals and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (helps to balance mood swings and boosts brain power!). They  are a slow-releasing carbohydrate and stabilize blood sugar levels. If taken in the morning, chia will help curb sugar cravings later in the day. Chia seeds should be also soaked for at least 10 minutes so they are easily digestible and won’t soak up water from inside the body causing dehydration. The seeds will turn to fluid gel but will blend smoothly into your drink.

Coconut oil

can also positively affect hormones for thyroid and blood sugar control to increase metabolism, energy and endurance. Coconut  fats have special fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which help to break down fats stored in the liver and help the body burn energy faster.  It increases digestion and helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Smoothie ingredients:

1. Soak 1 tbsp chia seeds for 10 min. until seeds and water turn to gel
2. Dollop 2 tbsp Greek or vegan yogurt
3. Use 1 whole fresh, or frozen bananana (if you enjoy the banana flavour, frozen is the way to go and you can )
4. Add 1/2 cup blueberries, frozen work well as ice cubes to chill your drink
5. Measure 1 tbsp coconut oil
6. Squeeze approx. 1 tbsp lemon juice
7. Fill your drink with 1.5 cups water, 2 ice cubes for refreshment

As a commercial contractor, I’ve seen ways in which businesses forgo going green in favour of a cheap fix or something even less appealing. But there are a number of things that businesses in the travel industry are doing to get Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified.

LEED consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of green buildings as well as homes and neighbourhoods. More attention should be paid to these businesses who truly try to be more green and incorporate responsible tourism, including everything from creating self-sustaining facilities to community development programs.

Photo credit: Eco Network.

In Asia, there’s actually a program that helps promote businesses that do more for their communities and environment called The Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards. The awards recognize a variety of categories such as natural preservation, wildlife conservation, resource efficiency or cultural awareness. At a basic level, businesses can earn awards for incorporating local food and installing energy efficient appliances or materials. They can also earn recognition just for developing plans for better ways to accommodate waste.

In America, there are also organizations committed to going green for responsible tourism. Las Vegas is one of the biggest travel destinations in the United States. While this may seem like a city of excess, the hotels in Las Vegas are trying to do more for the environment.

Take hotels like the Las Vegas Palazzo Resort. This hotel won the “Most Eco-Friendly Hotel in America Award” because it went beyond LEED certification. The Palazzo boasts a water recycling system, which is responsible for filling water in the toilets throughout the facility. The resort contains multiple solar panels for heating the water in the pools and even suite shower water. The Palazzo has a number of rain gardens and even serves organic food to its guests. Through such self-sustaining facilities and reusing waste, hotel manages really cut down on the use of resources and are now able to promote green travel.

Going green is also starting to become trendy as travellers will choose hotels based on eco-friendly programs. People buzz around the ways in which their hotel is doing something different like bamboo bed linen or a water conservation program.

In New York City, for instance, the ink48 Hotel created the Earthcare program, which is employee driven who get together to brainstorm how to make positive daily change. Anyone can participate, from front desk staff to general managers. They meet twice a month to ensure compliance with the current standards, develop tools to train new employees and keep Earthcare on everyone’s mind. They constantly come up with new products and practices to be reviewed, tested and rolled out company wide.

I’m happy to be apart of the green travel movement.  It’s so encouraging to see businesses coming together for a cause that affects our planet today and the future. In every way, I think that businesses can make changes to have a greater impact on energy conservation and public attitudes towards eco-friendly practices. There’s no question that businesses also benefit from going green as they gain more attention when promoting responsible tourism practices for travellers.

Related ethicalDeal:

Save $900 today when you get LEED-certified with Clean Edison and learn about the booming green building industry:  $99 for 60 days access to the Clean Tech online education package. Save 90% May 14-20

>>> Have you come across any spectacular eco-friendly programs in your travels? Do tell.. below! 

Mother’s day is always a really daunting task for most husbands and family members.   Having a “green mom” only seems to make your task that much harder doesn’t it?  Today I want to help alleviate your stress, calm your nerves and give you some great suggestions you can pull off for the green mom in your life.

When you wake this lovely woman I want you to have two things for her.  A lovely bouquet of locally grown flowers, which thankfully are easy to come by in this gorgeous country we live in, and a super awesome, healthy, light breakfast.  A mimosa couldn’t hurt either, but I wont pressure you too much

But what can we pull off that is impressive, healthy and easy?!  I know it sounds impossible but trust me I will make this simple for you.

What you need:

Vegan bread (one slice for toasting)

1 avocado

Fruit selection of your choice (local produce preferably)

Vegan yogurt

Raw honey

1 tbsp of lemon juice (a good squeeze)

Flax seed

Chopped toasted pistachios (optional)

Salt and pepper

Method:

1)     Cut and mash an avocado. Add a squeeze of lemon and salt and pepper to taste.  Make sure it has a nice spreadable creamy texture and dollop into a pretty, small serving bowl.

2)     Pop a piece of vegan bread in your toaster and pray you don’t burn it. This is the hardest part in this recipe, we’re counting on you – unless she is like me and she likes it a little burnt (I know I’m strange).  DO NOT butter or use margarine. Cut the toast into your desired shape, a circle looks great for presentation or a heart if you’re ambitious. Leave it PLAIN!

3)     Chop up a selection of her favourite fruits. Some of my top choices include strawberries, blackberries, mango, passion fruit (if you’re a passionate hubbie), and champagne grapes. Pick up some local spring berries from that trip to the farmers market you just made, cause it’s obviously a Mother’s Day extravaganza weekend, right?

4)      Arrange your fruit into a bowl and place next to your toast, avocado spread, and a little dish of delicious vegan yogurt. Sweeten the yogurt with raw honey, flax seed and toasted pistachios!

You have just created a super-powered breakfast for the amazing mother in your life! She will be bragging for weeks about the incredible vegan breakfast you whipped up for her in under five minutes. But don’t forget that mimosa, although freshly squeezed orange juice would also be fine!

>>>Do you have a simple, healthy Mother’s Day brunch idea? Share below!

Ok – you caught me! Yes I enjoy eating peanut butter slathered all over my healthy, crisp apple so no fruit is visible… and yes, I also eat it off the spoon.

But after a guilty conscience convinced me that there must be a better way to satisfy my peanut butter cravings without the unwanted calories and fat, I began searching for a healthy fruit spread alternative.

Here is a super simple idea that is great for an evening snack or to throw into the kids’ lunches. Or try it slightly naughty and serve for dessert at your next dinner party.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp peanut butter – go organic, all-natural (in this recipe it actually tastes better than the sugary stuff – not mentioning any names but there are teddy bears on the label)
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1/3 cup crumbled pecans
• One sliced apple

Instructions:

Mix together in a small bowl, sprinkle nuts on top and serve fruit on side - TA-DA!

I can usually polish off this serving with one apple. If you have leftover yogurt, add to a morning smoothie.

Slightly naughty:

• To add a little naughty into your fruit dip, spread the peanut butter yogurt onto a serving platter about half an inch thick.
• Drizzle butterscotch topping back-and-forth creating a criss-cross pattern. Take a toothpick and starting from the centre of the plate, drag the topping towards the edge to create a spiderweb effect.
• As you sprinkle pecans on the top layer, don’t shy away from adding some smashed dark chocolate pieces or Skor bar… mmmmm….
• Add some quartered strawberries and bananas to your fruit platter and voilà - you have a healthy as can be fruit fondue.
• Tip: squeeze a lemon on your fruit to prevent browning and you can prepare this dessert in advance.

>>> Do you have any yogurt dip tricks? Pretty please share below

The Standard American Diet (SAD) embraced by the majority of our society is in a sad state of affairs.

A trio of nasty characters by the name of salt, sugar and fat are to blame. Used by big business to increase profit and get us physiologically addicted so we keep coming back for more, they are robbing us of our health and plaguing us with yucky health conditions including cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity.

Here’s more about these bad guys and what you can do to reduce their presence in your life:

Salt

Salt sucks because when eaten in excess, it makes your body retain water. That in turn raises blood pressure and can cause ailments including hypertension (high blood pressure), osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) and stomach cancer.

Because approximately 80 percent of the salt an average person consumes, is hidden in manufactured foods such as pasta sauce, bread and meat. It’s not a bad idea to stop adding salt to food altogether. Instead, try spicing meals up with healthier alternatives like garlic powder, fresh ground black pepper or fresh roasted garlic.

Sugar

According to acclaimed New York Times food journalist Mark Bittman, sugar is the #1 culprit to be weary of.  Highly toxic and dangerous in its ability to intensify our cravings, its intake (particularly of those found in processed foods along with sweets and fatty meats) should be moderated.

An excellent way to reduce consumption is to eat more whole foods. This can be accomplished by preparing more meals yourself and being conscientious of the cafes and restaurants you frequent. Generally, small, independent establishments touting organic, locally grown fare are a safer bet than large chains that cater to the masses.

Fats

Not all fats are created equal. For example, while those found in fish and avocado are good for you, those of the saturated variety – contained in cake, cheese and butter – raise cholesterol and increases risk of heart disease.

By getting in the habit of reading labels and comparing brands, you can greatly reduce your fat intake. Becoming conscientious of the discrepancy between different companies’ takes on the same product (eg. peanut butter) and buying accordingly will make a major difference in the long run.

>>> Do you have any other tips on how to start eliminating the toxic three? Please share below

Feeling disheartened by the treatment of animals when it comes to the world of fashion, yet not quite as impassioned to the point of standing half-naked in the street protesting with PETA? You can make informed consumer decisions that you feel good (and green!) about by avoiding certain products and taking the extra time to search out cruelty-free options.

When it comes to people’s everyday fashion choices, fur, leather and wool are the most commonly used animals products. If you want to have an animal-happy wardrobe, these are the top three products to avoid:

1) Fur:

All fur, even the tiniest amount of trim, requires the life of an animal, and this is a product to absolutely avoid if dressing cruelty-free is your intent. For more information on the industry, as well as access to activist resources, check out The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals.

There are plenty of warm and cozy alternatives to fur. Both Patagonia and The North Face offer synthetic down alternatives. If you want the look of real fur, many brands offer coats made with faux-fur which can provide good insulation and are typically made from acrylic fibers.

2) Leather:

Leather, a product made mostly from the skins of cows, sheep and pigs, is easily enough to avoid when it comes to outerwear. However, finding quality, leather-free shoes that are also weather-appropriate (no wet socks please!) can indeed be a slightly frustrating task.

Vegan shoes can be made of a variety of materials ranging from synthetic leather or suede, cork, canvas and hemp. When shopping for vegan shoe wear, it is important to keep in mind that you will inevitably have a smaller pool of options to choose from. Nice Shoes is a Vancouver-based, entirely vegan and eco-friendly shoe store where as a consumer you can feel confident that within those four walls (or url), any purchase made will be one that is cruelty free. They also ship anywhere in Canada for free with orders over $100.

3) Wool:

Many jackets and outwear, as well as shoes, tights and leggings can be made partly of wool. Wool is a product that doesn’t necessarily require the life of the animal, however sheep are often genetically altered to grow unnatural amounts of wool to increase production, and through the process of sheering, the animals are often injured. Merino wool is acquired from lambs through a process known as “mulesing” which can result in large chunks of flesh being removed from the animal. Alternatives to wool include, polyester fleece, synthetic shearling and flannel. Tencel, a breathable and biodegradable wool-like material is also a wonderful option.

Shopping Tips

• Don’t forget to check the labels! Animal products can be present in items you may not even think twice about. Wool especially can pop up in unlikely places. It only takes a few seconds to read a label and avoid buying a product you did not intend to.

• A vegan closet could be a click away with online shopping an easy route to determine whether your clothing is cruelty-free. PETA has an excellent “Shopping Guide to Compassionate Clothing”  on their website as does the Vegetarian Resource Group and the eco-fashion website ecouterre.

• If you have clothes derived from animal products in your closet that you would like to get rid of, simply donate them to a thrift shop. Yes they will still be around, but you are making the eco-friendly choice of recycling your clothes and someone else will have the option to reuse instead of buying new and supporting the industry!

When it comes to dressing within your moral means, a little extra time and research can go a long way. Shop with purpose and remember the power you have within your consumer voice!

 

Related ethicalDeal

Save 60% off eco-conscious accessories, handbags, jewellery and more from Hearts.com Buy $20, get $50 to spend – or – buy $40, get $100.

>>>Do you have any eco-style tips? Leave in the comments below?