Naturally Savvy

Know what's in your candy so you treat your body nicely when you treat your sweet tooth.The brightly colored wrappers and joyful associations with candy can blind you to what's in those appealing bundles. The basic chocolate bar contains far more than cocoa, milk, and sugar. Here are some things to consider when you're shopping to handle your sweet tooth: Avoid artificial coloring. Consider candy that uses organic ingredients. Pay attention to allergens. There are candy options available that conform to your lifestyle, ethics and restrictions. You just have to read the wrapper and do a little research. Burt Cohen of Tru Sweets joins Naturally Savvy host, Andrea Donsky, to share what you should watch for in your candy choices.

Are you forever stuck with those dimpled, lumpy areas of cellulite?Cellulite is a condition in which the skin appears to have areas with underlying fat deposits, giving it a dimpled, lumpy appearance. It is most noticeable on the buttocks and thighs. Although cellulite can affect both sexes, it is much more common in females, mainly because they are more likely to have particular types of fat and connective tissue. There is a genetic component to the severity of cellulite, but there are ways to beat your cellulite blues. Bedros Keuilian, founder and CEO of the world's fastest growing indoor fitness boot camp franchise, Fit Body Boot Camp, says the best approach involves three factors: a healthy diet, cardiovascular exercise and resistance training. As you build muscle tone, you can flatten out and reduce the appearance of the cellulite. You're not really erasing the actual cellulite pockets, but you're smoothing out the appearance of your skin. Keuilian cautions that this approach is not "spot reduction," but that with resistance training, you can build your booty, lean out your waist, pop your shoulders, reduce cellulite, and still keep your "curves." Listen in as Keuilian joins Naturally Savvy host, Lisa Davis, to explain the basics of cellulite and how you can reduce its appearance.

Think of your dairy intake as an accessory, not as a foundation food.Dairy has gotten a bit of a bad rap over the last few years, with issues ranging from lactose intolerance to the inauthentic way dairy can be processed. According to Registered Dietitian and frequent guest of Naturally Savvy, Ashley Koff, "If you're going to dairy, dairy right." Koff says the two keys to eating dairy are to eat less of it and eat dairy of better quality. Think as an accessory, not as a foundation food.  Contrary to popular believe, there are no nutrients in dairy that you can't get from other foods. So, if you think you need to drink glass upon glass of milk each day to get your calcium or vitamin D, you're heading down the wrong path. Studies have shown the superior benefits of organic dairy in terms of nutritional value. For example, the fats in organic dairy have a better fat profile, containing more essential fatty acids. The mineral profile is also better, with higher amounts of certain nutrients. All of that goes out the door if your dairy is highly processed or non-organic. Aside from the value of organic, grass-fed dairy is also beneficial. Grass in nature has a lot of "good bugs," which just adds to the quality of dairy products.  And, cultured products are a great option for getting both probiotics and essential nutrients.  Koff says that the proteins in cow's milk are very different today than decades ago (similar to the way the gluten in wheat has morphed over the years), so you may want to look at other dairy sources, such as goats, sheep, and even bison. Listen in as Koff breaks down the benefits or organic dairy, as well as why it's important to really pay attention to the dairy you're eating.

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a hot, steamy bowl of soup. But, you want to watch out for soups that are full of fat or processed ingredients.Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a hot, steamy bowl of soup. But, you want to watch out for soups that are full of fat or processed ingredients. Liz Weiss is a registered dietitian and one-half of The Meal Makeover Moms (the other half being Janice Newell Bissex). These two moms aim to build recipes that are easy to make, appeal to kids, and make mealtime less stressful for parents. Liz joins Naturally Savvy host, Lisa Davis, to share more about The Meal Makeover Moms, as well as simple recipes for healthy soups like Slow Cooker Barley & Bean Soup, Creamless Cream of Broccoli Soup, and Sweet Potato & Chicken Soup. She also briefly discusses the phenomenal health benefits of bone broth, which can be both nutritious and delicious. 

From a Peanut Power Smoothie Bowl to a Tuscan Tuna Bowl, "super bowls" are the hottest new food trend.Liz Weiss is a registered dietitian and one-half of "The Meal Makeover Moms" (the other half being Janice Newell Bissex). As two of the nation’s top experts on family nutrition, they’re on a mission to help busy families eat better. The Moms give family-favorite recipes a healthy makeover by weaving in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy oils and more. Their recipes are easy to make, appeal to kids, and make mealtime less stressful for parents who want their families to eat more than the chicken nuggets and mac-n-cheese that often end up on the table. One of the newest trends Liz and Janice are seeing today are "super bowls."  Liz joins Naturally Savvy host, Lisa Davis, to share some of her own super bowl recipes, including the Peanut Power Smoothie Bowl, Tuscan Tuna Bowl, and Pumpkin Turkey Chili Bowl.

Raw foods are far more extensive than carrot sticks and celery stalks.When you think of eating "raw," you might immediately assume that you'll be restricted to snacking on carrot sticks and celery all day long. That couldn't be farther from the truth.  Carol Alt, bestselling author on Raw Food Nutrition, including her book, Easy Sexy Raw: 130 Raw Food Recipes, Tools, and Tips to Make You Feel Gorgeous and Satisfied, has extensive experience in eating the highest quality raw foods that are both nutritious and delicious. Carol joins Naturally Savvy host, Lisa Davis, to share some of her favorite raw treats.

Right now, the person next to you may be suffering from an invisible disability... and you wouldn't even know it.We live in a time when 26.2 percent of American adults are struggling with mental illness, when one in 88 of our children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, when an estimated one in a hundred children have a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and when 4.4 percent of adults are living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These numbers are not strangers. These numbers are our parents and children. They are our siblings and spouses. They are us. And yet, despite all the media coverage and the dozens of commercials for the next best drug; despite the piles of books next to our beds, or the list of websites bookmarked on our computers; despite all we know—too many of us still live in silence. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, we believe ourselves to be suffering alone. Our breezy Facebook statuses and cheery holiday letters betray us. We don’t mention the times we were too depressed or scared to get out of bed. We don’t post about the "F" in math or the disastrous parent-teacher conference. We don’t share pictures documenting our isolation. We don’t tell anyone how hard it really is. We hide the most vulnerable parts of ourselves, and in doing so, we cut ourselves off from each other. So, what’s the alternative? We can be honest. We can open the blinds on our fear and grief. We can invite each other in, even when things are messy and hard. We can stop pretending that we’re not lonely and confused. Because the minute I stop pretending, I am giving you permission to do the same. The minute you stop pretending, you are giving me permission to say, “me too.” When we come together, when we utter that first shaky “me too,” we realize that we’re not alone in our complicated, messy, imperfect lives. It’s the place where all healing begins. The stories in the insightful book, Easy to Love But Hard to Live With, are stories of resilience and courage. They are the stories of people who have offered themselves up for the opportunity to create connection and community. Each writer is holding out a hand and whispering a sacred and blessed “me too.”

Did you know that the U.S. government hasn't passed any cosmetic regulatory laws since 1938?Your skin is your largest organ. So, just as important as it is to consider what you put in your body (food, beverages, supplements), you also want to be conscious of what you're putting on your body, including make-up and skin care products. That can be difficult, especially considering that the U.S. government hasn't passed any cosmetic regulatory laws since 1938. Add to that the fact that the U.S. only bans 11 chemicals contained in skin care and cosmetic products, while the European Union (EU) bans over 1,300.  Many of the chemicals contained in these products are considered "endocrine disruptors," which wreak havoc on the way your hormones work.  Other ingredients may contain certain elements that are typically fine if you consume them in moderation, but can become problematic if you consume too much. For instance, many products contain a form of vitamin A (retinol). But, if you're already getting a sufficient amount of vitamin A via diet and supplements, adding a beauty product to the mix can put you over the acceptable daily mark. Listen in as Ashley Koff, RD, joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share how your beauty products may be messing with your diet and nutrition, as well as specific examples of products you can use to avoid the risk.

Experts are recognizing the key elements in warding off an initial diagnosis of cancer or preventing its return.Cancer is so prevalent in our society. Much has been learned in the world of cancer prevention and treatment, and experts are recognizing the key elements in warding off an initial diagnosis or preventing cancer's return. Matthew McCurdy, MD, PhD, DABR, is a board-certified radiation oncologist who treats all types of cancer. Dr. McCurdy has identified five key factors that you can implement right now to help reduce your risk. Change #1 Diet, especially in terms of limiting refined sugar. Studies in animals show tumors grow more rapidly on a diet of refined sugars. Closely controlled human trials also indicate the same. Instead, emphasize a whole food, plant-based diet with leafy greens and a wide variety of foods (vegetables, fruits, grains, herbs and spices). Change #2 Exercise. Get your body moving as much as possible, even if it's a 10-minute walk at lunch and playing with your kids before dinner. Physical activity is essential for overall health and wellness. Change #3 Limit exposure to environmental pollutants, which increase the risk in the general population. For instance, if you like to run outdoors, try to avoid proximity to busy streets with lots of traffic and exhaust fumes. If you have children, make sure you're taking them to parks and playgrounds that also avoid these fumes and other pollutants. Change #4 Take care of yourself psychologically and socially. Have a purpose in life, make and maintain good friendships, and practice techniques to reduce stress. Change #5 Do regular screenings, including mammograms, PSA, colonoscopy, and skin exams. Listen in as Dr. McCurdy joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more about these five essential factors, as well as how easy it can be to start working on them now.

Whether you've never been married or you're post-divorce, there are a few key things to consider when entering the dating sphere.The dating world is far different than it was even 10 or 20 years ago. Whether you've never been married or you're post-divorce, dating coach Katy Clark says there are a few key things to consider when entering the dating sphere. Effort: Is he putting forth enough to survive the long term? Fun/Funny: Does he make you laugh? Reality: Do your realities meet? Chemistry: It doesn't have to be sparks all the time, but there should be some sizzle. Listen in as Katy joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more tips and strategies for women who are dating in today's society.

Have you ever sat down and asked yourself, "What truly makes me happy?"Have you ever sat down and asked yourself, "What truly makes me happy?" The answer might be very simple.  However, in our society, it's easy to get bogged down by all of the negativity. Stress, finances, relationships, and the state of the world can certainly add to a depressive state. How can you beat that negativity? According to Shaman Isabella Stoloff, founder of Orange County Healing Center, you can start by learning about your "heart's intelligence." This is a concept that suggests your heart is more intelligent than your brain. When you listen with your heart and feel with your mind, you can raise the vibrations within you and completely shift your energy to a more positive light. Listen in as Stoloff joins Andrea and Lisa to help you get to that desired state of happiness.

Now, more than ever, your kids should get dirty but eat a clean diet.A lot of parents keep their children indoors, because they’re worried about safety issues, and those parents that actually want their children to be able to play outdoors find that school and homework get in the way. But being outside and "getting dirty" is important... and for more than just getting all the energy out of your little ones. According to Dr. Maya Shetreat-Klein, author of The Dirt Cure: A Whole Food, Whole Planet Guide to Growing Healthy Kids in a Processed World, research has shown that the bacteria in soil increases focus and attention and also boosts serotonin levels. It's something the Eastern cultures have known for some time, coining the term forest bathing... immersing yourself in the beauty of the forest. Spending time in natural, green spaces can boost cognition, improve immunity, reduce inflammation, and allow your body to produce more anti-cancer proteins.  Activities can include hiking, exploring, geocaching, or simply playing in the dirt and mud. The more types of bacteria you're exposed to, the more resilient your immune system becomes. Another part of raising a healthy child involves diet. Dr. Shetreat-Klein advises providing foods that are the closest to their natural state as possible, such as pastured meat, eggs, and dairy, vegetables that are grown in healthy, dense, rich soil, and bitters (peel from fruits and vegetables, dark chocolate, etc.).   Listen in as Dr. Shetreat-Klein joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more about why getting dirty is so essential for your child's health, as well as which foods she advises for improving your kid's diet.

How can keeping your microbiome healthy help you lose weight?Your microbiome is essentially a large collection of bacterial cells; a number so vast that it's incomprehensible. In fact, these cells are thought to outnumber your human cells. The microbiome plays an important role for keeping you healthy, both in the prevention of disease and overcoming health conditions, as well as promoting healthy aging.  Keeping your microbiome healthy is a constant job, and you must feed them properly. What do these cells want to "eat"?  According to Dr. Raphael Kellman, author of The Microbiome Diet, what they don't want to eat are things like sugar, refined foods, processed foods, or GMO foods. They also don't like when you eat on the run.  Instead, it's important to feed your microbiome natural foods that come from the earth, particularly certain types of vegetables that help the microbiome proliferate and become healthy, like asparagus, radishes, jicama, and leeks, as well as fermented foods and healthy fats. Bone broth is another great option, because it's good for the gut, which is essentially the "home" that houses the microbiome. The gut and microbiome are reliant upon each other, so it's equally important to keep your gut in tip-top shape. In terms of weight loss, the microbiome plays a critical role in determining how your body uses calories. If you optimize your microbiome, you can change your metabolism and improve insulin resistance and ultimately have an easier time losing weight. Alternately, if you struggle to keep your microbiome healthy, the opposite occurs and you may gain weight. Listen in as Dr. Kellman joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to explain exactly what the microbiome is, why it's so important in overall health and longevity, and how it can help you in your weight loss efforts.

Something as simple as a Gerber Daisy can significantly improve your indoor air quality.Marketing tactics have misled many people to believe that air fresheners work to clean the air around you. But, these fresheners don't actually clean air. They just mask the odors in your air with synthetic chemicals, which can cause irritation to your nose, throat, eyes, and skin.  This can become problematic when you consider that approximately 90 percent of your time is spent indoors. It's essential that your indoor air is fresh and free of toxins, and plants are one way you can achieve that. The NASA Clean Air Study identified the top plants you can use to improve your indoor air quality. While a total of 50 plants were given accolades for this ability, some of the more common plants included the following: Bamboo Palm Snake Plant Areka Palm Spider Plant Peace Lily Gerber Daisy Chrysanthemum How many plants do you need? According to Certified Green Building Professional, Lisa Beres, it's best to have about one plant for every 100 square feet. The good news is, many of the plants on NASA's list are affordable.  The benefits expand beyond your home as well. Plants can create healthier air in hospital rooms, office cubicles, and hair or nail salons. Listen in as Beres joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more about what's lurking in your indoor air, as well as the specific plants you can use to address poor air quality.

Green tea is often celebrated for its health benefits, but did you know that black tea also has some amazing health properties?Green tea is often celebrated for its health benefits, but did you know that black tea also has some amazing health properties? Black tea is chock-full of antioxidants. Studies have shown that regular consumption of black tea may lead to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, and may even reduce the potential for certain forms of cancer. Of course, it's important to choose organic, non-GMO options when selecting your tea to ensure you reap all the benefits with none of the potential toxic detriments. Listen in as Naturally Savvy hosts, Andrea Donsky and Lisa Davis, share more about the benefits of drinking black tea.