Health Tips

Health Tips from Down to Earth Organic and Natural.

Aloha ‘Aina: Sustainable Eating

Photo Illustration: Apple with Earth Texture Skin

The people of Hawaii have always cared for and revered the Hawaiian Islands and the 'Aina (earth, land). Ancient Hawaiians lived a very sustainable lifestyle. They used tropical material for housing and lava rocks for building temples (heiau). They also had highly sophisticated agricultural farming methods that worked in harmony with nature. To continue their aloha ‘aina (love of the land), we should do what we can as responsible individuals to reduce our environmental impact in this world. One of the most effective ways of doing that is by eating sustainably. Here’s how:

Going Meatless: The Protein Myth

Photo: Beans and Lentils

If you are choosing to eat fewer meat-based meals and replacing them with plant-based meals, there is one question that may come to mind or may be asked by your friends and family. How are you going to get enough protein? This is a common misconception that has been associated with a plant-based diet for many years. The good news: it’s simply a myth. What is Protein?

5 Ways to Raise Heart-Healthy Kids

Photo: Kids Running on the Beach

Helping your children become heart-healthy from a very young age helps reduce their risk for heart disease later in life and teaches them to make heart-healthy choices throughout life.

10 Foods to Help You Lose Weight

Photo: Woman Eating a Salad

When it comes to eating healthy we all have our ups and downs. Even the most fit and health conscious people admit to falling “off the wagon’ during the holiday season.

Need Healthier Desserts this Christmas?

Photo: Woman Smiling and Holding a Fruit Bowl

Fall and winter are the seasons of the year when we consume the most desserts. By New Years, we may feel heavier, have less energy, and are more sluggish. Some of us may even have a weaker immune system from all the rich food, high stress, and little sleep. The good news is that there are ways to satisfy your sweet cravings and enjoy your favorite desserts without compromising your health. Try these health tips to creating guilt-free desserts.

Five Thinning Thanksgiving Tips

Photo: Woman Measuring Her Waist

During all the festivities of Thanksgiving with family and friends, it’s easy to gain a pound or two on this holiday weekend. Try these healthy eating tips on how to avoid putting on weight without depriving yourself of a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Choose Meatless Recipes

Eight Ways to Stay Strong and Healthy this Flu Season

Photo: Mother Helping a Boy Blow His Nose

Autumn is the favorite season for many Hawaii residents. Our autumn weather is as nice, if not better, than summer, with its calm temperatures and warm waters. However, the arrival of the cooling atmosphere also means the arrival of cold and flu season. Even if you can’t completely avoid getting sick this season, you can still lessen the duration and severity of a sickness with a strong immune system. Here are some tips to keep strong and healthy during the fall and winter months. You can considerably boost your immune system by following even a few of these suggestions:

    GMO Labeling: The Right to Choose

    Photo: GMO Corn with Syringe

    When it comes to food science, I often think of what food will be like in twenty, fifty or even a hundred years. I wonder about the quality of food available for my children, future grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I question whether that food is going to be good for their health or not. And at the very least, if they will have the right to know what is in the food they consume.

    Top Cancer-Fighting Foods

    Photo: Fruits and Vegetables

    An important way to lower our risk of cancer is to adopt a plant-based diet, according to the American Cancer Society. Their Guidelines On Nutrition And Physical Activity For Cancer Prevention includes eating “a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant sources.”1 Plant-based diets tend to be lower in saturated fats and high in fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals. That is why to lower cancer risk, the world famous Dr. William Sears recommends:2

    Health Benefits of Eating Local Produce

    Photo: Produce at a Farmers Market

    We all know that eating fresh fruits and vegetables is an essential part of our daily diet. Many people are now choosing locally grown when shopping for produce. But buying locally grown food is not only good for the environment and the economy, it’s also great for your health.