Kid-Friendly Eco-Décor Ideas

If you are wanting to give your child's bedroom a new look, or if you just want to decorate using kid-friendly décor, you don't have to head to your local retailer and spend a lot of money on mass-produced items. You can go the eco-friendly route and use recyclable materials, used items, and other things to create a kid-friendly atmosphere - and also teach them the value of reusing and recycling. Here are some fun and green ideas.

English: A tie dyed shirt. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Old T-Shirts

Do you have an old tie-dyed t-shirt? Maybe you or your child has a t-shirt that can't be worn anymore but you really don't want to part with it. Why not make a pillow case from an old t-shirt? It's very close to the right shape as it is, and most t-shirts are the right size for a bed pillow. You could also use old t-shirts to make throw pillows. Neither of these projects requires extensive sewing skills.

If you are feeling a bit more ambitious, consider cutting t-shirts into squares and making a quilt or throw blanket for your child's bed. 

Curtains

All sorts of used cloth items can be turned into curtains. Tablecloths are a good option - they often come in lovely designs. Older kids often like an unusual, custom look to their bedrooms, and using tablecloths to make curtains will fit that agenda nicely.

Old sheets make good curtains, too. You can sew a simple edging onto them, like eyelet or lace, or make the sheets colorful with art techniques such as batique or tie-dye.

Pictures

Get together your kids' photographs and frame them. Homemade frames can be made from interesting branches or twigs. Make a multi-opening mat from cardboard and paste the pictures behind the openings. Collages of photos also look nice and can be very artful. You can use these around the house, too, not just in your child's bedroom.

English: Collage Example (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Remember your kids' art work, too. Rather than sticking paintings and drawings haphazardly all over the refrigerator (where they often get stained and wet), frame them. It's amazing what a frame can do to make a child's picture look like décor-worthy artwork. Kids' artwork can also be arranged in a collage.

Display Collections

Most kids have collections of some sort, often to the frustration of their parents. Collections can be messy, cluttered, and dusty. But displayed properly, collections can lend a kid-friendly yet tasteful air to a room.

Hang objects like toy airplanes from the ceiling. Make an attractive "train table" for cars and trains. Put up simple shelves and arrange collectibles in vertical rows on the wall. Pieces of scrap wood and boards can be used to make these shelves. You need only buy simple shelf brackets to hold them up.

Fun Eco-Friendly Theme Party Ideas

Eco-friendly parties can be a lot of fun. You really don't have to spend a lot of money or waste a lot of materials (plastic, paper, etc.) to throw a fun party. Here are some suggestions for green party themes, and several of them are great for this lovely summer weather. Take advantage of the opportunity to get outside with your friends and family and celebrate the summer season together!

Star Gazing

On a warm night, invite friends over for a star gazing party. This theme works for a variety of ages. Participants can bring a blanket or lawn chair and any sky-viewing equipment they may have. As the host or hostess, you can provide treats or snacks in a celestial (and green) theme. If you have a telescope or binoculars, provide those to your guests. Have a chart of constellations handy too. No wasteful decorations - let the sky do the decorating for you.

Potluck (Photo credit: UU-Jackson)

Potluck

Potluck parties are not just for church dinners. Let your guests know that the theme is eco-friendly, and encourage guests to bring dishes made from organic and/or local foods. This helps the host or hostess out - you don't have to spend a lot of money and time preparing a multitude of organic dishes.

Serve your guests using reusable and washable flatware and a washable tablecloth. Decorate using recycled paper to make paper chains or paper lanterns. Lighting can be festive with strings of low-energy LED lights. Or, on a warm summer evening, bring your potluck out of doors and picnic under the stars!

Slumber Party

Remember slumber parties? They really don't involve a lot of waste, and make a great eco-friendly party theme for the kids. Activities depend on the age of the participants. Older children may enjoy a pillow-case decorating activity using fabric paints, playing board games, or even "naughtier" games like truth or dare. Young children might like a game of "telephone." Teens often like scary movies and even making gooey treats together. And all of these ideas can be eco-friendly.

Sleepover (Photo credit: secondtree)

Come-As-You-Are Party

This kind of costume party eliminates the needs for mass-produced, throw-away costumes. And the invitations are paperless - you make phone calls to guests, and whatever that person is doing or however they are dressed when you call is what they wear to the party. Guests may show up with pajamas on, wrapped in bathrobes, and with one shoe on and one shoe off. It's a really fun and eco-friendly party theme.

Camp/Cookout

A great summer variation on the slumber party, a camp out or cookout can be a lot of fun for party-goers of all ages. Pitch a tent or two in your yard, roast marshmallows, tell stories, and provide drinks in large containers with washable cups (not individual cans or bottles). If you are cooking dinner out, make the food local and/or organic.

Crafts from Recyclables

If you're crafty and have kids, another green party theme may be making crafts from recycled materials. Have a candle-making party and melt down old crayons to make candles; make bird houses from plastic bottles for a wild bird theme party; make hair clips with cardboard tubes; use scrap paper to make beautiful Christmas ornaments. Guests can bring their own recyclables from home.

Review: The Big Book of Juices

More and more people turn to juicing to improve their overall health. Juicing doesn't have to be boring either - there are so many options for you and your family to try and enjoy. I am sure that you'll soon find many favorites.

Cover via Amazon

I particularly like The Big Book of Juices. It's jam-packed with delicious and healthy fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies and other thirst-quenching drinks. All told, there are over 400 recipes. It'll show you that you can pretty much juice any fruit and vegetable: from celery to broccoli, kale and passionfruit and mango. If you don't have a juicer yet, now is the time to invest in a good one, as most recipes in this book require a juicer. However some of them can be made in a blender. 

The book is divided into different chapters: Juice basics, Making Juices, Making Smoothies, Making Quenchers and Juicing reference. In addition, each recipe is graded on five different areas: Detox, Immunity, Digestion, Skin and Energy. This gives you an idea on how a particular drink helps your overall well-being. The photographs in this book are absolutely gorgeous and very appetizing - they'll make you want to get juicing right away.

Overall, this is a beautiful juicing book full of delicious drinks. I would certainly recommend this to anybody who is new to juicing or people who are already juicing but need inspiration.

Where to buy: www.amazon.com 

The Joy of Juicing

Juice can actually be considered a natural water source and provides the body with protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that can be absorbed quickly and efficiently. Fresh juice also contains necessary enzymes, and pigments such as carotenes, chlorophyll, and flavonoids.

A worker preparing fresh pomegranate juice from these pomegranate fruit at a market in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables provides numerous nutritional advantages that are extremely important to weight loss. In addition, diets containing a high percentage of uncooked foods are significantly associated with weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and lower blood pressure.

Your body actually finds a raw foods diet more filling. Cooking can cause the loss of up to 97% of water-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Since uncooked foods such as juices contain more vitamins and other nutrients, they are more satisfying to the body, so it does not feel starved for nutrients. This means the metabolism will keep running efficiently and keep your weight loss efforts headed in the right direction

Juicing kick-starts your body's digestive process and enables quick absorption of high-quality nutrition, which can result in increased energy. This is one of the great advantages of achieving weight loss through improved nutrition. Fresh juices, combined with a well-balanced diet will provide you with the energy needed to burn more calories, fat, and provide you with the fuel you need for physical activity.

However, juicing does remove the fiber from these nutrient-dense foods. So be sure to include an appropriate amount of fiber-rich foods in your daily diet. Juicing should be a complement to a well-balanced healthy diet, not a substitute.

So with a little planning and creativity, juicing could enhance your well-balanced diet and add some zest. The internet is a great resource for juicing recipes and information, and with the realization that raw foods and juicing is a great health boost, books and magazine articles are touting the benefits and offering recipe ideas. See below for some great examples.

   

How & Why To Get Started Juicing Now

Everyone tells you that drinking juice is okay but not as good as a piece of fruit. This may be true. However, today we are talking about vegetables. Vegetable juice is good for many reasons, and can be just as tasty as fruit juice. You can also combine fruit and vegetable juices for even more yummy flavor combinations.

Get Your Five a Day

Fruits and vegetables (Photo credit: nutrilover)

We all hear about the food pyramid and what we need to eat for proper nutrition. For optimal health, the main part of your diet should be. Just five servings a day will yield vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are essential to keep the body running properly - but if you want optimal health, you will want to eat even more than this. New recommendations run in the range of 7-10 servings per day. Also, if you want to lose weight, eating healthy allows you to eat more for fewer calories, and still feel full.

But, for many, eating five to ten servings of vegetables a day is not so easy. A busy schedule can sabotage your healthy eating habits. In an effort to get what you need, you can try juicing.

According to nutritional guidelines, a serving of vegetables is equal to ¾ cup of vegetable juice. You will catch a break with juice and you can drink it in half the time that it takes to eat some vegetables - plus it's easy to take with you when you're on the go.

Commercial Vegetable Juices

Be careful when choosing juices from the store. They can contain hidden sugars and other additives so read labels carefully. Choose an organic vegetable juice that contains lots of different vegetables: green leafy veggies, carrots, tomatoes, herbs and others.

Many vegetable juices can help you make up the numbers for your daily servings. Just keep in mind that juice is not meant to be a substitute but a supplement. If you can only eat three or four servings a day, adding juice can give you two or three more. The goal is to try and up your natural intake of vegetables.

A benefit of commercial vegetable juices is the variety. Vegetables that you might not otherwise have tried to  juice are included and so are their nutrients. However, keep in mind that they will never be as fresh or nutritious as juices you make yourself at home.

Cucumber, celery & apple juice (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Homemade Vegetable Juices

Another choice for vegetable juice is to get your own juicer. The advantage here is that you know exactly what is in each drink you make, and the vegetables you juice will be fresh. There are no preservatives. You can make up a fresh cup of vegetable juice whenever you want one.

Secondly, fresh vegetables have a marvelous taste. Many people haven’t even tasted the natural sweetness of vegetables. Juicing them gives you a chance to taste what they are really all about.

Thirdly, you can experiment with your own combinations. Try carrots with kale or pumpkin. How about spinach, lemongrass and dandelion greens? Juice one vegetable at a time and taste it. Mix a bit of one with another to see what you like.

Vegetable juice can help you to increase your daily intake of vegetables. If you are having a hard time fitting it all in, here is a way to help you. Buy commercial juices that don’t contain added sugars. And for a more natural taste and even more nutrients, invest in a juicer and make your own.

A Few Good Juicers:

   

Choosing An Eco-Friendly Countertop

Countertops play an important role in your kitchen. You want them to be functional and beautiful - The better the countertop, the higher the value of your kitchen and your home. In fact, some homes are purchased because of their kitchen.  However, as people become more and more environmentally conscious, they want countertops that are more than beautiful and functional - they want eco-friendly kitchen counter tops. 

 (Photo credit: craftapalooza)

Here are the best eco-friendly kitchen counter top options:

Recycled Glass.  Recycled glass countertops are gorgeous.  You can choose any color or color combination you desire. It is fairly expensive, $50 to $55 per square foot; however, it meets all of the requirements for a gorgeous, durable, eco-friendly kitchen.  Recycled glass is mixed into a cement, concrete or resin base and installed. 

Bamboo.  Bamboo is an amazing material. Because bamboo grows so quickly, it’s a very renewable resource. You can make flooring, dinnerware and cookware out of it, furniture and yes, kitchen counter tops. Bamboo is an inexpensive alternative running about $20-$25 per square foot. While it is gorgeous and eco-friendly, it can be dented and scratched.  However, many people like this weathered look and the wood can be sealed to prevent staining. You will also want to be sure the countertop is made using a formaldehyde-free binder. But all in all, bamboo can be a good choice for a counter top.

Recycled aluminum.  Stainless steel has been all the rage for a while now. It’s sleek in appearance, durable and easy to clean; however it takes a lot of resources to create a stainless steel counter top.  Recycled aluminum offers the same sleek and durable look as stainless steel and it’s made from recycled materials so it’s environmentally friendly.  The only drawback to this option is the cost, which is about $100 per square foot.  However, if you don’t need a custom install and can manage a prefabricated piece of aluminum the cost can be dramatically reduced.

Concrete.  Concrete, believe it or not, can actually be a gorgeous countertop addition to your kitchen.  Concrete can be stained in a solid color or designed to resemble granite and other stone countertops.  Concrete is durable and easily sealed.  Price can range from $65 per square foot to $135. 

Ceramic tile.  In order for ceramic tile to be considered eco-friendly, it must be made from recycled materials like light bulbs, porcelain or bottles.  Ceramic tile is extremely cost effective and prices start around $10 per square foot.  It’s easy to install so if you’re a do-it-yourselfer it’s a great option and when the grout is sealed, it makes a fairly durable option.  Additionally, ceramic tile comes in just about every color imaginable.

Eco-friendly countertops come in just about every style, durability and price point.  Take a look around, and you’re sure to be able to find exactly what you need to create your dream kitchen while at the same time, conserving resources and showing your appreciation for the environment.

Bamboo Flooring – An Eco (And Economical) Alternative

This week we are sharing some environmentally friendly (and affordable) options for your home. Today let's discuss bamboo flooring as an alternative to traditional hardwood. There’s no doubt that hardwood floors are both beautiful and functional. Unlike carpet, hardwood floors do not collect dust and dander so they’re great for people with allergies.  They’re durable and can last for decades and they make any home design look professional and polished.  When it comes to hardwood floors, you can’t do better than bamboo. It’s durable, gorgeous and a safe and eco-friendly alternative.

Bamboo flooring(http://www.floorproducer.com). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Think about this: to produce an oak floor it takes several trees. Other trees used to make hardwood floors take upwards 15 to 100 years to grow to maturity.  Bamboo takes 6 years. By choosing bamboo flooring, you’re choosing an incredibly sustainable resource. 

Bamboo is also just as durable, if not more so than many other types of wood used to create hardwood flooring.  In fact, horizontal or vertical bamboo flooring is harder than oak, which is the most popular material used for hardwood floors, and strand woven bamboo flooring is harder than the most expensive hardwood, Brazilian Walnut.

Bamboo flooring is also the most economical type of hardwood flooring options available.  And those who do not want the typical light color associated with bamboo flooring will be happy to learn that bamboo actually can come in a variety of colors from a light honey to a dark amber.

However, it should be noted that all bamboo flooring products are not created equal.  Both vertical and horizontal grain bamboo flooring may contain urea formaldehyde as a binder, which can emit toxic substances, and some engineered bamboo may not be really made from bamboo at all.  Grainless or strand bamboo may use a low emitting phenol-formaldehyde binder.  When purchasing bamboo simply ask how the boards are bound to find out if you’re bringing a potentially toxic substance into your home.  Not all manufacturers use this type of binding and there are safer options. (Formaldehyde-free versions are even widely available online nowadays, through companies like Plyboo.)

Bamboo 2 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Additionally, for the most environmentally friendly bamboo you may want to choose flooring that comes from a bamboo farm where it is raised specifically for this purpose rather than to choose bamboo which is cut down in the forest.

Bamboo starts around $2.00 per square foot, which makes it an extremely affordable option.  Bamboo is perhaps the single best material for hardwood flooring available.  It is sustainable, durable, beautiful and will last you and your family for as long as you live in your home. 

A Few Bamboo Flooring Color Options:
   

How to Design an Eco-Friendly and Stress-Free Home

Our priorities are changing.  More and more, people are looking for simpler and conscientious solutions, while at the same time wanting to live in a home that is a sanctuary.  If you’re looking for eco-friendly design ideas to improve your home and reduce your carbon emissions, you’ve come to the right place.  This week we will cover a few of the available options for environmentally friendly (and often quite affordable) modifications to your home. This article looks at 5 quick, easy and economical eco-friendly design options.

Passive solar heating illustration. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

#1  Use passive solar.  The sun has tremendous capabilities to warm our homes.  Take advantage of the sun’s solar rays in the winter and open curtains and drapes.  Ideally, you’ll have an abundance of natural light on the side of your home facing the south.  If not, consider adding windows, and in the meantime take advantage of the eastern and western-facing windows. 

#2  Install thermal shades.  Keep the cool air in your home in the summertime and the warm air in during the winter with thermal cell window blinds and/or curtains with thermal backing.

#3  Add plants to your home to purify the air you and your family breathe.  Spider plants are ideal for cleaning your air, but any plant serves as a great filter - plus they look pretty, and help reduce stress.

#4  When repainting your home, choose low VOC or VOC free paints. These are paints that have little or no toxic emissions.  Lowering your exposure to these chemicals will not only help your health, it’ll also help the environment.

#5  Replace your old thermostat with a programmable thermostat and lower your utility bills, while at the same time making your life a bit easier.  Programmable thermostats enable you to set it and forget about it.

#6  Attach low-flow faucets or aerators into your kitchen and bathroom to reduce the amount of water you consume.  You’ll lower your water bills and conserve water, and some of the new low-flow showerheads offer superior pressure (mine uses half the water my old conventional showerhead did, but it feels way better and the flow feels awesome).

#7  Utilize restored or reclaimed wood or purchase used furniture.  There’s just something beautiful about old wood.  It has an earthy yet lovely appeal.  And you can buy reclaimed or restored pieces for much less than you can buy the same quality pieces for new.  A little extra money in your pocket, beautiful furniture and sustainable practices - that's a win-win-win.

#8  Embrace soy and beeswax candles to create a stress-free zone.  Paraffin candles emit toxic fumes and lead - however, soy and beeswax candles are natural, emission free, and a great way to de-stress. 

#9  Invest in organic bedding.  100% organic cotton is a luxury, no doubt about it, but it’s environmentally friendly and a great way to add those small luxurious touches that make a big difference. Newer bamboo memory foam mattresses can also be low in emissions and extremely comfortable.

Bamboo Flooring Continued (Photo credit: super-structure)

#10  Replace carpet with sustainable flooring like bamboo or cork. These are both environmentally sound flooring choices that are totally gorgeous at the same time.  They’re also economical and easy to maintain. (Be sure to check Wednesday's post for more about bamboo flooring options.)

Environmentally friendly design does more than help the planet, though that is certainly a great perk.  It can also enhance your lifestyle and make your home the sanctuary you desire - often at a financial savings as well.

Video: Fox5 News Reports On the Dangers of Aspartame

Here is a 10-minute in-depth news report on aspartame - a chemical sweetener with a long and troubled history of negative health effects, and political agendas. This video exposes a part of this history, including interviews with several people who have experienced extreme adverse effects from using aspartame, as well as several scientists and doctors who have extensively studied the chemical. (For more exploration of the shadowy circumstances surrounding the aspartame studies and approval, also see this video - which kind of makes me want to cry from frustration. There are also many many other videos and books on this topic - search YouTube for "aspartame," or check out some of the resources below the video. Just how much evidence is enough??)

Hopefully you are already aware of the dangers of aspartame, but you may not be aware of just how many products this chemical appears in. Be sure when shopping to check the ingredients, and avoid products containing this harmful toxin.

The Dangers of Aspartame (Nutrasweet AminoSweet Diet Coke Zero Pepsi Next Sucralose Neotame E951)
Aspartame (E951) is an artificial sweetener, used in over 6000 products. The food industry claims that aspartame helps in losing weight, but why is obesity then becoming such an ever increasing problem? Aspartame is a very sweet chemical, responsible...
 

More Information on Aspartame:
   

Toxin Alert: The Dangers of Aspartame

When choosing between 150 calories and 0 calories, for many the choice is apparent.  Zero calories sounds a whole lot better - right?  Yet that 0-calorie item may be causing more harm than good.  Aspartame, also known as Equal and NutraSweet, is a toxic food additive with a long and questionable history.  Here are just a few of the dangers of Aspartame.

Birth Defects

aspartame; Asp-Phe methyl ester (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Aspartame is suspected of causing brain damage in sensitive individuals and unborn children may be especially at risk for these effects. Some researchers have suggested that high doses of aspartame may be associated with problems ranging from dizziness and subtle brain changes to mental retardation.

Cancer

Numerous studies on rats have shown a strong link between brain cancer and aspartame.  And while the FDA has approved aspartame for human use, the data is too suspicious.  In fact, in 1981, an FDA statistician commented that the brain tumor/aspartame data was too "worrisome" to recommend approval of NutraSweet. (Nonetheless, it was approved following intense pressure from the food industry - see the documentary "Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World" for more info on the story of how the approval was pushed through despite many warnings and adverse results in numerous studies.)

Diabetes

Research has shown aspartame to be a leading agent in developing clinical diabetes (which is especially disturbing since many diabetics and pre-diabetics choose this sweetener over sugar, thinking it's healthier for them).  It has also shown that aspartame causes diabetics to have less control over their condition when they’re on insulin or oral drugs.  It’s been linked to diabetic complications and has been shown to cause diabetic convulsions. 

Emotional Disorders

According to a double blind study of the effects of aspartame on people suffering from mood disorders, aspartame caused a dramatic increase in symptoms.   Additionally, there are numerous reported cases of low brain serotonin levels, depression and other emotional disorders which all link the cause to aspartame. 
In addition to the above listed conditions caused by or worsened by aspartame, the dangers of aspartame reach far and wide. 

Here’s just a few of the many symptoms proven or suspected to be caused by aspartame:
* Seizures
* Dizziness
* Tremors
* Migraines and severe headaches
* Memory loss
* Slurring of speech
* Confusion
* Numbness or tingling of extremities
* Chronic fatigue
* Depression
* Insomnia
* Irritability
* Panic attacks
* Rapid heart beat
* Asthma
* Chest pains
* High blood pressure
* Diarrhea
* Abdominal pain
* Menstrual problems
* Impotency
* Food cravings
* Weight gain
* Hair loss
* Urination problems
* Bloating
* Joint pain

Where is Aspartame Found?

Diet Coke Products (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to the Aspartame Information Society, aspartame is consumed by over 200 million people around the world and is found in more than 6,000 products. Aspartame is commonly found in most diet drinks from soda to lemonade and bottled teas.  It’s also found in many food products including yogurt, cereal, ice cream, jams and jellies, maple syrup, pudding and many low sugar candy, gum and mints. Be sure to read the label if you’re trying to avoid the dangers of aspartame.

Simply put, Aspartame, Equal and NutraSweet are toxins.  Your body cannot process them effectively.  This inability to process them causes your body to try to compensate for their presence.  There’s only so much a body can take before it gives out.  When that happens, symptoms appear.  They may begin as whispers like fatigue, headaches and bloating, however as more aspartame is ingested, the symptoms worsen.  The effects, as studies have shown, can be deadly.

For more information on aspartame and related artificial sweeteners, you may want to check out the following resources:
   

Superfoods For A Super Brain

We’ve all had days when we didn’t feel like we were ‘on our game.’ And as we age, both our bodies and our brains grow old as well. But by making smart food choices, we can preserve our precious gray matter longer and improve brain function. Here are some brainy choices for keeping our noggins in tip-top shape.

PET scan of a normal human brain (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Blueberries have been shown to shield the brain from stress, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Research has also shown that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills.

Avocados, though considered a ‘fatty fruit,’ contribute to healthy blood flow and decreased blood pressure, lessening the chances of developing hypertension, which can lead to a stroke.

Deep-water fish, such as salmon, is a wise, freshwater fish choice. It’s abundant in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are essential for healthy brain function.

Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E, an important vitamin needed by your brain to stave off declining cognitive functions. Cashews, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower and sesame seeds and almonds are all great choices.

Whole-grain breads, brown rice, and oatmeal also contribute to a healthy brain by reducing the risk for cardiac disease. (Sprouted grains are the most nutritious and easy to digest.) By promoting a healthy heart and improved blood flow, the brain is sure to thrive via excellent oxygen and nutrient delivery through the bloodstream. Complex carbohydrates also supply the brain with a steady stream of glucose that enhances brain function. It's important to avoid simple carbohydrates often found in white breads, processed grains, or junk food because the glucose gives the brain a short-lived sugar high, often followed by a crash that makes you feel hungry and tired.

Freshly brewed tea also has potent antioxidants, especially the class known as catechines, which also promotes healthy blood flow. Since black and green teas do contain caffeine it’s important to consume sensibly and in moderation.

Chocolat (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dark chocolate has powerful antioxidant properties, contains several natural stimulants, which enhance focus and concentration, and encourages the production of endorphins, which helps improve mood. Again, moderation is the key.

One final note: Don't stress out about trying to add foods that are good for each part of your body individually into your diet. This can seem really overwhelming, with all the different nutritional recommendations out there. Instead, recognize that foods that are good for your brain are also good for the rest of your body. Consuming a variety of these foods daily will not only keep your brain healthy and functioning well, but your entire body as well. So just enjoy them, knowing you're doing a great thing for your overall health and your brain at the same time!

Video - CNN Interview On The pH Miracle Diet

Here is a short CNN interview with the author of the pH Miracle Diet for Fat Loss. Dr. Young shares some tips for alkaline foods to eat, acidic foods to avoid, and what type of exercise is best for alkalizing your body and removing toxins, thereby encouraging fat loss. This short video gives a brief overview of what the pH Miracle Diet is all about, but for further information, be sure to check out the resources below.

pH Miracle Diet Sheds The Fat Fast
pH Miracle Diet is the most natural way to lose fat fast alkalizing the body by eating mostly alkaline foods.


More On The pH Miracle Diet: 
   

How To Get More Alkaline Foods Into Your Diet

The pH miracle diet is a revolutionary new way to look at how you eat. The essentials of the diet are to keep the pH balance of food intake at 80% alkaline with 20% acidity. The goal with this diet is to match the pH level of the bloodstream, which runs on the alkaline side. This task can be daunting for many because foods that most people love to indulge themselves on are high in acidity. The goal in adding more alkaline into your diet is to identify good sources of alkaline. Creating a comprehensive list of alkaline producing foods will help you make the most of the pH miracle diet.

Alkalizing foods have a tonic effect on the body. By neutralizing the acidity in the bloodstream, alkaline foods act as a “breath of fresh air” to the system regenerating and restoring damaged cells. Diets high in acidic foods cause the body to break down prematurely, the bloodstream carries these “acid bombs” throughout the system wreaking havoc in their wake. By determining what foods have an alkalizing effect on the body, we can incorporate them into our diet in larger amounts, setting the pH levels in the bloodstream to the optimum level. On average, the pH level of human blood is between 7.35 and 7.45; levels 7 and above are considered alkaline.

Cover of Healing Foods

Vegetables and fruits are the easiest ways to get more alkaline into your diet. Vegetables that are alkalizing are: alfalfa, barley grass, beets, beet greens, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chard greens, collard greens, cucumber, dandelions, eggplant, garlic, green beans, green peas, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, nightshade veggies, onions, parsnips, peas, peppers, pumpkin, radishes, rutabaga, sea veggies, spinach, sprouts, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, watercress, wheat grass, and wild greens.

Fruits that have an alkalizing effect are: apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, berries, blackberries, cantaloupe, cherries, coconut, currants, dates, figs, grapes, grapefruit, honeydew, lemons, limes, muskmelons, nectarines, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapple, raisins, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, tangerines, tomatoes, tropical fruits, and watermelon.

Protein can be a problem when attempting to add more alkaline into your diet. All protein derived from meats is acidic. It is possible to add protein to your diet that will have an alkalizing effect in your bloodstream. Proteins that are alkaline are: almonds, chestnuts, millet, tempeh, tofu, and whey protein powder.

But food can sometimes seem bland and somehow lacking without the spices, herbs and sweeteners that give it that extra bit of character. You can add these alkalizing additions to your culinary efforts to bring your PH levels into balance. Alkalizing condiments are: cinnamon, curry, ginger, mustard, chili pepper, sea salt, stevia, miso, tamari, and all herbs.

Minerals are essential to optimum health. Paying attention to which minerals have alkalizing effects can add the proper balance to your blood pH. Minerals that have an alkalizing effect on the body are: cesium, potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium.

There are other incidentals that can make adding alkaline to your diet even easier. Other ways to add alkaline to your diet are: apple cider vinegar, alkaline antioxidant water, bee pollen, lecithin granules, molasses, probiotic cultures, soured dairy products, green juices, veggie juices, fresh fruit juice, and mineral water.

Diagram of the pH scale (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Knowing which foods and supplements that add alkaline to your pH levels is just the beginning. Implementing them is the next step which takes planning and commitment. After adding these healing foods to your diet you can test your body’s pH levels with a  saliva strip test available at most health food stores. Keeping your pH level between 7 and 8 is the target for good health.

Remember the goal of the pH miracle diet is to have the alkaline intake higher than your acidic intake. This does not mean that you can’t enjoy the foods that are higher in acidity, quite the contrary; but the balance of your diet should be geared toward alkaline producing foods. By maintaining a proper pH balance you can ensure that your body is performing at its optimum level.