Relax & Reclaim

If you thought table grapes were the same all year round, it's time to have a taste test. The year's best crop is fresh from Mexico . From May through July, the finest harvest of green, red and black grapes will begin to hit supermarket shelves. These grapes ' bright color and crisp texture signify the end of winter, when fresh, new harvests begin arriving from the Mexican state of Sonora.  Grapes for wine and brandy have been grown in Sonora since the days of the Spanish missionaries almost four centuries ago.  Out of this tradition, growers in Sonora began growing fresh grapes that are enjoyed across the world. Sonora grapes are coveted for their notably sweet, juicy flavor. With more than 30,000 acres of vineyards, Sonora supplies 300 million pounds of grapes for U.S . consumption. Grapes offer several benefits. Not only are they a handy snack, but they're a unique addition to many summer dishes, including green salads and fruit s...

In many parts of the world, Valentine's Day is celebrated as a holiday to commemorate romantic liaisons between two people in love (or lust, depending on your idea of love) with each other.  One way to symbolize romance on Valentine's Day is through trinkets or (usually unhealthy) food gifts.  I wanted to take this time to show you that Valentine's Day is also an opportunity to improve your health with some very sexy fruits. Enjoy! Nothing says romance quite like indulging in something sweet, juicy, and just a little bit decadent. Whether you're feeding them to someone special, savoring each bite for effect, or simply treating yourself to nature’s most tempting delights, these fruits are as seductive as they are nourishing. It's said that chocolate has a few benefits too.  😘 Apple Crisp, luscious, and irresistibly refreshing, apples are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support heart health.  They can aid digestion, help regulate cholesterol...

What is an allergic reaction? Essentially, this is when the body reacts defensively to a perceived threat and fights the allergens in the same way it does a viral infection. Eating foods "out of season and region" may also contribute to allergic reactions . You may ask, "What's wrong with eating an apple in June?" Nothing. Unless, of course, you have a food allergy .... woman sneezing from allergies Most produce is transported worldwide by trucks & trains for hundreds (or in some cases thousands of miles if by boat) in partially opened containers. Based on the time of year, the container may come in contact with in-season allergens like mold, poison ivy, poison oak, various types of pollen. These allergens are constantly in the environment, but may be more prevalent in some regions during certain times of the year. This can be partially remedied by washing the produce thoroughly before consumption. However, in cases of extreme allergic reacti...

Elie Metchnikoff (1845–1916) Russian Nobel Prize–winning biologist Elie Metchnikoff (1845–1916) is often credited with the saying “ Death begins in the colon .” Whether he meant it literally or not, it’s a phrase that stuck and for good reason.  As you all know, we do our best to bring you timely information on the benefits and warnings about health and wellness . Occasionally, we run across new data that changes how we all should approach our overall health. It's all for the good. Gut health truly plays an essential role in how we feel, especially as we get older. We've been asked plenty of times about colon cleansing: Is it safe? Does it really detox the body? Can it help with weight loss?  We're going to take a look at what research says today, and what that means for those of us that have gut health concerns. * Please be advised that the topics being discussed on this website are solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical ad...

Believe it or not, some readers asked if there was any difference between vegetarians and raw foodists.  They have their similarities AND are different at the same time.  We will attempt to break down the basic differences in the simplest terms available so that everyone has at least a clearer understanding of these culinary cultures. Here we go! 🌱 Vegetarians vs. Raw Foodists: What’s the Difference? Ever wondered if there's a difference between being vegetarian and following a raw food diet? The short answer—yes! But both lifestyles have one thing in common: a deep love for plants. 🥦 Vegetarian vs. Raw Foodist: Who Eats What? A vegetarian skips meat, fish, and poultry, sticking to plant-based foods like veggies, grains, and legumes. Some enjoy dairy and eggs (lacto-ovo vegetarians), while others avoid all animal products altogether (vegans). A raw foodist , on the other hand, takes things a step further. Their diet consists mostly of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic...

I would be the first to tell you that certain foods and drinks are only appropriate for applicable seasons of times of the year (i.e. Hot Cocoa In Fall and Winter Only), but when I prepared and tasted this recipe, I have had to SERIOUSLY rethink my position on this subject. This IS absolutely delicious! Try preparing this simple recipe & I am certain you will agree! Pumpkin Pie (Smoothie??) 1  cup of pumpkin puree 1  large ripe banana 1  cup of unsweetened soy or almond milk 2  tablespoons of  honey 1  teaspoon of pure vanilla extract 1 1/2 teaspoon of  pumpkin pie spice 1/4  teaspoon of ground nutmeg 5-6 ice cubes Preparation: Combine all ingredients into blender on high speed & blend until completely smooth Optional:  Add crumbled almond as fiber-rich topping "Your Health Is Your Wealth!!"