I have a friend who swears that dark cherry juice with cacao powder will enhance your mood, and though I can’t vouch for the L-tryptohan (a serotonin producer) he claims this combo contains, I can tell you it’s a blend that just feels good (and tastes divine!).

There are, however, proven foods to give our brains a “feel good” boost. Without getting too technical, serotonin is a neurotransmitter which produces feelings of satisfaction and tranquility. Dopamine is another one, creating focus and pleasure. I did some research on how to naturally boost these neurotransmitters and here’s what I found:

Complete protein produces dopamine. Keep in mind, eating too much protein in a meal will cancel out dopamine’s alertness and make you sleepy.
Foods containing complete protein are meat, poultry, eggs and certain vegetarian combinations such as rice and beans, corn and cheese, beans with nuts and seeds, or quinoa. Bragg Liquid Aminos is a great tasting supplement.
Carbs (sugars and starches) produce serotonin. Think breads, grains and veggies. But you have to eat your carbs without protein or fat, or serotonin production will be inhibited. That’s why some foods high in L-tryptophan (protein-rich cottage cheese, turkey, and eggs) won’t boost your serotonin.
Simple sugar gives the quickest serotonin rush (this explains why we crave candy), but also the hardest crash. Complex carbohydrates (brown rice, potatoes, pasta) give a slower, more extended boost.
For added serotonin, try pasta with low-fat sauce, rice with steamed vegetables, potatoes (no butter!), veggie sushi or lentils with steamed broccoli. And of course, cacao.
Overindulging in alcohol, caffeine or stress depletes neurotransmitters, putting you in a worse mood and making it harder to use food as a medicine.

Keep in mind, there’s no quick fix. You can’t just eat a slice of bread, sit back and expect to be happy; brain chemistry is more complex than that. The best solution is to eat a well-balanced diet of organic, whole foods. Perhaps you were expecting a magic pill?

Sources:
The Facts About Fitness
Go Ask Alice
About.com

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I’ve been fully vegetarian for the past few years, and on-and-off for at least a decade, and although there’s been much more awareness about meat-free sources of protein, one question I get a lot is “How do you get enough iron?”

This is a great question because as a woman, I need almost twice as much iron as a man. I’ve suffered iron deficiency at times, but over the years I finally figured out what I need to eat in order to keep myself energetic and balanced. Here are my blood-building essentials.

Dark Green Superfoods: Spirulina, chlorella and wheat grass are the superfoods of green. Every day or two I take a teaspoon of spirulina in a glass of juice. Haven't had any iron problems since.
Dark Leafy Greens: Though they’re not as high in iron as the superfoods, leafy greens like spinach, kale and mustard are good to incorporate regularly into salads.
Nuts and Seeds: Tahini (sesame butter) and almonds top the list in this category.
Dried Fruits: Dried figs, apricots, peaches and raisins. I put these in my luxurious snack mix.
Beans: Garbanzo beans (the main ingredient in hummus), lentils, black, kidney and pinto beans. I eat a meal incorporating legumes at least two or three times a week.
Vitamin C: It’s very important to eat enough citrus fruits and berries, because vitamin C helps your body better absorb iron.

The real answer to getting enough iron is a balanced, varied diet of whole foods, plus the green superfood boost. It’s as tasty and easy as that.

Images: derek purdy

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I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times, “You’re a human being, not a human doing.” Um, yeah, so what does that mean? How are you just supposed to "be" when there a million things pressing on your time? Work, home duties, family obligations - life!

Well, maybe you can make time for some sleep yoga. Yoga Nidra, the yoga of sleep, involves nothing more than laying down in shavasana, relaxing, and listening to some guided meditation. And as easy as that sounds, it can be really challenging. When was the last time you were able to clear your mind and be still?

The incredible thing about Yoga Nidra is that it helps you reach a state of being that transcends all your problems and obligations. For a few moments you can float in perfect bliss and feel who you truly are. It’s from this kind of mental state that brilliant insights arise. You may reach a new perspective on your activities, something that’ll make the doing part of life so much easier. So give yourself a chance to just be - you deserve it.

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Dig deep back into your memory and think about what you were doing when you were 16. I can’t speak for everyone, but I know I was concert hopping and fantasizing about cute boys. I certainly was not thinking about eco-activism, or any activism, for that matter. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why I have such admiration for teenager Erin Schrode. At the tender age of 16, she launched the much-talked-about Teens for Safe Cosmetics.


The coalition of passionate young women aims to raise awareness about the potentially harmful ingredients in beauty and daily use products that may be linked to cancer, reproductive interference, and other health risks. On average, teens use between 15 and 25 products each day, in total containing around 200 synthetic chemicals. Through education, these girls believe that they can influence purchase decisions amongst their peers. They also lobby to change legislation, and have played a key role in getting bills such as The California Safe Cosmetics Act passed. To date, the girls have held three annual green summits, produced several eco-fashion shows both in San Francisco and New York, participated in festivals, and much more.


So, what is Erin up to these days now that she’s successfully launched a prominent activist group? She’s currently studying acting in New York and plans to travel to West Africa later this year as an environmental ambassador. All the while, she’s soliciting donations for Alaffia Sustainable Skincare’s educational efforts. Erin is living proof that all it takes is an intelligent idea, personal drive, and a strong voice to initiate change - at any age.

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A lot of things are called “nature’s candy", but the date really is. Sweet, luscious, just a bit gooey – could it get any better than that? Actually, it does. With calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, plus a range of vitamins and amino acids, dates make a great part of a well-rounded diet. They're also a smart sweet if you're watching your blood sugar - the glycemic score of dates is a very low 9.

In the middle of the day when I start to crave candy, I satiate the urge with stuffed dates. I'll split the date open, remove the pit and then fill it up with whatever I have on hand. Here are some favorite stuffing combinations for a decadent treat:

Fill the dates with cacao nibs and almond butter and roll them in coconut flakes.

Bleu cheese (foodies know the sweet-pungent contrast really works well!)

For an Algerian dessert, stuff the dates with marzipan and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

I’ve never tried this one, but it sounds intriguing: stuff the dates with almonds and then wrap them with thin slices of bacon or proscuitto. Secure with a toothpick and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, until the bacon crisps.

Fill them with mascarpone or cream cheese (flavored with lemon juice and honey). You can eat this as-is, or wrap prosciutto around it and bake it as above.

Blend a mixture of pistachios, orange juice, orange zest and a pinch of sea salt until you get a thick paste. Fill your dates with this for a very Middle Eastern flavor.

Make a mixture of roasted sesame seeds, sliced almonds and crushed cardamom. Stuff and enjoy.

Whip up some of my chocolate-avocado pudding and top with chopped dates. Mmmmm.

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Perhaps it’s just my dirty mind at work, but when I hear the words “natural pleasures,” it’s not a type of lip balm that pops into my head. If you ask me, the branding behind this product was the result of quite a clever, and might I say frisky, marketing team.

After reading up about the product, I found that it’s just a sexier version of the beloved Burt’s Bees. 100% natural and moisturizing, this lip balm is made with ingredients like shea butter, coconut and sunflower oil, and beeswax. The peppermint adds a tingling sensation that will keep lips smiling at all times. If this stuff really works, I’m wondering what else besides my lips I may find a tingling. A steal of a thrill at just $1.99.

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It's been a while since we last reported on it...and the jury's showing no signs of movement. But now it appears that for a place in a healthy lifestyle, coffee is much more than a drink. This being Monday morning, we feel this is eminently newsworthy.

The smell of coffee has a life of its own. I know people who turn their nose up at the drink itself, but happily breathe in the aroma of freshly-ground beans until they need to be dragged off the ceiling. Now neuroscientists have an explanation. It seems that with rats, the smell of coffee can change the operation of genes related to the stress of sleep deprivation.

In other words, it perks you up when you're tired. Hold the front page. But bearing in mind that this is merely from the smell, before the caffeine get into your bloodstream, it's a fascinating case for coffee aromatherapy.

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Tomato season is just beginning and you're probably pretty happy to eat them raw in salads or simply drizzled with olive oil and salt and pepper. But come August or September, you might be glad you tucked this recipe away in your bookmarks folder. (Especially if your neighbor dumps a heaping sack of squash on your doorstep).

Easy to prepare on a hazy, lazy summer evening and a versatile companion dish for anything from grilled meats, to frittata, to pasta, or on its own with bread and cheese, this is a summer dish you'll make again and again. This recipe is meant to be assembled casually by sight and taste. Measurements are approximate.

Heirloom Tomato and Summer Squash Gratin
Serves 6

You will need:

- 1 1/2 pounds green or yellow organic summer squash (about 5 medium), washed and sliced thinly lengthwise

- 1 1/2 pound large, organic tomatoes (about 4 medium), washed and sliced into 1/3 inch thick slices

- 25-30 whole fresh, organic basil leaves

- 1/3 -1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

- 1/3 cup toasted fine organic breadcrumbs

- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or other hard cheese (preferably organic)

- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

To make:

In a 9 x 11 baking dish, layer half of the squash in a single layer, overlapping slightly. Top the squash layer with a layer of half of the sliced tomatoes. Scatter half the basil leaves over the tomatoes. Drizzle half the olive oil over evenly. Sprinkle half the breadcrumbs and grated cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper. Repeat the second layer exactly, using all the remaining ingredients. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until vegetables begin to brown. Cool slightly before serving or serve at room temperature.

Note: Recipe Copyright 2008 Vanessa Barrington

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Sweating out the summer? Here are some tips to keep you beautiful and healthy throughout the heat.

First, don’t forget your biodegradable, petroleum free, marine safe sunscreen.

You’ve gotta protect your face with a sustainably made sunhat.

If you’re sick of the daily bout with a razor, try waxing your legs instead. Moom wax is made of truly natural, virtually edible ingredients.

Keep your skin well-exfoliated with organic body scrub.

This is the perfect time of year to exercise outside. You may not be fit enough for beach yoga, but even yard work counts! Do some stretching on the grass, run in the park, or organize a group game with the neighbors.

Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water, of course, and eat sweet, hydrating fruit for lunch. Here’s a fantastic recipe for luxurious fruit salad.

The driest time of the year is also the most important time to conserve water. Here are 14 pretty painless water conservation tips that everyone needs to know.

Enjoy your summer, everyone. I hate to say it, but turn off your computer (yes, sniff, step away from EcoSalon) and go outside! We’ll still be here when you’re ready to come inside and cool off.

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To paraphrase Gandhi, you have to be the change you want to see in the world. If you don’t do it, who will? We’re depending on you (yes, you!) to take the first steps to show everyone how it’s done. Are you up to the challenge? Here’s how you can be the change:

Be the Change in Your Relationships

Communicate. If you’re serious about having profound and loving personal relationships, you have to learn about effective communication. One little-known tip is that listening is just as important as speaking. Check out Non-Violent Communication; it's the best method I know for teaching the communication skills we never learned growing up.

Be Honest. Lying never, ever pays off. You’ll know you did something wrong, and subconsciously so will your partner. Either be transparent with your partner or don’t do those things you'll have to lie about.

Own Up To Your Part. You are not a victim! You play a part in everything that happens in your relationship. Quit blaming others so you can get to the real nitty-gritty of communication, honesty, growth and love.

Look in the Mirror. Do you always like what you see when you look at your loved ones? Remember, they are mirrors showing you parts of yourself. Keep this in mind when the emotional triggers are pulled, and use this information to help you develop more understanding and better connections with the people in your life.

Study Tantra. It’s not all about sex, I swear, but it does make it better. Actually, Tantra teaches about self-love, masculine-feminine balance, and a profound spiritual connection with your partner and the world. Go on, try it.

Be the Change at Work

Do What You Love. You’re not doing anyone any good by suffering at a job you hate. Take a risk and follow your heart. What have you got to lose but your chains? You'll never regret being courageous. (Daring is not the same thing as irresponsible, so try to take calculated risks, not foolish ones.)

Be of Service. Does your occupation contribute to making the world a better place? Enlightened connection with the world requires that we pursue positive and meaningful work, or we’ll just be pursuing empty, egoic dreams.

Don’t Sell Your Soul for Money. Doing something you don’t feel good about just for the money ultimately crushes your soul. It’s always better to do the right thing. Imagine what the world would be if everybody did? But don't feel guilty for being a career go-getter, either - you can use your position and money for the greater good.

Know When to Take a Break. Or a Vacation. Burnout creates more stress, worse health, lower morale and less productivity. Why let yourself get to that point at all?

Consider Work a Classroom. You spend so much time on the job, why not use the arising challenges as a chance to practice being present, compassionate and communicative? Learn to see your job as a springboard for your personal evolution.

Be the Change in Your Health

Eat Consciously. It doesn’t matter so much what you eat as how you eat it, and why. Emotional eating drives us straight to empty foods, whereas self-love makes us want to treat our bodies in the best way. Are you feeding your human machine the finest superfoods, or are you filling up your old clunker with junk?

Move Your Body. Dance, run, bike to the grocery store, do yard work, walk the dog, lift heavy boxes, stretch or do yoga. I don’t care what you do, just get up and do something! Give your heart a reason to pump blood!

Eliminate Toxic Products. Consider every product you use in your house and on your body. Are they poisonous? Carcinogenic? Educate yourself about household and cosmetic chemicals and phase them out of your life forever.

Heal All Your Bodies. It’s humbling to realize that your physical health is deeply intertwined with your emotional and mental health, too. This means you have to look at underlying issues when addressing physical symptoms. Be brave and don’t be afraid to dig a little deeper.

Rest, Relaxation and Relief. Sound, sex, and breathing: there are so many wonderful ways to relieve stress. Use them!

Be the Change for the Environment

Ride Your Bike. Or use public transportation as much as you can. Everybody’s transportation needs are different, but it’s important to set an intention to move yourself around in a healthier, more sustainable manner.

Reduce Electronic Appliance Use. Turn out the lights when you leave the room, unplug appliances when not in use, enjoy evenings by candlelight, and sit outside under the summer moon. Instant bliss.

Ask the Big Question. When making purchasing, lifestyle and household decisions, ask yourself “If everybody else did this too, what would the world be like?”

Reduce. Reuse. Simplify. The simpler your needs, the less resources have to be taken from the environment to support them. Remember, Zen is in.

Learn About Permaculture. It’s more than just an incredibly efficient way to garden; Permaculture principles can be applied to businesses and society in general. Self-sufficient and sustainable to the core - it's the triple bottom line.

Be the Change in Your Self

Don’t Be Afraid of Therapy. There are so many different ways to unravel your inner knots, it would be silly not to give them a try. Why reinvent the wheel and try to figure it all out yourself? Sometimes you need the help of someone with experience. Check out yoga therapy, sound therapy, and dance therapy in addition to traditional talk therapies.

Meditate. Even if you don’t set aside time for seated or walking meditation, make an effort to be mindful and present in all that you do. That’s what’s called living meditation.

Be Creative. Keep a journal, carry a sketchbook, make jewelry, funkify your clothes, grow a garden – anything that puts your best energies into material form. The good of the world depends on your creative contributions.

Maintain A Spiritual Connection. No matter what your faith, the world is sweeter and makes much more sense when you live by the belief that we are interconnected and essentially all One.

Identify Your Purpose and Passion. Then let that purpose and passion guide your life. Follow your bliss!

How will you be the change today?

Image: Mayr

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