These days, it’s not just about eating right, it’s about eating sustainably. If you’re struggling to find ways to help green your grocery shopping, cooking and eating, there are a lot of things you can do that you may not even realize are options and that won’t take too much effort on your part. Whether you’re a college student, parent, or professional, consider some of these tips to make what you eat more sustainable and better for the planet.

Basics

These basics will get you well on your way to a more sustainable table.

1. Choose local. Local foods haven’t used loads of energy to be transported to your location, so look for local when you can.
2. Go organic. Why eat a bunch of chemicals if you don’t have to? Look for foods that are healthy and organic at the store.
3. Choose seafood wisely. You always want to make sure your seafood is sustainably harvested so you’re not contributing to over fishing.
4. Eat less meat. Producing meat takes a lot more resources and energy than producing plants, so eating less is a better choice for the earth.
5. Eat seasonal foods. Choose foods that are in season, as oftentimes, those that are out of season have been shipped in from far away or required a whole lot of resources to produce.
6. Forage for food. Food may be only a short walk away. Buy some books and educate yourself on the herbs and fungi you can find in your own backyard.
7. Eat in moderation. Don’t want to be wasteful? It can be as simple as just cooking and eating less.
8. Focus on plants. Plants should make up the bulk of what you eat if you’re looking to be sustainable.
9. Buy fresh, not processed. Processed foods require additional time, money and resources to make so stick to fresh when possible.
10. Avoid fast food. Fast food, aside from being nutrient poor, is often processed and comes with loads of unnecessary packaging.
11. Slow down. Want to eat less and waste less? Slow down, enjoy your food and take time to shop carefully.
12. Eat low on the food chain. The higher on the food chain you eat, the more toxins you’ll be exposed to.
13. Know when foods are harvested. Not sure when things like corn and tomatoes are in season? Look it up before you plan out what you want to eat.

At Home

Consider making your home a greener place to eat with these ideas.

14. Plant a garden. There is nothing more sustainable than growing your own fresh foods at home, and a garden can even be grown on a small patio.
15. Keep your refrigerator clean and running efficiently. It will use less energy, keep your foods fresher and generally prevent waste.
16. Use environmentally friendly pesticides. If you do plant a garden, there’s a good chance some pests will be drawn to it. Instead of breaking out the Raid, use natural remedies to rid your garden of the pests.
17. Save seeds. When cutting and preparing raw veggies, wash and save some of the seeds. You can plant them and grow the same kinds of plants in your own backyard.
18. Don’t use paper plates and plastic cups. With so many other options there’s no reason to use and throw away paper plates and cups.
19. Challenge yourself to produce less garbage. Wasting less means living more sustainably so push yourself to reuse and recycle everything you can.
20. Clean with non-toxic materials. You want to keep your kitchen clean and healthy, but you also don’t want harmful chemicals getting into your food. Consider making your own cleaning supplies or looking for green alternatives.

Cooking

Make sure your food isn’t just delicious but sustainable as well by taking a look at these tips.

21. Eat at home. When you eat at home you’ll know exactly what’s going into everything you eat.
22. Learn to bake bread. Baking your own bread is a great way to make sure you get whole grains and avoid the heavily processed stuff at the store.
23. Make all junk food yourself. Junk food isn’t good for you or the environment, but if you’re craving it make it yourself. It’ll take more effort and ensure you eat less.
24. Go raw. Raw foods are nutrient rich and require no energy to cook.
25. Buy cookbooks. Cookbooks, new or used, are a great way to learn about sustainable recipes and to try something new.
26. Bring your lunch. Making your own lunch will prevent you from eating fast food on your lunch break.
27. Be adventurous. Don’t be afraid to try something new when it comes to food. You may find healthy and sustainable foods you love.
28. Try tofu. Tofu can be a healthy and green substitute for meat in many dishes.
29. Try boxed wine. Boxed wine takes much less energy and resources to transport and these days there are many high quality varieties.
30. Add herbs. Adding herbs to a dish can make it more flavorful without making it less healthy. Plus, herbs are easy to grow on your windowsill.
31. Try new recipes. You never know when you’ll run across something that will be your new favorite dish.

Shopping

These tips will help you become a master sustainable shopper in no time.

32. Check out farmer’s markets. Farmer’s markets are great places to find local and fresh foods.
33. Stick to the real thing. Rather than go for chemical laden substitutes, stick to the real thing. Like buying butter instead of margarine, for example.
34. Join a local CSA. You’ll get your fill of seasonal produce and you might even save money.
35. Buy in bulk. Bulk foods are cheap, have no packaging and are often healthy for you.
36. Bring your own bags. Always bring your own cloth bags to the store rather than using plastic bags.
37. Look for fair trade. Make sure things like coffee, tea and chocolate are fair trade so you know they haven’t hurt the environment or the people who produced them.
38. Read the label. Some foods look healthy and green but really aren’t. Always be sure to know what the label really says.
39. Find coupons. Shopping sustainably isn’t always cheap, so look for coupons to help reduce the cost.
40. Make a grocery list. When you have a list you’ll be less tempted to buy things you don’t really need.
41. Know what foods are important to buy organic. Some foods are much more important to buy organic than others, so know what you should be looking for before you go.
42. Look for heirloom varieties. These are not genetically modified and have been the same, delicious products for centuries.
43. Look for foods with little or no packaging. Less packaging means less waste, so avoid heavily packaged items.
44. Stop buying bottled water. Millions of water bottles used every years means tons upon tons of waste. Stop buying bottled and get your own reusable bottle.

Health

Sustainability isn’t good for the earth but is also great for your health, as these pointers show.

45. Avoid additives.They don’t really add much to your food and can harm the environment.
46. Buy fewer preservative-laden foods. Stick to fresh foods when you can to avoid eating tons of preservatives.
47. Avoid lite or non-fat foods. These often aren’t healthy at all and have tons of chemicals in them. Simply eat less of another, greener food instead.
48. Cook whole foods. Unprocessed, whole foods are the best and healthiest for you to eat.
49. Know what you’re eating. Always make sure to look at the ingredients on any packaged food to see what’s really in there.
50. Make sweets a treat. You don’t have to cut out sweets altogether, but make sure they’re a treat. Sugar often undergoes a lot of processing and isn’t good for you or the environment.
51. Focus on colorful foods. By eating a wide variety of colors of food, you’ll get the nutrient and vitamins you need. Plus, these foods are more likely to be fresh and healthy.
52. Eat “real” foods. Don’t go for fake, processed and empty foods. Stick to the stuff that comes straight from the farm to your table.
53. Bring your own beverages. If you have your own bottle of water you won’t want to buy sugary drinks or bottled water.
54. Look for whole grains. Whole grains need less processing and are better for your body.
55. Keep an eye on drinks as well. Drinks, even fruit juices, can be loaded up with sugar. Read labels carefully to ensure you’re getting what you really want and nothing else.

Meat Eating

Meat production takes a lot more energy and resources than that of veggies. You don’t have to give up meat altogether, but consider these ideas to cut back.

56. Look for grass-fed meats. Cows that have been fed grass will be healthier and produce better quality meat.
57. Buy meat directly from farms and share. It can be cheaper and more sustainable to buy a large cut of meat directly from a farm and split it up between yourself and other sustainably minded friends.
58. Cut back on beef. Cows produce methane which adds to the greenhouse effect.
59. Use meat as seasoning. Meat doesn’t always have to be the focus of your meal. Use it as a topping instead.
60. Cut meat in half. If you want to eat less meat, simply cut the recommended amount in a recipe in half.
61. Cut out meat from one meal a week. Many are embracing the sustainable idea of a Meatless Monday.
62. Use FishPhone. Not sure if that fish is a sustainable one? Use FishPhone to find out while you’re at the store.
63. Make sure your animal products are chemical free. Look for meats that are labeled organic and hormone free.
64. Look for free range. These animals are more likely to have been raised on a smaller farm rather than a factory one. Of course, some labels are misleading, so always research what you’re buying.

Conservation

These tips will help you live out the old adage, “waste not, want not.”

65. Recycle food containers. Those take out containers can have a new life if you use them to store things, put food in them or send leftovers home with friends.
66. Used boiled water to cook twice. Boiled water can cook the food you boiled as well as something else if you keep the lid on.
67. Fill up your freezer. A full freezer is more efficient and uses less energy.
68. Don’t peek in the oven. It lets the hot air out and requires more energy to keep it hot.
69. Conserve water when doing dishes. Turn the tap off between washing and rinsing your dishes.
70. Don’t waste energy or water while cooking. It’s easy to get busy and forget to turn off the tap or keep a burner on too long. Be mindful of your waste in the kitchen.
71. Filter your own water. Don’t mess around with bottled water. Instead, filter your tap water with a faucet attachment or pitcher.
72. Use fewer paper towels. Most spills and messes can just as easily be cleaned up with a cloth towel.
73. Bike to the store. When you’re going shopping, try to bike instead of drive. It’s great exercise and you’ll save the gas.
74. Start a compost pile. You’ll throw out a whole lot less when you have a compost pile for all your food waste.
75. Use the greens. Greens from plants like beets usually end up in the compost but you can use them in a wide variety of recipes and they’re nutritious.

DIY

These ideas will require some elbow grease to get started but can be great ways to get more sustainable.

76. Buy or make a lunch box. Making your own lunch box can be simple and fun and will give your lunch a personal and green touch.
77. Can your own foods. Canning is a lot easier and a lot less dangerous than you might think (exploding pressure cookers are a thing of the past.) A few supplies can set you on the way to canning fresh produce from your garden.
78. Make your own cereals. Buy in bulk and combine to make your own healthy, green cereals.
79. Freeze, pickle and dry. There are numerous ways you can preserve fresh fruits and veggies from your own garden or the farmer’s market.
80. Make your own grocery bags. Most fabric stores now sell material perfect for sewing your own grocery bags let you make as many or as few as you need.

Eating Less, Spending Less

Here you’ll find some ideas that will help you tighten your belt, literally and figuratively.

81. Buy smaller plates and glasses. They’ll help you feel like you’re eating more without actually eating more at all.
82. Make your own coffee. Instead of heading to the coffee shop every day, make your own coffee at home. It’s cheaper and less wasteful when you use your own mug.
83. Cook simple meals. Simple meals use fewer ingredients and are less likely to end up in waste.
84. Leave some leftovers. You don’t have to eat every bite of the meal you make. Leave some for lunch tomorrow and you’ll only have to cook once.
85. Reduce your calorie intake. Eating fewer calories not only means using less food but can actually help you live longer.
86. Plan meals ahead. By planning your meals, you can help ensure you use everything you buy at the store.
87. Try to prevent food waste. Don’t buy foods you know you won’t eat or stock up before you go out of town. You’ll save money and food by being mindful.
88. If you’re full, stop eating. There’s no sense in eating when you’re not full. You’ll be healthier and happier and a result.
89. Eat more frequent, smaller meals. These will help keep you full and eventually help you eat less altogether.
90. Choose nutrient dense foods. When foods are full of nutrients you need to eat less to get full and get the nutrition you need.

Social

Going sustainable doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Check out these ways to get social with your sustainability.

91. Eat with other people. It will make eating a more social and enjoyable experience and you’re likely to eat less.
92. Enjoy food. Take the time to slow down and really enjoy what you’re eating.
93. Start a community garden. Get involved in your community and help initiate a community garden movement so that others can eat green too.
94. Use the web. The web is a great place to learn about sustainable eating and meet others who share your ideals.
95. Find friends who share a desire to eat green. It’s easier to stick to green habits when you have people to support you.
96. Support green eateries. If restaurants in your area are trying to go green, check them out and support their efforts.
97. Get involved. If there are community groups in your area focused on slow food and sustainable living, see what they’re about and maybe even join up.
98. Talk to others. Talking to other people about eating sustainably is a great way to learn more and share ideas.
99. Get educated. Don’t feel like you know enough about eating sustainably? Get on the web, read a book, take a class and keep learning.
100. Take cooking classes. If you don’t know how to cook an eggplant or how in the world to cut up an artichoke, take some classes. The more you know about cooking the better you’ll be at preparing fresh and healthy foods.

Kids young and old need snacks in between meals to keep their bodies healthy and running strong. Making sure those snacks are healthy and provide kids with the nutrients they need to study and learn isn’t always easy, especially for parents who don’t have loads of time to prepare snacks and have kids who are picky about what they eat. Luckily, there are loads of snacks out there that are not only easy to prepare but also provide health benefits your kids need– all while tasting delicious. Check out this list for some great recipes and ideas that will have your kids snacking healthy and loving it.

Basics

These tried and true classics will provide healthy sustenance for your kids. Better yet, many require little or no preparation.

1. Chips and salsa. Baked tortilla chips paired with a healthy, fresh salsa is a great lo-cal snack for kids and adults alike.
2. Yogurt pops. Throw out the sugary, unhealthy popsicles your kids are currently eating and replace them with these healthy, yogurty ones instead.
3. Homemade trail mix. Some trail mixes come complete with ingredients that are too salty or sweet to be healthy. By making yours at home, you can control what goes into the mix.
4. Cereal bars. If you’re on-the-go and need a quick snack for your kids, try a pre-packaged cereal bar. While there are healthier options out there, these will definitely work in a pinch.
5. Yogurt. Lucky for parents, there are tons of brands of yogurt out there that are packaged and marketed to kids, helping them want to eat this healthy and delicious snack.
6. Granola bars. Make your kids this grain-filled snack at home to give them a boost.
7. Graham crackers. A few of the whole wheat variety of these crackers can make a sweet and delicious snack for kids.
8. Cottage cheese. Try out this curdy food with your kids as an after school snack. A few slices of fruit on top can also be a great addition.
9. Unsweetened applesauce. It might not pack the punch that its heavily sweetened cousin does, but unsweetened applesauce can still be a snack kids enjoy.
10. Fruit cups. When you’re in a hurry, fruit cups can be a lifesaver. Make sure you look for those packed with water or light syrup so you won’t pump your kids full of sugar, however. Enterprising parents can make and prepare their own at home in advance as well.

Fruits

Fruit can be a great way to indulge your child’s sweet tooth in a healthy way. Try out these kid-approved ideas for fruity after school snacks.

11. Cherries with Brown Sugar Dip. If cherries are in season why not whip up this dish? Put a little brown sugar on some yogurt to create a yummy dipping sauce for kids.
12. Sliced apples. One of the most basic snacks out there is still a great choice for those with kids.
13. Frozen grapes. Turn up the appeal of grapes by popping them in the freezer. They’ll be a cool and delicious treat kids will love.
14. Orange sections. A peeled or cut orange offers up loads of vitamins and flavor for kids.
15. Pear pinwheels. Pears are a great healthy snack and you can make them even more fun for kids with this snack idea.
16. Apples and peanut butter. Give your apple a dose of protein by offering kids peanut butter for dipping sauce.
17. Fruit salad. Parents can make up a fruit salad in advance and dole it out to kids after school for a healthy and delicious snack.
18. Fruit and yogurt parfait. Alternate fruit and yogurt in a glass and top with granola to create this snack.
19. Mixed berries. Berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, so giving your child a mix of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries can be a great way to get nutrition into his or her diet.
20. Pomegranate. Pomegranates are fun for kids to eat and also pack a heck of a nutritional punch.
21. Bananas. Bananas are great because they are extremely portable, easy to eat and healthy to boot. Pair them with peanut butter for an added boost.
22. Apple puzzle. Make your child’s apple into a fun game they’ll love eating with this snack idea.
23. Fruit juice. While you’ll need to watch out for sugar content, juice with 100% real fruit can be a great snack for kids.
24. Melon balls. If melons are in season, create fun melon balls for kids to snack on or put them on a skewer for fruit kebabs.
25. Fruity salsa. Salsa doesn’t always have to be savory. Try out this fruity, healthy and yummy salsa with your kids.

Veggies

Fill your kids up on these healthy, veggie-based snacks instead of junk food.

26. Carrots with peanut dipping sauce. Spice up plain old carrot stick with this recipe for a tasty dipping sauce.
27. Cucumber yogurt boats. Turn cucumbers into a fun and playful experience for your kids with this great snack idea.
28. Veggies and hummus. Get kids the veggies they need with a healthy dose of protein by pairing hummus with them.
29. Edamame. Kids will have fun getting these soy beans out of their shells. Simply steam, salt and serve.
30. Ants on a log. Make eating right fun with this classic, playful snack of raisins, peanut butter and celery.
31. Pickles. If your kids are longing for something salty, let them have a few of these healthy dills. For pickles on the go, consider Pickle Packs.
32. Celery and carrot sticks. Paired with a veggie dip, your kids won’t be able to resist eating their veggies.
33. Veggie chips. Get away from the potato and feed your kids chips made with more nutrient rich foods. Better yet, make your own.
34. Baked sweet potato fries. Low in calories and fat and high on taste and nutrition, your kids will enjoy these fun fries that are simple to make.
35. Corn on the cob. Let your kids feel like it’s summertime anytime with frozen corn on the cob.
36. Olives. Not all kids love olives but those that do will love sticking the treats on their fingers and eating them off. Just make sure they don’t eat too many, as olives are high in salt.
37. Pita chips and guacamole. Avocados are packed with healthy fats so let your kids indulge with a few baked pita chips.
38. Lettuce wraps. Wrap up veggies and low fat snacks with lettuce for a healthy after school meal.

Whole Grains

Whole grains will help keep your kids fuller for longer, making the most of snack time.

39. Whole grain bread and peanut butter. A simple piece of toast with peanut butter can make for a great after school snack.
40. Whole wheat pretzels.Pretzels can actually be a healthy snack for kids if you go for the whole wheat kind.
41. Whole grain crackers. Crackers that are made of whole grains paired with cheese or peanut butter can make for a good snack, just make sure to watch out for salt and fat content.
42. Whole wheat mini-bagels. These tiny bagels will fill your kids up with whole grains and are fun to eat.
43. Sandwich on whole grain bread. A small sandwich or half sandwich can help stave off hunger until dinnertime.
44. Soft pretzels. When you make these treats at home, use whole wheat flour for a healthier pretzel.
45. Goldfish crackers. This brand of cute goldfish-shaped crackers now makes them in the whole wheat variety– perfect for healthy kids.
46. Pita crisps. Stick some whole-wheat pitas in the oven to make this fun and healthy snack.
47. Multigrain waffles. Craving breakfast for a snack? A waffle topped with jelly or peanut butter is a healthy option.

Small Snacks

These snacks deliver nutrients by the handful.

48. Sunflower seeds. Kids will love chewing up and spitting out these seeds.
49. Unsalted nuts. Skip the salt to make nuts a healthy snack for kids.
50. Plain popcorn. Popcorn can feel like a special treat, but without loads of butter and salt it’s actually a pretty healthy snack.
51. Cereal. Healthy, dry cereals like Cheerios can make a good after school meal.
52. Rice cakes. Rice cakes come in lots of flavors to meet the nutritional and taste needs of your kids.
53. Pumpkin seeds. In the fall, roast up pumpkin seeds to get a healthy snack.
54. Granola. You can make your own granola and kids will love helping and sampling the results.
55. Raisins. Give your kids a little box of raisins for a snack.
56. Fruit leather. Fruit that has been flattened and dried can make for a healthier alternative to fruit roll-ups.
57. Dried fruit. Bananas, pineapple, mangoes and more are available dried and ready to snack on.
58. Toasted almonds. Almonds pack a healthy repertoire of nutrients, so you won’t feel guilty about letting your kids snack on them.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to ensure kids get their daily intake of fruits and veggies.

59. Banana Fruit Smoothie. Blend up a banana and milk to make this delicious smoothie.
60. Grape and kiwi smoothie. Turn kiwis and grapes into a delicious drink using this recipe.
61. Healthy milkshake. Want a healthy take on milkshakes? This recipe offers it up.
62. Strawberry smoothie. Get all the healthy benefits of strawberries with this smoothie.
63. Green smoothie. Kids not keen on veggies? Hide them in this tasty smoothie.
64. Tropical smoothie. Help your after school snack feel like a day at the beach with this tropical blend.
65. Berry smoothie. Berries in any form, even in a smoothie, are a great healthy snack for kids.
66. Peach smoothie. If peaches are in season, blend them up using this recipe.

Sweet but Healthy

Sometimes, kids just want a sweet treat. Here you’ll find some that will satiate their sweet tooth without being too unhealthy.

67. Monkey bars. Kids will enjoy these healthy but sweet cookie bars.
68. Walnut-raisin somersaults. This blend of fruit and nuts tastes so good kids won’t know it’s healthy.
69. Juice jelly cubes. Turn those healthy juices into jiggling treats with this recipe.
70. Peanut butter power balls. Give your kids a protein-fueled boost with these graham and peanut butter tidbits.
71. Chocolate dipped bananas. Half of one of these chocolately bananas is a healthier way to eat something sweet.
72. Microwave Apple Pudding. Turn an apple and cinnamon into something irresistible with this idea.
73. Cranberry muffins. Making these cranberry muffins doesn’t mean you have to be culinary expert.
74. Oatmeal cookies. If your kids want cookies, oatmeal is an alternative that offers up some nutrition.
75. Sugar-free J-ello. It’s not the healthiest snack in the world, but it isn’t the worst either and it’s simple and easy to take with you. If you make it at home, put some fruit in it as well.
76. Banana bread. Filled with bananas and nuts, kids will get nutrients when they snack on this bread.
77. Carrot bars. Sneak carrots into a treat with this recipe.

Healthy but Cheesy

Try out these healthy, cheesy snacks that kids will love. If your child can’t eat cheese, try substituting a soy alternative.

78. Tortilla pizzas. Turn a plain old tortilla into a delicious pizza with this recipe.
79. English muffin pizza. Use a whole wheat muffin as the basis for a pizza for a healthier treat.
80. Light string cheese. Kids will enjoy pulling strings of this cheese off and eating them.
81. Low-fat quesadilla. This recipe shows you how to make a quesadilla that’s actually healthy.
82. Vegetable pita pizza. Pizza doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Load it up with veggies instead of fattier options.
83. Cheese straws. This simple recipe lets you make fun, tasty snacks for your kids.
84. Cheese cubes. If you want to go simple, low-fat cheese cubes are a good snack when eaten in moderation.

Mini Meals

If your child is simply starving, consider one of these pre-dinner, snack-sized meals.

85. Low fat hot dogs and beans. Get a protein boost with this classic snack.
86. Baked potato. Top your baked potato with salsa for an easy and low-cal snack.
87. Soft taco. Filled with veggies or chicken breast, soft tacos can be healthy.
88. Healthy pita. Kids will enjoy filling their whole wheat pita with all kinds of healthy fixins.
89. Turkey wrap. Adults and kids alike can enjoy these healthy snacks.
90. Tuna on crackers. Make a low fat tuna salad and spread it on crackers.
91. Modified PB and J. Try this alternative to the standard peanut butter and jelly.
92. Low-sodium soup. Many soups are loaded with sodium but there are other options out there that can make great snacks.
93. Small omelet. Eggs and veggies mixed together make a perfect after school snack.
94. Whole wheat pasta. Cook the pasta in advance and warm it up with sauce when your kids are begging for a meal.

Miscellaneous

Still searching for the perfect after school snack? These ideas cover a wide variety of foods.

95. Egg boats. Take a hard boiled egg and add a cheese sail to create this nautical treat.
96. Glass of milk. A simple glass of milk can make for a healthy snack.
97. Ham and cheese crepes. Enjoy this French-inspired snack when your kids are feeling peckish.
98. Lean turkey rolls. Turkey is a great snack, and rolled up with cheese, mustard and a pickle it can be a tasty one too.
99. Chocolate soy milk. Chocolate soy milk can help your kids get nutrients but still tastes great.
100. Homemade lunchables. Kids love lunchables but they aren’t always the healthiest option. Cut out small pieces of cheese and meat at home and pair with whole wheat crackers for a healthier take.

Barefoot running is still fighting to catch on in the mainstream fitness world, but even doctors and scientists believe that running barefoot is safer and minimizes the risk of injury. As a massage therapy specialist or student, you’re probably always on the hunt for new ways to make your life and your patients’ lives healthier and safer, and introducing barefoot running into your exercise routine could be a way to promote health in a clever, natural way. Here’s everything you need to know about starting out and becoming a barefoot runner.

Why Run Barefoot

• Running shoes may cause more injuries: Barefoot runners argue that running shoes get in the way of your body’s natural mechanics and cause you to feel more impact when you hit the road. This impact increases the risk of injury in your knees, legs, tendons and shins. If you do wear shoes, you should pick flats: shoes that offer minimal support for your arch and in terms of cushioning.
• We run better barefoot: An NPR story found that humans are actually supposed to run barefoot: that’s how our bodies were designed. With a little practice weaning ourselves off of shoes, we should run better barefoot, too.
• You can store more energy: Because barefoot runners land farther forward, on the balls of their feet, the body is better able to store energy. It’s a more efficient way to run, and you can get more mileage out of each run.
• The feeling: Barefoot runners explain that they just love the feeling of their feet on the pavement (or sand, or trail, etc). It’s a natural, back-to-basics experience that makes them feel more connected to the earth and their exercise.

Health and Safety

• Start slowly: If you’re new to barefoot running, don’t try to keep up with your normal mileage or pace. Barefootrunner.com explains that it takes most rookies about 3-4 weeks to get up to 80% of their normal mileage.
• Start on soft surfaces: Your feet and eye-foot coordination aren’t going to be prepared to navigate the pavement, glass shards or pebbles right away, so practice on sand or grass first.
• You’re not going to catch a disease and die: As Barefoot Rick points out, bacteria and gross organisms actually grow better in shoes, where sweat and humidity are trapped. Naked feet are not good places to harbor bacteria, so you’re not spreading diseases.
• Injury is still possible: Sports medicine specialist Dr. Lewis Maharam told the New York Times that barefoot runners have less chance of getting injured, but may not have appropriate control over foot strike. It’s important to run with correct posture and hitting the ball of your foot first.

Tips

• Run forward: You want the ball of your foot to land first, and while this will eventually happen naturally, you’re going to have to re-train your feet to land this way. Most shoe-wearers walk and run heel first, which is why the impact is so high.
• The Transfer Method vs. Cold Turkey: Shodless.com outlines two methods for getting into barefoot running. Mid-foot strikers will find it easier to keep their weekly miles the same, just switching between wearing shoes and going barefoot, and easing into going barefoot most of the time. Cold turkey is better for heel strikers or runners recovering from an injury, whose bodies will find it too complicated to run different ways.
• Run on gravel: Running on gravel twice a week might be uncomfortable at first, but you’ll learn how to take more agile steps and train your brain to make adjustments to communicate to your feet as you run.
• Relax your feet: Don’t tense your feet even when you feel discomfort. Tense feet can lead to injury and won’t help you progress.
• Running barefoot in the winter: Some barefoot runners use treadmills in the winter, some wear socks, some can take the cold better than others, and some barefoot runners simply wait until it’s warmer outside. It’s up to you.
• Don’t let other people’s ignorance set you back: Running barefoot is still a new concept in the Western world, and some critics — including your friends and family — might think it’s gross, obscene, stupid, dangerous or just too granola. Don’t let their prejudices and ignorance intimidate you. Explain to friends why you choose to run barefoot, and ignore everyone else.

Blogs, Articles, and Resources

• Barefootrunner.com: Learn about natural running and why it’s okay to run barefoot, plus tips on starting out.
• The Running Barefoot: Barefoot runners post questions and comments about their experiences trying out barefoot running. Learn how to ease tight calves, gradually get into barefoot running, and more.
• Barefoot Runners Society: Find links to local chapters and also posts and threads to link you up with barefoot runners in your area.
• Barefootrunner.net: Tim Bourassa’s blog is active to spread the word about why barefoot running is great. Watch videos of Tim running tracks, up mountains, on city streets, and finishing races for inspiration and to see how he manages.
• Barefoot Running: This Wikipedia entry shares the basics of barefoot running, including the history and why it’s caught on.
• Runner’s World Barefoot Running Forums: Get tips from more experienced barefoot runners on these forums, hosted by RunnersWorld.com.
• The Barefoot Route: Read this article to learn about the natural evolution of barefoot running, benefits of the exercise, precautions to take, and where barefoot running is headed.
• Should You Be Running Barefoot?: This article from RunnersWorld.com is from 2004 but offers a brief history of barefoot running and the arguments for and against it.
• Barefoot Ted’s Adventures: Learn about flat or minimal shoe options and Barefoot Ted’s adventures living and exercising naturally.
• The painful truth about trainers: Are expensive running shoes a waste of money?: The Daily Mail looks at the billion dollar running shoe industry, and wonders if we’re all just getting scammed.
• Barefoot Runners to Run in Marathon: KSAT.com, a San Antonio TV station, reported on barefoot runners in their half marathon in November 2009.

Eating raw food is not just a fad for the rich and famous, but a healthy alternative many people are utilizing to improve their physical and spiritual health. The following blogs document everything from delicious raw food recipes to entire lifestyles tailored around raw eating. There are even blogs that form communities of support and guidance for others seeking a raw lifestyle.

Lifestyle

From finding excellent sources of raw foods to raw restaurants to keeping the family raw, these blogs give an insight to raw living.

1. We Like it Raw. From raw chocolate to discounts to workshops, the posts here will have you hooked up to the raw eating world.
2. Rawmodel. Travel, raw restaurants, finding unusual natural (and raw, of course) foods all figure prominently on this blog.
3. LovingRaw. From advice on going raw to healthy eating to living a raw lifestyle, this blog covers it all.
4. Awesome to be Rawsome. This woman is in her sixties and living a raw food lifestyle she shares with readers here.
5. Goddess of the Garden. From recipes to living in harmony with nature, this blog covers living the raw lifestyle as a family.
6. HiHoRosie’s Place. This blog offers product reviews, information on finding raw food, and other tasty raw lifestyle tidbits.
7. Nature Mom’s Blog. Parenting, living a healthy life, and raw foods are the focus of this blog. Check out the raw fudge cookie recipe for a yummy raw treat.
8. Raw Girl too!. Chocolate pudding for breakfast? Learn how this raw mom feeds her crew healthily…and very fun.
9. Raw Royalty. From running to eating smart to delicious raw recipes, the posts at this blog will have you inspired for a raw lifestyle.
10. Kombucha Chic. Find out about everything from healthy juices, what to keep in your kitchen, and even snowboarding at this blog. Take the One Week Raw project to help jumpstart your 100% raw diet.

Raw Living and Spirituality

If you seek a higher experience from eating raw, read these blogs for inspiration and spiritual guidance.

11. Shazzie. Focusing on love, life, liberty, and divinity, this woman shares her advice about life where eating raw figures highly.
12. Radical Radiance. Courtney Pool blogs about the beauty of life, spirituality, eating raw, juicing, and more on her blog.
13. Sweetie Raw Food Goodness. This blogger shares her spiritual and physical journey on the path of a raw lifestyle as well as some tasty recipes as well.
14. Isle Dance. Eating raw and embracing a simple, spiritual life is the focus of this blog.

Health and Beauty

Many people embark on a raw lifestyle for the healthy benefits and the beauty such health brings. Read these blogs for more on health through raw eating.

15. Raw Dish. Blogging from his home in Hawaii, Stephen Parker posts about his meals, yoga, and other healthy aspects of his life.
16. Go Raw Have Fun!. From healthy recipes to healthy reasons to eat raw, this blog encourages raw eating for your heath.
17. Beautiful on Raw. Living a raw lifestyle, beauty, and health figure prominently on this blog.
18. Julie’s Raw Ambition. Not only can you find delicious recipes here, but you can also find information on raw, vegan, and vegetarian restaurants, tips for a healthy lifestyle, and focuses on eating local and organic when possible.
19. Kristen’s Raw. From healthy eating to recipes to exercise, Kristen covers plenty of topics and provides lots of great information.
20. Loving Raw Food and Fitness. This beautiful mama shares her journey on a raw and fit lifestyle. She has recently decided to eat less than 100% raw, so follow along to see where her healthy life takes her next.
21. Raw Pomona. This blogger has taken a midlife turn towards better health through eating raw, vegan, organic, and unprocessed foods.
22. Raw Inspiration. From suburban gardening to wild edible plants, this blog focuses on raw living for health.
23. RawReform E-Journal. After recovering from morbid obesity several years ago through eating raw, this blogger shares health and nutrition information for a raw lifestyle.
24. The Raw Diva’s Blog. Get health information specifically customized to women and eating raw on this blog. Be sure to join the 90-day detox too.
25. Debbie Does Raw. Using a raw diet to combat cancer, Debbie blogs about her raw lifestyle with such a bright energy you may be inspired as well.

About Food and Recipes

Whether you need new inspiration for an old raw menu or are curious how to make a raw diet work, these blogs offer so many delicious recipes and information about food that you will certainly find what you need here.

26. Rawdorable. This mama and raw food blogger shares delicious recipes for those interested in eating raw.
27. Raw Food with Jessica. Get tasty recipes as well as interesting information about fruits and vegetables here.
28. Adventures of Raw Goddess Healthy. This raw goddess shares her incredible recipes that are mostly on the sweet side as well as her travel adventures.
29. Becoming Raw Vegan. Follow along as this woman and her husband try to go vegan and raw. They share recipes, challenges, successes, and more.
30. Heavenly Raw. While Solla’s blog hasn’t been updated for a few months, the delicious recipes and the views from this popular blogger’s native Iceland are well worth going through the archives to read.
31. Hi-Rawkus. From spicy coconut soup to potato pancakes to savory sesame crackers with veggies, this blog will have your mouth watering before you can make it to the store for the ingredients.
32. Punk Rawk Labs. Get recipes and photos for food that is both raw and vegan at this blog.
33. Raw Food Passion. Between the delicious photos and the yummy recipes, its tough to decide which one from this blog to try first.
34. The Daily Raw Cafe. This blog informs readers about specific foods and even throws in some recipes as well. This is a great place to go to learn about selecting tomatoes or growing sprouts.
35. The Sunny Raw Kitchen. Get incredible recipes as well as information about other raw bloggers at this raw cyber-kitchen.
36. Too Juicy!. Ginger-carrot soup, strawberry shortcake, and samosas in red curry are among the recipes you can find on this blog.
37. The Raw Chef Blog. Don’t miss the incredible recipes on this blog including such treats as pesto and caramelized onion pizza and cherry and mango ice cream cup.

The News and Science Behind Raw

Stay on top of what is happening in the world of raw food and lifestyle or find out the latest scientific research with the information found in these blogs.

38. MyRawFoodBlog. This blog discusses everything from the biochemistry behind eating raw to how foods with unsaturated fats can reduce hunger cravings.
39. Raw Food Blog. Read about the latest research in raw food diets, health benefits for kids and adults alike, and much more on this blog that keeps those interested in raw eating in the know.
40. Raw Food, Right Now. This blog will help you learn how to make eating raw work for you or just keep you updated on what is happening in the raw food world.

Community

Taking on a less mainstream way of life can leave you feeling isolated and alone. These blogs strive to create community, support, and encouragement for those embracing the raw lifestyle.

41. Give it to Me Raw. This community of bloggers share support for weight loss, living healthily, and eating raw.
42. The Renegade Health Show. From advice from experts to recipes, these videos and blog posts will keep raw eaters connected and knowledgeable.
43. Pure Jeevan. Sprinkled among the "My Raw Story" posts about readers’ successes are great tips and information for raw foodies including travel tips and recipes.
44. Rawbin’s Bubble. Get connected to the raw community with the posts at this blog that share plenty of raw living adventures with those in both cyberspace and real life.
45. Real Food Tulsa. Penni Shelton’s search for healthier living through raw foods and natural health has lead to a community in Tulsa as well as surrounding communities that share her vision.
46. Karen Knowler * The Raw Food Coach. Whether you need professional help getting started on a raw food diet or starting your raw food business, find out information here or contact Karen for her professional services.
47. Raw Success. An 8 year raw veteran, Matt shares information and views from plenty of experts in the field via his videos and public speaking events.
48. Gone Raw. Get recipes posted all day long from members sharing their raw eating experiences here.
49. The Fresh Network Blog. Look for education and inspiration when it comes to living a raw food lifestyle on this community-effort blog out of the UK.
50. they like to give it to me raw. This blog aggregator brings the best of raw blogs to you every day.

By Donna Moore

Complementary and alternative medicine has become mainstream, and as such, there are a variety of high quality learning resources available online to study it. Whether you’re looking for a full course or tutorial, you’ll find plenty of useful education online. Read on to find 100 of these resources from universities, organizations, and more.

Introductory

Get started with alternative medicine through these courses.

1. Overview of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM): This class will teach you the basic information you need to know about complementary and alternative medicine. [NIH]
2. Alternative Medicine: A Physician’s Guide: Use this guide to get a physician’s introduction to alternative medicine. [UTMB]
3. Issues in Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Learn about a variety of issues in CAM through this learning resource. [The Open University]
4. Introduction to Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine: With this resource, you’ll get an overview of evidence-based CAM. [American Medical Student Association]
5. Advances in Integrative/Complementary & Alternative Medicine Education: Progress Notes: See how well CAM has come along in recent years through this presentation. [UTMB]
6. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Curriculum: Who Needs It? Educational Challenges: Find out why you should study complementary and alternative medicine with the help of this presentation from Dr. Victor Sierpina. [UTMB]
7. Alternative and Integrative Health Care Program, Year 1: You’ll get an introduction to CAM, the practice of medicine, and more in this learning resource. [UTMB]
8. Alternative and Integrative Health Care Program, Year 2: Follow this resource to learn about super foods, culture, physical fitness, and beyond in alternative medicine. [UTMB]
9. Alternative Therapies: Safety, Efficacy, Liability, and Rational Use: Get an introduction to using alternative therapies in medicine from this resource. [UTMB]
10. Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Follow this resource to get an introduction to CAM. [UTMB]
11. Integrative Medicine: Take this course to better understand the concept of integrative medicine. [NIH]

Traditional Medicine

Although these courses are not specifically about alternative medicine, they offer a good foundation for you to get started on.

12. The Duty of Oriental and Western Medicine: This resource offers an interpretation on the difference between Oriental and Western medicine. [Acupuncture.com]
13. General Biology: You’ll get a foundation in the study of biology from this course. [Johns Hopkins]
14. Human Growth and Development: This course will help you learn about human development through the lifespan. [Tufts]
15. Behavioral Endocrinology: In Behavioral Endocrinology, you’ll learn about the interrelationships between hormones, brain, and behavior. [Johns Hopkins]
16. Adolescent Health and Development: Use this course to get an understanding of the development that takes place during adolescence. [Johns Hopkins]
17. General Human Anatomy: Check out this course to learn about the functional anatomy of the human body. [Berkeley]
18. Introduction to Biology: Learn about the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology through this course. [MIT]

Alternative Medicine in Action

See how alternative medicine can be used through these courses.

19. CAM Web Cases: Get a look into the treatment and diagnosis of a variety of afflictions in this resource. [UTMB]
20. Integrating Alternative Therapies into Medical Practice: In this presentation, Dr. Victor Sierpina will show you how to integrate alternative therapies into your medical practice. [UTMB]
21. Auscultation and Olfaction: Use these methods of listening and smelling to diagnose a disease. [Hopkins Technology]

Holistic Medicine

These courses will help you learn more about holistic medicine.

22. Culture, Integrative Medicine, and Holism: This presentation will help you learn how holistic medicine works with culture and integrative medicine. [UTMB]
23. First Aid with Homeopathic Medicines: Check out this resource to learn how homeopathic medicines can be used in first aid. [Homeopathic.com]
24. Homeopathy-Foundations: Learn more about homeopathy before choosing it as a career by taking this course. [Hpathy]
25. The Role of Integrative Medicine in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: This resource from Dr. Alex Vasquez will help you see how integrative medicine can help in health and disease prevention. [UTMB]
26. Integrative Medicine: Using Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Office Practice: Dr. Victor Sierpina explains how complementary and alternative medicine can be used in your office practice. [UTMB]
27. Integrative Health Care: The Medicine of the Future: Check out this resource that discusses integrative health care as a medicine we’ll all be using in the future. [UTMB]
28. Why Homeopathy Makes Sense and Works: This in-depth resource explains a good deal about the reasons why homeopathy is a good medical field. [Homeopathic.com]
29. Homeopathy Elementary Course: Use this orientation course to learn the basics of homeopathy. [Hpathy]
30. Homeopathic Medicine and the Immune System: This resource explains how homeopathic medicine can influence the immune system. [Homeopathic.com]
31. Holistic Pediatrics: Follow this resource to learn all about using holistic medicine in pediatrics. [UTMB]

Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

Find out how acupuncture heals by taking these courses.

32. The Mechanism of Acupuncture: Dr. Charles Shang discusses how acupuncture works. [Acupuncute.com]
33. An Introduction to Acupuncture: Learn more about acupuncture through this course. [NIH]
34. Traditional Chinese Medicine: This learning resource will give you a good overview of the practices of traditional Chinese medicine. [University of Minnesota]
35. Chinese Medicine Basics: Learn the basics of Chinese medicine with the help of this learning resource. [Acupuncture.com]
36. Acupuncture, a Brief Introduction: Use this resource to learn more about the basics of acupuncture. [Acupuncture.com]
37. Acupuncture: An Evidence-Based Assessment: You’ll learn about the history, research, and more about acupuncture through this course. [NIH]
38. Acupuncture Point Location: Get the important details of acupuncture point location from this learning resource. [Acupuncture.com]
39. Acupuncture and Primary Care: See how acupuncture can be used in primary care through this presentation. [UTMB]
40. History of Acupuncture: Get an overview of acupuncture’s history from this resource. [Acupuncture.com]

Diseases & Illness

See how alternative medicine can influence a variety of diseases and afflictions through these courses.

41. Hyperthyroid Disorders: This course explains how alternative medicine and lifestyle influences can affect hyperthyroid disorders. [Suite101]
42. Breast Cancer: In this course, you’ll learn about alternative treatment options and approaches to breast cancer. [Suite101]
43. Arthritis: Alternative Therapies That Work (And Some That Don’t): This resource gives a good overview of alternative therapies that are helpful and harmful for arthritis. [UTMB]
44. Coping with Infertility: Find out some of the alternative treatments for infertility in this course. [Suite101]
45. Fibromyalgia: This course takes a look at some of the alternative treatments and non-traditional medicine available to sufferers of fibromyalgia. [Suite101]

Herbs & Dietary Supplements

Check out these courses to get an understanding of how herbs and dietary supplements work in alternative medicine.

46. Herbs and Other Dietary Supplements: You will learn about current research and use of herbs and dietary supplements in complementary and alternative medicine. [NIH]
47. Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life: Check out this presentation from Dr. Victor Sierpina to learn about superfoods. [UTMB]
48. Herbal Purity, Potency, and Regulation: From Garden to Pharmacy: This presentation discusses herbal medicine from start to finish. [UTMB]
49. What You Should Know About the Herbs Your Patients Are Taking: This resource offers information about monitoring the herbs taken by patients. [UTMB]
50. Critical Analysis of Popular Diets and Dietary Supplements: This course will help you learn how to cast a critical eye on supplements. [Johns Hopkins]
51. Botanical Medicines: Use this resource to learn about using botanical medicines for healing and preventive treatment. [University of Minnesota]
52. Over-the-Counter Supplement Interactions with Cancer Therapy: Be sure to check out this resource to learn how cancer therapy can be influenced by over the counter supplements. [UTMB]
53. Nutriceuticals: An Introduction and Overview with Practical Clinical Applications: Get a look at the applications of using nutriceuticals with the help of this presentation. [UTMB]
54. Herbal Medicines in the Perioperative Period: The ABC’s-Ask Before Cutting: This presentation discusses using herbal medicine as an alternative or complement to surgery. [UTMB]
55. Athletic Performance Herbal Nutrition: Check out this presentation from Dr. Victor Sierpina to learn how herbal nutrition can improve athletic performance. [UTMB]
56. Herbal Medicine-What’s the Evidence?: This presentation explores the evidence behind using herbs as medicine. [UTMB]

Mind-Body

See the power that the mind and emotions have over health with the help of these courses.

57. Mind-Body Medicine: Check out this course to learn about the way the mind affects health and medicine. [NIH]
58. Quick Guide for Cultures and Spiritual Traditions: Find out how cultures and spiritual traditions influence alternative medicine through this course. [UTMB]
59. Music, Mind-Body Medicine, and Surgery: Dr. Victor Sierpina discusses how mind-body medicine and music can help with surgery. [UTMB]
60. Overview of Meditation: Get an introduction to the essentials of meditation in this learning module. [University of Minnesota]
61. Overview of Prayer: This learning module discusses prayer as a tool for medicine. [University of Minnesota]
62. Health and Spirituality: Better understand the relationship between health and spiritual practice through this course. [NIH]
63. Selected and Timely Topics in Religion and Medical Care: Andrew French discusses religion and medical care in this resource. [UTMB]
64. Spirituality and Clinical Care: Dr. Kay Sandor discusses the intersection of spirituality and clinical care in this presentation. [UTMB]
65. Spirituality in Health Care: This learning resource is all about bringing spirituality into health care. [University of Minnesota]
66. Overview of Hypnosis: Get an understanding of the essentials of hypnosis through this learning module. [University of Minnesota]
67. Paths to Recovery: Paths to Recovery will help you learn about diverse treatments for depression. [Columbia]
68. Medicine, Religion and Politics in Africa and the African Diaspora: Find out how religion has an effect on health and medicine in Africa by studying this course. [MIT]
69. Mind-Body Medicine: the Relaxation Response-What, How, When, Why?: Check out this presentation to learn about mind-body medicine and relaxation. [UTMB]
70. How To Be Happy: Cultivate the conditions for happiness with the help of this course. [Columbia]
71. Buddhist Psychology: This course discusses mindfulness, meditation, and more. [Berkeley]
72. Challenging ideas in Mental Health: This course will ask you to look at mental health from a new perspective. [The Open University]
73. Spirituality in Healthcare: Dr. Victor Sierpina’s resource explains why spirituality has a place in healthcare. [UTMB]

Culture & Politics

See how culture and politics influence alternative medicine through these resources.

74. Introduction to Health Policy: Here you’ll learn about the basics of health policy. [Johns Hopkins]
75. Culture, Faith Traditions, and Healing: Through this course, you’ll learn about using faith and culture for healing. [University of Minnesota]
76. The Politics of Health Care: This lecture series will help you learn more about working with the politics of health care. [Columbia]

Treatment

In these courses, you’ll see a variety of alternative medicine treatments.

77. Introduction to Clinical Pain Problems: This course covers a variety of options for complementary and alternative medical use to treat pain problems. [Tufts]
78. Pain Management-Options from the Field of Complementary and Alternative Therapies: Find out how complementary and alternative therapies can play a role in pain management from this resource. [UTMB]
79. Clinical Aromatherapy: This course will help you better understand how to use aromatherapy in a clinical setting. [University of Minnesota]
80. Music Therapy: With the help of this learning module, you’ll see how music therapy can be used in medicine. [University of Minnesota]
81. Natural Health Strategies for Depression: Use this resource to learn how depression can be treated with natural health. [Homeopathic.com]
82. Antioxidants and Alternative Therapies for Cancer: Learn about using antioxidants and alternative therapies to treat cancer. [UTMB]
83. Alternate Approaches to Healing: You’ll get an introduction to treatment through complementary and alternative medicine in this course. [University of Washington]
84. Barriers to the Integration of Complementary/Alternative Medicine: The Case of Mind-Body Medicine: Dr. John Astin’s presentation will help you understand the barriers of using mind-body medicine. [UTMB]
85. Alternative and Integrative Approaches to the Woman with Dysmenorrhea, PMS, Menopause: This presentation offers relief to women with hormonal issues. [UTMB]
86. Christ Mind-Buddha Body: Alternative Self Healing: This online tutorial in alternative medicine kinesiology offers guidance in 10 different priorities. [Dr. Phillip Petersen]

Manipulation & Manual Therapy

Explore the treatments of manipulation and manual therapy in these learning resources.

87. Massage: In this learning module, you’ll see how massage is used in medicine and health. [University of Minnesota]
88. Whole Body Vibration: A New Exercise Approach: Martha Hinman covers the essentials of whole body vibration as exercise. [UTMB]
89. Craniosacral Therapy: Get an understanding of what craniosacral therapy is, and how it can be used by studying this learning module. [University of Minnesota]
90. Reflexology: Study this resource to learn more about using reflexology. [University of Minnesota]
91. Manipulative and Body-Based Therapies: Chiropractic and Spinal: This course takes a look at chiropractic medicine, manipulation, and more. [NIH]
92. Healing Touch: With this module, you’ll learn how to use healing touch. [University of Minnesota]
93. Chiropractic: Use this course, and you’ll be able to get a good overview of Chiropractic practice. [University of Minnesota]
94. Reiki: Check out this course to learn all about using Reiki for healing. [University of Minnesota]
95. Manual Therapies: Osteopathy: In this module, you can expect to find an overview of osteopathy. [University of Minnesota]
96. Yoga: With the help of this course, you’ll be able to understand how to use yoga as a medical tool. [University of Minnesota]
97. Yoga and the Heart: This resource explains how yoga can benefit the heart. [UTMB]

Well-Being

These courses focus on using alternative medicine for overall well being.

98. Complimentary and Alternative Medicine and Aging: Learn about the principles of complementary and alternative medicine and how they relate to the aging process. [NIH]
99. Living with Grace, Aging with Grace: The Art & Science of Meditation: Dr. John Astin covers the art and science of meditation as it relates to aging in this presentation. [UTMB]
100. Developing a Personal Plan for Health & Well-Being: This resource will help you learn more about health and well being. [University of Minnesota]

Nutrition and fitness are two very important aspects of health, and there’s a lot of information about them available online. Some of the best information is found through Open CourseWare classes, offered by universities and organizations. Here, we’ll take a look at more than 50 of the resources that you can use to get an education in fitness and nutrition.

Introductory

Follow these courses to get started.

1. Introductory Nutrition: This course offers a survey covering the basic facts and principles of nutrition. [University of Texas]
2. Introduction to Human Nutrition: In this introductory course, you’ll learn about the digestion and metabolism of nutrients. [Berkeley]
3. Nutrition, Exercise, and Aging: Check out this resource to learn more about how nutrition and exercise influence the aging process. [Tufts]
4. Human Growth and Nutrition: Follow this course, and you’ll learn how nutrition, fitness, and more influence growth. [Tufts]

Diets

These courses will help you learn more about diets.

5. Critical Analysis of Popular Diets and Dietary Supplements: Take this course, and you’ll be equipped to critically appraise a weight control diet or dietary supplement. [Johns Hopkins]
6. Low-Carb Living: In this course, you’ll learn about guidelines, meal plans, and more for low carbohydrate living. [Suite101]
7. Vegetarian Diet: This course offers a full overview of eating a vegetarian diet. [Suite101]
8. Meat Eaters: This course takes a look at the biology of various meat eaters. [The Open University]

Nutrition

These courses cover various topics in nutrition.

9. Proteins: Study proteins, including their molecular makeup and how they are digested in this course. [Open University]
10. Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life: In this course, you’ll learn all about the useful properties found in fourteen superfoods. [UTMB]
11. Organic Food 101: Find out why and how you should eat organic food from this course. [Suite101]
12. Methods of Assessing Nutrition and Body Composition: Using this course, you’ll be able to learn how to assess nutrition and body composition. [UTMB]
13. Vitamins and Minerals: Get an understanding of vitamins and minerals through this course. [Open University]
14. Mind Mapping for Nutrition: Learn about life stages, nutrition assessments, and more in this resource. [Tufts]
15. Principles of Human Nutrition: Take this course, and you’ll get an overview of the requirements and functions of nutrition in humans. [Johns Hopkins]
16. Biology of Water and Health: Learn about water, health, nutrition and cognition through this course. [Tufts]

Fitness

Learn about activities and more in these fitness courses.

17. Weight Training: In this course, you’ll get instruction for proper weight lifting techniques. [MIT]
18. Backpacking: This course discusses important tips, gear, and more for backpacking. [Suite101]
19. Improving Aerobic Fitness: This course will help you learn how to better develop your aerobic fitness. [Open University]
20. Whole Body Vibration: A New Exercise Approach: Learn from Martha Hinman how whole body vibration can be used as exercise. [UTMB]
21. Sporting Activities in the Environment: Learn how to use the environment as a setting for physical activity through this course. [University of Alicante]
22. Walking: The tutorial Walking is all about the benefits of walking, creating a walking program, and more. [Suite101]
23. Archery: Get the basics of indoor target archery through this course. [MIT]
24. Chemistry of Sports: Check out this course, and you’ll learn about the chemistry of biological systems in the sports of swimming, cycling, and running. [MIT]
25. SCUBA: Study this course to learn all of the knowledge and skills necessary to become a certified beginning SCUBA diver. [MIT]
26. PE for ME: Learn more about physical intelligence from PE for ME. [MIT]
27. Physical Intelligence: Physical Intelligence will teach you all about the cognitive thought and work that goes into physical activity. [MIT]
28. Funding Elite Sport: This course discusses the organization and funding issues behind elite sports. [The Open University]
29. Fencing: This course offers the fundamentals of fencing, with bladework, footwork, and more. [MIT]
30. Tennis: This course offers an instructional knowledge of playing tennis. [MIT]
31. Yoga and the Heart: Using this resource, you can see how yoga affects the heart. [UTMB]
32. The Impact of Physical Activity and Obesity on Academic Achievement Among Elementary Students: Follow this study to see how physical factors can influence academics. [Connexions]
33. Sailing: Learn a series of sailing skills with the help of this course. [MIT]
34. Horseback Riding 101: Horseback Riding 101 is all about learning how to ride horses. [Suite101]
35. Active, Healthy Lifestyles: Check out this course to learn about some of the common misconceptions surrounding fitness and activity.

Medicine

See how fitness and nutrition play a part in medicine through these courses.

36. Nutrition and Medicine: This course discusses the theoretical and clinical aspects of nutrition. [Tufts]
37. Christ Mind-Buddha Body: Alternative Self Healing: Check out this online tutorial to learn about 10 different priorities for kinesiology. [Dr. Phillip Petersen]
38. Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology: Take this course to learn about the pathophysiology of a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. [Tufts]
39. Gastroenterology: This course will teach you about the gastrointestinal tract and associated systems. [MIT]
40. Pathophysiology of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism: Take this course to learn more about the endocrine system. [Tufts]

Culture & Politics

In these courses, you’ll see how culture and politics influence nutrition and fitness.

41. Food for Thought: Writing and Reading about Food and Culture: This writing course is all about the discussion of food and culture. [MIT]
42. Food and Nutrition Policy: In this course, you’ll learn about the policy making processes that address nutrition problems and issues. [Johns Hopkins]
43. Food and Power in the Twentieth Century: Find out how food has transformed over the last 100 years in this course. [MIT]
44. International Nutrition: International Nutrition discusses major nutritional problems that affect the health and survival of developing societies around the world. [Johns Hopkins]
45. Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health: Check out this course to see how social and behavioral aspects can influence nutrition, fitness, and health. [Johns Hopkins]
46. Contemporary Biosocial Problems in America: Check out this course to get a look at how nutrition, fitness, and more are problems for some Americans. [Tufts]
47. Food Production, Public Health, and the Environment: Get an understanding of the way food production, security, and the environment affects public health.
48. Musculoskeletal Pathophysiology: Study this course to learn about a variety of disorders that can influence fitness. [Tufts]

Food Safety

These courses examine the impact of food safety.

49. Biological Agents of Water and Foodborne Bioterrorism: In this presentation, you’ll learn about the various biological agents that terrorists could use against food or water supplies. [Johns Hopkins]
50. Water and Wastewater Treatment Engineering: Get an overview of engineering approaches to protecting water quality in this course. [MIT]
51. Food Safety, Storage and Allergies: In this course, you’ll get a look at the safety of foods in storage, additives, and new trends in food technology. [Utah State]
52. Potable Water Treatment: See how water is conditioned through this learning resource. [The Open University]

By Donna Moore

Just because your mind is in the mood for sex doesn’t mean your body is ready. Libido is affected by many factors, including diet and overall health. With these foods and recipes, however, you and your partner can sync up your sex drives by eating indulgent and exotic foods like caviar or oysters, or everyday foods like almonds and avocados that secretly work overtime to get you in the mood.

Romantic Recipes

For date night, try out these romantic recipes and ingredients that are ideal for getting your mind and body ready for bed.

1. Foie gras: Foie gras is often associated with decadence, and it’s also a natural libido booster.
2. Wild salmon: Wild salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for circulation and the brain.
3. Caviar: Impress your date with caviar, a first-class food that contains omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin A, which work together to stimulate testosterone.
4. Low Fat Recipes: Meals that are low in saturated fat are good for overall sexual performance, especially in men, who want to keep their erections.
5. Olive oil: Cook with olive oil, a healthy substitute for saturated fat that still gives your body enough cholesterol to produce testosterone and estrogen.
6. Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes contain Vitamin E, which is a vitamin that is excellent for the heart and libido because it prevents cellular waste, slows down menopausal symptoms and is a source of estrogen.
7. Brown rice: Brown rice contains protein, Vitamin E and is good for your heart, too.
8. Halibut: Fish like halibut are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are good for sexual health in general.
9. Chicken broth: Here you can find a recipe for chicken broth that is loaded with libido-enhancing ingredients like cayenne pepper, onion, chives, tumeric and more.
10. Strawberries: According to this article, strawberries are rich in fiber, which helps blood flow, and vitamin C, which keeps erections strong by fighting free radicals. They’re also a romantic food that go well with chocolate and champagne.

Sources of Zinc and Protein

Protein is one of the main ingredients of the heart-healthy sex diet. It boosts sperm production in men and is also great for increasing your stamina.

11. Oysters: Oysters are rich in zinc, which boosts sperm production, as well as dopamine, which can increase your libido.
12. Avocado: Make guacamole or add avocado to your salad, because this vegetable metabolizes proteins and increases stamina and energy. Avocados also contain potassium and B6, which are good libido-boosters.
13. Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are great sources of zinc, so lay some out as snacks before bed.
14. Oats: Holistic nurse practitioner Ellen Kamhi reveals that oats are wonderful for increasing your sex drive because "they contain zinc, proteins and minerals needed to produce healthy seminal fluids."
15. Figs: Figs are rich in amino acids, which can increase libido.
16. Pine nuts: Pine nuts are another great source of zinc.
17. Dried peaches: Dried peaches have the most Vitamin E of any fruit.
18. Peanut butter: Peanut butter contains dietary fiber, protein, Vitamin E and folate.
19. Almonds: Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, protein and zinc, which are all good for helping blood flow, stamina and overall libido.
20. Turkey: Make yourself a turkey sandwich or your date a whole turkey dinner. Turkey is a good source of zinc.

Spices

Add spices like curry, cumin and cayenne pepper to your meals for an instant boost to your blood flow and for heightened sensitivity.

21. Cayenne pepper: You can add cayenne pepper–a warming spice that increases blood flow–to almost any dinner dish, as long as your date is used to hot foods and won’t suffer from indigestion.
22. Chili pepper: Chili pepper improves circulation.
23. Curry: Curry is another spice that warms up your entire body and can make sexual organs more sensitive.
24. Cumin: Cumin is a warm spice that has long been associated with boosting libido.

Beverages

These drinks can also work as aphrodisiacs. Just be careful not to overindulge, or you might feel gassy or lethargic.

25. Skim milk: High in Vitamin E, skim milk can easily be added to cereal, coffee or drunk on its own.
26. Red wine: Red wine promotes blood flow and can instantly boost your desire. Too much can make you sleepy and sloppy, though, so drink in moderation.
27. Champagne: Besides being romantic, champagne is also good for circulation and blood flow.

Easy Snacks

From hard-boiled eggs to granola, this group of snack foods has some surprising aphrodisiacs.

28. Asparagus: Asparagus sometimes gets a bad reputation for making urine smell bad, but if you eat it well ahead of time, it helps with histamine production, which men and women need for orgasms.
29. Bananas: Bananas can instantly boost energy, and they contain the bromelain enzyme, which helps increase men’s libido.
30. Artichokes: Artichokes were apparently considered to be a strong aphrodisiac in the 16th century, and women weren’t even allowed to eat them.
31. Celery: Celery contains androsterone, the same hormone that is released through male perspiration and attracts women.
32. Hard-boiled eggs: Eggs contain B6 and B5, which are especially useful in boosting libido on men and help reduce stress
33. Chocolate: Besides being delicious and a sexy food staple, chocolate, especially dark chocolate, containes antioxidants, serotonin and theobromine, which are stimulants that can improve your mood.
34. Granola: At first, granola doesn’t sound like a sexy food, but mixes full of walnuts, cashews, root vegetables and oatmeal are rich in L-Arginine, which helps male sexual performance.
35. Cinnamon: Sprinkle cinnamon on your yogurt or make your date some cinnamon cookies. Cinnamon is said to be another warming spice.
36. Fruit salad: A Vitamin E-rich fruit salad contains apples, blackberries, apricots, grapes and mangoes.
37. Caffeine: For women, caffeine is being studied as a possible libido booster.
38. Sardines: Sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are especially good for increasing male libido.

Herbs

Cook with herbs like maca, basil and ginger to add extra libido enhancers to any meal.

39. Maca: Maca is an herb that improves stamina and endurance, elevates your mood, reduces menopausal symptoms and reduces erection problems.
40. Ginger: Ginger increases circulation in the genital area.
41. Basil: Basil is a warming herb, promotes circulation, and was once considered by the Greeks to be their royal herb.
42. Korean ginseng: Korean ginseng is a natural stimulant and when taken over long periods of time, increases testosterone levels.
43. Yohimbe: This West African herb increases circulation in the genital area in just one hour.
44. Garlic: Garlic, or garlic capsules, works to increase blood flow to your genital area.
45. Saffron: Saffron is rich in picrocrocin, which makes sexual organs more sensitive.

Miscellaneous

For even more aphrodisiacs, check here. You’ll find foods and ingredients like soy, Goji berries and more.

46. Soy: Soy helps women stay lubricated and can lower or even prevent some signs of menopause.
47. Goji berries: According to NaturalNews.com, goji berries "are known as a strong sexual tonic" in Asia, and "they increase testosterone levels, which stimulates libido in both men and women."
48. Ho shou wu leaves: This plant is supposedly high in Lecithin, "which is known to help produce the sexual juice and fluids," according to RaiseLibido.com.
49. Bee pollen: Bee pollen increases sperm count.
50. Raw foods: Raw foods can improve energy, promote weight loss and digestion, and boost your mood.

By Donna Moore

Staying healthy the natural way doesn’t have to be difficult. If you have a positive attitude, good nutrition, exercise and fitness, and mental health, you are on your way to a solid foundation for natural wellness. The following blogs touch on these topics and more and provide you with many excellent ways to keep your health and wellness in top shape. Take a look below to see what you can do to change your lifestyle for the better today.

Wellness Blogs

These blogs share ideas on staying well naturally through positive attitudes, finding balance in life, embracing happiness, and plenty more great perspectives.

1. Health and Wellness Blog. Covering topics such as organic gardens, fitness, sleep, and fortifying your immune system through food, this blog will keep you stocked with great ideas for natural wellness.
2. Well Blog. From the New York Times, this blog covers healthy eating, a positive approach to a cancer diagnosis, and more.
3. Wellness Bites. Read the latest news and research in health and wellness with this blog that provides a natural approach to it all.
4. Balanced Life Center. Find guidance, tips, and a sense of community through the posts at this blog that helps readers find balance and wellness.
5. authenticinsight.com. This blog, written by a life coach, focuses on subjects that include meditation, yoga, positive thinking, and other wellness topics.
6. BeThree. This super-cool blog teaches how to find the best balance between body, mind, and soul.
7. Rituals to Invite Balance and Well-being. Read what others have to say or submit your own ideas on how to maintain well-being at this blog.
8. The Happiness Project. Join the experiment as this woman experiments with various ways for finding happiness. Be sure to check in on Wednesdays for tip day.
9. The Positivity Blog. Become inspired to stay positive and find the beauty in life with the posts on this uplifting blog.
10. Fingertips. While this blog is written by a massage therapist and does focus some on massage, the general tone is that of promoting health and wellness through natural means.

Alternative Healing Blogs

From Ayurvedic remedies to qi gong to herbal medicine, these blogs bring you many styles of alternative, natural healing modalities.

11. Leung’s Chinese Herb News. This blog shares the experience of an expert in Chinese herbs.
12. Ayurvedic Home Remedies. Find remedies for a number of problems–all based on the Ayurvedic approach to medicine.
13. Fran’s House of Ayurveda. Get healing Ayurveda recipes with explanations for appropriateness or alterations for each of the three doshas.
14. Herb-blog-ogy. If you are interested in the healing properties of herbs, get news, research, and reviews about herbs on this blog.
15. Reiki Matt’s Blog. Find the latest news and information about the Japanese practice of Reiki in Matt’s blog.
16. Qigong Blog. Learn about this ancient art of Chinese medicine that incorporates breathing and body postures to maintain good health.
17. Meditation Oasis. A companion to the Meditation Oasis podcasts, this blog offers guided meditations.
18. Stone Lantern Shiatsu. This blog, devoted to Shiatsu, talks about natural healing and also offers links to other Shiatsu resources as well.
19. Reflexology Live. Get information, tips, and techniques on hand and foot reflexology you can use in your daily life.
20. Applied Alexander Blog. Find out about the Alexander Technique and how and why it works as a hands-on approach to healing at this blog.

Exercise and Fitness Blogs

Staying fit through exercise, nutrition, and healthy living is an excellent way to help stay well naturally. These blogs will help you do just that.

21. That’s Fit. From a healthier Hanukkah to the top 5 fitness moves, find ways to stay fit naturally with this blog.
22. Grounded Fitness. With posts about healthy eating, various exercises, and more, this blog will help you find your fitness groove.
23. Fit Bottomed Girls. These two women post about fitness and health, with a little humor thrown in for good measure.
24. MizFit. Don’t take MizFit too seriously, except when it comes to fitness. This popular blog includes videos by MizFit, tips and trends, and much more.
25. Go Healthy Go Fit. From celebrity fitness routines to amino acids to staying fit in a sedentary world, this blog offers interesting fitness posts with a bit different perspective.
26. Coed Fitness Tips. This husband and wife team blog about easy ways that everyone can get fit with posts about their exercise and fitness routines, body facts, and more.
27. Mark’s Daily Apple. Get daily health and fitness tips from Mark at this blog.
28. Healthbolt. Peppered with plenty of give-aways, this blog also offers advice and tips on health and fitness.
29. The Fitness Blackbook. With a title and photos that infer this site is targeted to men, the posts include tips for motivation, exercise and training, food, and more.
30. Cranky Fitness. Get health, fitness, nutrition, and more at this blog written by Crabby McSlacker and Merry Sunshine.
31. Living Healthy in the Real World. With posts that cover nutrition, diet, exercise, and healthy living, this blog offers lots of food for thought.
32. The Everything Yoga Blog. Read the posts to gain information that will help you improve your yoga practice.
33. Tai Chi Blog. This blog shares the benefits of tai chi as well as techniques and links to videos to help improve your tai chi practice.

Nutrition Blogs

Good nutrition is one of the smartest ways to keep your body and your mind in top shape. Read these blogs for great ideas and education on nutrition.

34. TheIFLife. Find plenty of advice on ways to stay fit and healthy at this blog that covers topics on health through better nutrition.
35. Farmgirl Fare. In between all the "daily dose of cute" photos, you can find information topics such as homemade bread, mushrooms, and farm-fresh eggs.
36. CalorieLab Diet News. Find out about dieting, exercise and more on this blog.
37. Modern Forager. Learn about nutrition and healthy foods with this blog.
38. Tri to Cook. Delicious meets nutritious at this blog that provides both delicious recipes and photos.
39. eating bender. This young woman, interested in health and wellness, blogs about food, especially as it pertains to eating healthily and intuitively.
40. Hangry Pants. Meet the Hangry Pants couple, Heather and Mark, who both blog on their experiences at eating healthier. They both often try 30-day experiment diets such as going vegetarian or with no high fructose corn syrup.
41. Megan’s Munchies. Promoting a healthy lifestyle and "everything in moderation," Megan offers lots of delicious sweet treats.
42. Meals from the Girl in the Little Black Dress. With the goal of eating healthily and balanced, this blogger shares her meals that help her stay energized and wearing her little black dress.
43. Eating Bird Food. Find out what type of healthy foods this woman eats on her blog.
44. Elise’s Eats. With a combination of both store-bought and home-made foods, this blogger shares her healthy meals.
45. Kath Eats Real Food. Starting the blog at the request of family and friends, Kath posts photos and recipes of healthy meals and snacks.

Vegetarian Blogs

People embrace vegetarian and vegan diets for many different reasons, but there is no denying that if done properly, these diets can help you stay in great health. These blogs offer recipes, food ideas, and more.

46. Albion Cooks. Find healthy, nutritious, and delicious vegetarian recipes at this blog.
47. 28 Cooks. This blog features recipes for vegetarians who eat seafood and fish and includes great photos of the dishes as well.
48. zenpawn. Read about vegan food, the politics of food, and more at this blog with a conscience.
49. Tinned Tomatoes. This Scottish vegetarian posts include delicious recipes with enticing photos, food contests, and more.
50. Say Yes to Salad. Find everything from snacks to dessert to bento lunches at this vegetarian blog that is much more than salad.
51. A Fat Cat Who Created a Vegetarian. With a focus on healthy living through better nutrition, this blogger posts vegetarian and vegan recipes along with plenty of other information.
52. VeggieGirl. Find healthy vegan baking ideas and recipes at this blog.
53. Bread and Butter. Not only will you find delicious vegetarian recipes and their gorgeous photos on this lovely blog, but each is also accompanied by a quote relevant to the dish.
54. Bok Choy Bohemia. The recipes here are all vegetarian, and mostly vegan. Try some of these mouth-watering dishes for healthier eating.
55. Mental Masala. With plenty of posts about food and recipes, this blog also offers posts on other topics such as family farms and what makes a person litter.

Gluten-Free Blogs

Whether you have a gluten sensitivity or are just searching for a healthier way to eat, these blogs will provide you with plenty of delicious recipes.

56. Karina’s Kitchen. After a diagnosis of Celiac disease, this cook started creating delicious gluten-free recipes and shares them on her blog.
57. Our Gluten Free Family. This blog not only provides gluten free recipes, it also offers news and information with a holistic approach to health.
58. A Gluten Free Guide. Written by a woman with Celiac disease, this blog offers recipes, suggestions for restaurants, and more for those eating gluten-free.
59. Gluten Free for Good. Get great recipes for gluten-free food and more from this blog written by a nutrition therapist.
60. Gluten Free Goodness. This gluten-free blog offers recipes that are not only gluten-free, but also dairy, soy, egg, and corn-free.
61. Book of Yum. Find gluten-free, vegetarian recipes on this blog that also features reviews of restaurants and commercial food.
62. Gluten-Free Girl. This incredibly popular blog features healthy gluten-free dishes created by Shauna and often features the culinary skills of her husband, a professional chef.
63. Gluten Free Gobsmacked. Get great gluten-free recipes and also follow along as this couple is adopting a baby girl from Korea.
64. Gluten-Free Fun. This woman has plenty of experience living gluten-free and not only shares recipes and food ideas, but gluten-free information about products as she finds it.
65. Daring to Thrive. The posts at this blog not only provide recipes for gluten-free food, but they also contain the background to the dish or other interesting information.

Other Alternative Diet Blogs

From dairy-free to macrobiotic to allergy-friendly, the diets in these blogs offer nutritious and healthy ways to eat on alternative diets.

66. Cindalou’s Kitchen Blues. Get great gluten-free and dairy-free recipes from this award-winning blog.
67. My Paleo Kitchen. Get photos and descriptions of this woman’s approach to eating a paleo diet on the cheap.
68. The Milk-Free Blog. Get product information and recipes to help support a dairy-free diet on this blog from GoDairyFree.org.
69. Fear and Loathing in the Kitchen. Learn to enjoy food no matter what type of diet restrictions you may have with the experience of this blogger who has followed various types of health diets including gluten and dairy-free.
70. The Hip Chick’s Guide to Macrobiotics Blog . This blog will tell you what you need to know about a macrobiotic diet and offers a few recipes as well.
71. Eat Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free, and Low-Sugar Blog. Heather Strang posts recipes as well as packaged foods that fit the criteria of the blog name.
72. Please Don’t Pass the Nuts. Allergic Girl shares her food and restaurant experiences at this fun blog that shows you can still enjoy food with food allergies.

Mental Health Blogs

The connection between mind and body is undeniable. Keeping healthy mentally is a key to overall wellness. Follow these blogs for ways to stay mentally healthy.

73. Finding Optimism. This blog focuses on creating strong mental health through a positive outlook.
74. Centre for Emotional Well-Being. This blog offers advice for those looking to improve their outlook on life–with a heavy emphasis on body image.
75. Beach Walks with Rox. Join Roxanne and her dog on their walks along a Hawaiian beach with this inspirational video blog.
76. A Highly Sensitive Woman’s New Perspective on Mental Illness. Share this woman’s experience as she blogs about her journey to mental health.
77. Between Us Girls. Get life lessons to help you grow into the person you want to be with this blog.
78. A Woman’s Guide to Saner Living. Learn how to live a more fulfilling life through a shift in perspective and thoughtful choices with this blog.
79. Sally Huss–Addicted to Happiness. This inspirational blog provides tips on how to appreciate the beauty of life and find your happiness.
80. BwhoUR. Going from a hectic urban lifestyle to life on a cattle farm in Texas, this blogger shares her journey to slow things down and find herself.
81. Becoming Your StellarSelf. This blogger offers tips to learn how to improve your quality of life through better living.
82. Nantes Daily Photos. From to unusual sky shots to pieces of everyday life, these daily photos offer a fresh perspective that is sometimes humorous and often thought-provoking and moving.

Going Organic and Green Blogs

Eating and wearing organic goods and going green in your lifestyle will help your health and the environment. These blogs offer lots of ways to do it all.

83. Natural Health & Organic Living Blog: NaturalBuy.com. From the climate change debate to snowflakes to the healing properties of salty air, this blog covers a wide range of natural health and organic topics.
84. ecosalon. Be eco-friendly and healthy in style with the posts at this blog that touch on raw food, organic produce, and looking good while going green.
85. Green Daily. Find out about topics such as the safety of supplements from China to surcharges for not finishing your food in a restaurant.
86. care2 Blogs. With a focus on green living, community, and social issues, this blog offers information, tips, news, and more.
87. Organic Guide. Included in this blog are posts about organic food topics such as growing your own sprouts, finding a good juicer, and recipes.
88. Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. From organic peppers to organic coconut oil to the top five health issues in America, this blog touches on lots of organic and health issues.
89. DeliciousLiving Magazine Blog. This blog brings a variety of topics including nutrition, alternative healing, living green, and more.

Healthy Family Blogs

From pediatric massage to no high fructose corn syrup to breastfeeding, these blogs are all about a natural approach to wellness for the family.

90. Nature Moms Blog. This mom shares ideas and suggestions for a more healthy, natural approach to parenting.
91. Liddle Kidz Infant and Pediatric Massage Blog. This blog discusses health benefits of massage for infants and children and also discusses other pediatric health and wellness subjects.
92. Dr. Shu Says. This pediatrician, who is also a mother, blogs about keeping kids and families healthy with posts ranging from exercise to healthy lunches to harmful chemicals in plastics.
93. Healthy Child Healthy World. With an emphasis on organics and going green, this blog provides tips for improving children’s health through better nutrition.
94. Smart Foods Healthy Kids smart mama blog. This blog promotes nutritional education for children, parents, and caregivers with topics that revolve around smart food choices.
95. Nourishing Thoughts. Written by a nurse, this blog focuses on healthy nutrition for children.
96. A Life Less Sweet. Read about this family’s experience of following a diet without high fructose corn syrup with recommendations for food as well as news on the subject.
97. Natural Childbirth for the "Hip Chick". This experienced mom talks about childbirth and caring for a newborn on this blog.
98. Breastfeeding123. An experienced mother of three and breastfeeding counselor offers tips, news, and support for breastfeeding at this blog.
99. Allergy Moms. Focusing specifically on food allergies, these moms blog about allergy-safe lunches, food allergies and grades, money-saving tips, and more.
100. YummyAllergenFree. Written by a mother of three children with food allergies, this blog provides recipes, support, and more for families dealing with food allergies.

For generations people have tried to find ways to live a long life full of happiness. While the following list is not the missing fountain of youth, it is filled with plenty of information that can help you keep your body and mind in top shape to help promote longevity and quality of life. From healthy eating to staying in physical and mental health to staying safe, you will find suggestions you can use. You can even find advice from some of those who have lived to see their 100th birthday.

Eating Habits

Make sure you are engaging in healthy eating habits to help your body and mind stay healthy.

1. Eat small meals. Eat small meals several times throughout the day rather than one or two big meals. The constant nutrition feeds your body all day and reduces the blood sugar swings, which is easier on your body.
2. Eat breakfast. Don’t skip the most important meal of the day. Even if you just eat a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts, you are giving your body the nutrients to start your day.
3. Cut calories. Eating fewer calories may help your body produce important chemicals that help promote longevity in mammals.
4. Increase proteins. Increasing specific proteins, especially when coupled with cutting calories, has been shown to increase longevity by 30-50%.
5. Don’t overeat. Eating too much food not only causes weight gain, but it puts stress on various systems in your body such as the cardiovascular system and your bones and joints.
6. Avoid fad diets. These diets usually are not a healthy way to eat and weight lost on these diets typically comes back after you stop the diet. Instead, readjust your ways of eating to include healthier, more natural food in appropriate portion sizes.
7. Go natural. Select only the best foods for your body. Don’t depend on prepackaged foods, instead, take the time to learn how and why you should eat naturally.
8. Organic. Eliminate unnecessary chemicals by eating organic food. Check out resources such as Organic Guide for news, recipes, and more.
9. Eat balanced. Get a balance of several fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins in your diet rather than relying on just one or two staples.
10. Reduce fast food. The unhealthy oils, preservatives, and quality of fast food will not promote your longevity, so reduce the amount you eat or give it up altogether.
11. Eat slowly. Savor your food and eat slowly so that you can give your body time to digest as you go. This will help prevent overeating.

Nutrition

Good nutrition is key to longevity as you need the best food and drink to fuel your body. Find out below some great suggestions for good nutrition.

12. Drink water. Opt for water rather than sodas or juice and make sure you are getting at least 8 glasses a day to keep your body hydrated.
13. Reduce processed foods. Processed foods include unhealthy fats, artificial colors, and preservatives, all of which work against the health of your body and provide no nutritional value.
14. Add superfoods to your diet. Superfood are foods that are packed with plenty of nutrition that helps you fight off illness and increase longevity. Check out this list of foods you may want to make sure you include on your next grocery list.
15. Drink red wine. Some studies indicate that drinking wine in moderation can increase longevity. Red wine, especially, shows promise with reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
16. Eat garlic. Garlic is thought to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and is also an antifungal and antiviral agent.
17. Mediterranean diet. Following a Mediterranean-style diet can reduce your chances of cancer and heart disease, according to at least one study.
18. Fish oil. This nutrient, either obtained through eating fish or taking a good-quality supplement, not only increases overall physical health, it also helps boost your brain power.
19. Antioxidants. Eating fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants helps combat the overproduction of free radicals, tiny molecules that can destroy cells and tissue in the body.
20. Okinawa Food Pyramid. This way of eating is a balance of nutrition from the Japanese region that boasts the most documented centegenarians in the world.
21. Eliminate white sugar. Using natural sweeteners in place of refined sugar keeps blood-sugar levels at a even keel, which helps promote a healthy cardiovascular system, and helps reduce cholesterol.
22. Green tea. Full of antioxidants, green tea is an excellent drink to have every day and one used for centuries in Asian cultures.
23. Kombucha. Try this fermented tea for a health elixir that many claim provides a plethora of health benefits from detoxifying the body to boosting metabolism to aiding digestion.

Exercise

Exercising every day will help your body stay in top working order, which will help you live a longer life.

24. Take the stairs. This is an easy one to do any time you see an elevator. If you are only going one or two floors, take the stairs instead of the elevator.
25. Yoga. Not only is yoga an excellent low-impact form of exercise, its benefits also extend to mental well-being.
26. Do something every day. Whether you take a walk around the block, work in the garden, or go to the gym, do something physical every day even if time is an issue.
27. Motivation. Find a reason to keep moving. This list offers great ideas to keep you motivated for physical activity.
28. Low cost. If not having a gym membership is your excuse for not exercising, then find ways to exercise with little or no cost involved. Not only will you be doing your body good, but you can reduce the stress of financial expenses as well.
29. Ride a bike. You are never too old or too young to enjoy riding a bike. Not only is it great exercise, you can also enjoy the company of others while you do it.
30. Work in the yard. If you love gardening or just want to mow the grass to an acceptable level, working in the yard not only provides exercise, but you will finish your task with a sense of accomplishment you can see.
31. Sex. Enjoy safe sex with your partner. Not only does it make you feel good and bring you closer to your partner, it has also been shown to improve your health with its cardiovascular benefits.
32. Tai Chi. This ancient form of exercise uses a graceful form of stretching to keep your body and your mind physically fit.
33. Swim. This low-impact exercise is one of the best ways to improve your physical health and can be done outside when it’s warm and inside during the colder months.

Physical Health and Wellness

Taking good care of your body will definitely help you reach a ripe old age. From learning breathing techniques to reduce stress, to stopping smoking, these tips will help you stay physically healthy.

34. Good genetics. Unfortunately, you can’t do much to change this aspect, but having the genetic component for longevity will certainly give you a boost.
35. Learn to breathe. Certain ways of breathing can calm your nervous system and help reduce your stress. Learn breathing techniques and make them a part of your daily life.
36. Check-ups. Preventative healthcare prevents major illnesses and promotes longevity, so visit your doctor at least once a year to ensure you are staying healthy.
37. Professional teeth cleaning. Neglected dental health can lead to other physical illnesses, so visit your dentist and get your teeth cleaned twice a year.
38. Floss. Infections that develop in your gums can quickly spread to other parts of your body, so maintain a flossing habit to promote dental health.
39. Maintain a healthy weight. Constantly losing and gaining large amounts of weight puts stress on your body, so keep your weight at a healthy place without the fluctuations.
40. Protect your skin. Protect your skin all year round to from damaging rays by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing.
41. Massage. Not only does massage serve as a wonderful form of relaxation, it also provides many health benefits as well.
42. Holistic approach. A holistic approach to physical wellness takes into account the body, spirit, mind, and emotions and can improve your life.
43. Alcohol. Drinking alcohol in moderation is important to longevity and quality of life. Overdoing it can ruin relationships, careers, and safety of yourself and others.
44. Stop smoking. Smoking can bring on a whole host of health problems, many of which are very serious. Stop smoking now, or better yet, don’t even start.

Mental Health and Wellness

Being in a healthy state of mind not only contributes to a better quality of life, but it also contributes to a healthier one too. Use these tips to stay mentally healthy.

45. Laugh. Laughter keeps you young and healthy, especially if you are sharing your joy with friends and loved ones.
46. Meditation. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress and can help you refocus when you feel overwhelmed. Learn some simple types of meditation you can do first thing in the morning, throughout your day, or at the end of the day as a way to wind down.
47. Don’t forget your brain. Keeping your brain in top shape will help keep your mental edge sharp as you age.
48. Be grateful. Taking the time to reflect on the wonderful aspects of your life and being grateful positively affects physical health.
49. Forgive. Learn to let go of anger and grudges rather than dwelling on the negative. Letting go will not only make you feel better, but better enjoy the longer life you will have.
50. Confidence. Being confident in all that you do will give you the power to accomplish all that you desire.
51. Give up perfection. For perfectionists, it can be difficult to let things go. Don’t worry about perfect, doing good enough allows you freedom from stress and gives you time for enjoying your life.
52. Be thankful. No matter how you thank your higher power, be it through prayer or simply acknowledging the gifts of nature, take a moment to acknowledge what you are given every day.
53. Flexibility. Learning to be flexible and have an open mind not only teaches you something new, it also helps you stay happy, too.
54. Be adventurous. Don’t shy away from the unknown, instead, embrace the opportunity to try new experiences.
55. Keep in touch with emotions. Identify your emotions and accept them for what they are rather than pretending they don’t exist to stay healthy mentally and physically.
56. Overcome bad moods. If your day started off in the wrong direction, it doesn’t have to shape the rest of the day. Squash that bad mood and life a happier life.
57. Think positively. Positive thinking puts you in the right frame of mind to help keep you happy and healthy.

Safety

No one can live a long life if they live too dangerously. Heed these safety precautions to help you live a safer, and hopefully longer, life.

58. Seatbelts. Wearing a seatbelt every time you are in a car, even in the back seat, reduces your chances of sustaining a life-threatening injury.
59. Driving. Practice safe driving habits by becoming a defensive driver to reduce your chances of getting in an accident. If you are aging, learn to recognize when you may need to stop driving altogether.
60. Sports helmets. Protect your head every time you participate in activities that could result in head injuries such as bicycling, skiing, or rollerblading by wearing an appropriate safety helmet.
61. Safe sex. No matter what age you are, use condoms every time you have sex to make sure you guard against HIV and other STD’s.
62. No drinking and driving. Avoid this combination and you will greatly reduce your chances of hurting yourself and others.
63. Smoke detectors. Install smoke detectors in each bedroom and in main living areas, then remember to change the batteries each time you move your clock for the time change.
64. Lock up. Locking doors and windows when you are sleeping or when you leave your home helps protect yourself from those who might have less than good intentions.
65. Avoid abusive relationships. Not only can abusive relationships be detrimental to your mental health, they can be physically dangerous as well. Avoid abusive relationships or find help to get out of one now.
66. Handrails. Use handrails on steep stairs or any stairs in inclement weather. Wet or icy stairs can easily cause a fall.
67. Repetitive injury. Any repetitive head injury considerably elevates the chances of long-term brain injury. Use caution if you participate in activities such as football, soccer, and boxing.
68. Home safety. Practice smart safety around the house such as using a sturdy ladder rather than a rickety one or having a fire safety plan.

Lifestyle

The way you live your life has a direct connection between your health and happiness. Take these tips for ways you can improve your style of living from better sleep to less stress to finding spirituality.

69. Have a reason to live. Whether you have a partner, children, a great job, or a special cause that is important to you, always have a purpose in life and a reason to get up every day.
70. Manage stress. Keep your stress at a manageable level. While some stress can be good for you and work as a motivator, chronic stress at high levels takes its toll on your body and mind.
71. Travel. Traveling has been shown to increase longevity in the elderly by providing benefits for the mind and body.
72. Sleep. Not only should you get the right amount of sleep, you should make sure your sleep habits are healthy ones by following such tips as sticking to a regular bedtime and having an evening routine that promotes good sleep.
73. Have friends. One study suggests that having good friends goes a long way to promoting longevity.
74. Own a pet. Pet owners not only live longer, they live happier lives. The bond between a pet and its owner can also open up avenues for social connections as well.
75. Voluntary simplicity. Lose stress and live more slowly by learning to live without all the trappings of society with voluntary simplicity.
76. Build relationships. Don’t ignore the people in your life or wait for them to come to you. Learn ways to build relationships so you will always have a circle of friends and family in your life.
77. Be spiritual. Spirituality, which may or may not include religion, is an important component to a healthy and happy life. Find ways to incorporate spirituality in your every day life.
78. Manage your money. Stress over money can reduce your longevity and quality of life significantly. Learn ways to improve your finances and get rid of this unnecessary stress.
79. Be alone. Spending time alone gives you a chance to think through problems, consider what is important to you, and also gives you some important time to decompress from the day-to-day grind.
80. Balance work and family. Finding the right balance between these two important elements of your life will enhance both of them and lead to a better, and hopefully longer, life.

Stimulate Your Creativity

A creative mind keeps you on your toes mentally and helps improve your quality of life by allowing you to find the bright spots when others might not be so inclined. Learn ways to stimulate your creativity with these suggestions.

81. Take a class. Sign up to learn how to do something you’ve always wanted to do, whether it is cooking, photography, or learning sign language.
82. Sculpt. Pick up some modeling clay and play with some simple sculpting or sign up for a formal class to learn how to sculpt.
83. Aromatherapy. Learn about the benefits of aromatherapy to incorporate it in your life for ways to improve your health and well-being.
84. New food. Try a new type of food, especially if it is a different ethnic food than you are accustomed to eating to expand your world.
85. Learn a language. Learning a foreign language has long been associated with brain development, plus you will be able to better communicate when you take advantage of the benefits of travel.
86. Concert. Listening to music, whether it’s a small chamber music ensemble or a full-out rock show, will improve creativity as well as brain function.
87. Yarn art. Play with yarn or thread as you learn to knit, crochet, or embroidery.
88. Crosswords. Get crossword puzzles online or from your newspaper to enjoy a fun game that can also teach you how to think in creative ways.
89. Video games. Playing video games isn’t just for kids. Strengthen eye-hand coordination in addition to learning new ways of problem-solving while playing video games.
90. Hobbies. Start a new hobby or take up an old, forgotten one to get your creative juices flowing.

Advice from Cetegenarians

Who better to learn from than those who have actually lived a very long life. These folks, most of whom have reached their 100th birthday, all have something to share about longevity and quality of life.

91. No problem for centegenarian Eric!. This British gentleman offers advice on how he lived a long life, including being athletic and enjoying his job.
92. No big secret to centegenarian’s success. Playing down her longevity, this woman includes good genes and lots of fruit as reasons she has lived long.
93. Grandmother celebrates 100th birthday be becoming world’s oldest paraglider. Not only does this woman’s love for adventure keep her young, she just may not stop trying it all.
94. 106-year-old voter shares hopes, secrets. Being cheerful is among this woman’s secrets for longevity that she shares.
95. Fairvern resident turned 100 on Nov. 19. Find out what to what this woman credits her long life in this short article about her birthday celebration.
96. Young at Heart Chorus. While these folks haven’t quite made it to 100 yet, they are well on their way with this unusual method of staying young.
97. 100-year-old celebrates her birthday by smoking 170,000th cigarette. And here’s proof that there is always an exception to the rule.
98. At 100th birthday party, woman looks back on a life of milestones. This amazing woman still walks every day, one of the activities she claims has helped her stay young.
99. Family helps ‘Nanna’ celebrate 100th birthday. Religion and not worrying about the small things helped this woman live a long life.
100. Iowa Man Celebrates 100th Birthday with Wings and Women at Hooters. Find out if this is what kept this man alive for so long.
101. Bob Hope: a million laughs, a singular talent. While Bob Hope died after turning 100, his life was full of laughter and giving to others, as this article shows.

Spa treatments aren’t just for those who have money to burn and want to be pampered. Many of the treatments you can get at a spa are actually full of benefits to promote health and healing. Just because you can’t afford to go to the spa doesn’t mean you have to miss out on these healthy treatments. Below, you will find 50 great spa treatments you can do at home and that will cost you very little money. From head to toe, these recipes and suggestions will have you feeling and looking great.

Facial Treatments

Your face is usually the first thing other people notice about you. Use these facial treatments to make sure your skin is healthy and glowing.

1. Aspirin or salt mask. It sounds too simple to be true, but this article suggests crushing up uncoated aspirin or Epsom salts and mixing it with a tiny bit of moisturizer for a facial mask that will leave your skin looking and feeling beautiful.
2. Sunflower scrub. Use this super-simple recipe to make a facial scrub at home. All you need is sunflower seeds and distilled water.
3. Nori wrap. Soak a sheet of nori, found in the Asian section of the supermarket, in warm water until it is soft, then place it on your skin for a great facial wrap.
4. Banana and honey mask. Use this recipe for an easy facial mask. With egg, oatmeal, banana, and honey, this mask will have sensitive and dry complexions feeling great. Honey is a natural antiseptic, too, so it will aid in healing any facial blemishes.
5. Breakfast facial spread. Mix tangerine and cream cheese for a treat for your skin. Follow the directions here for the Breakfast Spread and learn how to make this simple skin care product that not only works as an astringent, but is also delicious on toast.
6. Citrus facial. Here’s another use of citrus for your face. This recipe also uses yogurt and honey to help your skin feel it’s best.
7. Glycolic acid peel. Learn how to give yourself a glycolic acid peel at home with this article. You will need to purchase a peel, but this is much less expensive than having it done professionally.
8. Avocado. Avocado is a great moisturizer for skin. If you want a doubly healthy moisturizer, add a little almond oil to your mashed-up avocado for a luxurious facial treatment.
9. Tropical skin mask. Use pineapple, papaya, and honey in this mask that helps promote healing in damaged skin.
10. Complete spa facial. Follow these five steps to give yourself a complete facial, from cleansing to sealing.

Hair Care

From conditioners to a detangler to homemade shampoo, these spa treatments will have your hair looking and feeling silky and shiny.

11. Conditioner. Try mixing eggs and olive oil, then wrapping your hair in plastic wrap as suggested here to get a great, inexpensive conditioner for your hair.
12. Hair detangler. Use oregano with this recipe to get a detangler you can use every day without spending a lot of money.
13. Beach hair. How can you get that beach-hair look in the middle of winter? Use this easy recipe. Spray the mixture on damp hair, scrunch, and go.
14. Hair repair. This conditioner repairs stressed hair with rosemary, eggs, and oils. Try it at home when your tresses need a little taming.
15. Hair purifier. If you have oily hair, use this treatment with apple cider vinegar and aspirin to remove the build-up in your hair.
16. Deep conditioner. Not only does your hair need moisture, but it also needs protein. Use this deep conditioner with avocado and mayonnaise to get your hair in shape.
17. Protect. A day in the sun can damage your hair. Use this suggestion to protect your hair from sun damage with just a little oil.
18. Shampoo. Make your own shampoo like this one using flowers that match your hair color and all natural ingredients.
19. Spa head wrap. Here’s a great way to make your own spa towel head wrap to use with your favorite hair treatment. Using an old towel and sewing materials you probably already have, this won’t cost you a cent.

Beautiful Hands and Pampered Feet

Use these great ideas to help your hands and feet feel their best. From manicures to moisturizers to scrubs, these treatments will have you looking and feeling like you just stepped out of a spa.

20. Basic manicure. This article tells you exactly how to give yourself a manicure in four easy steps. Your hands will look like you’ve paid for a professional.
21. Olive oil manicure. According to one celebrity manicurist, a simple olive oil and salt scrub after a warm-water soaking will leave your hands feeling smooth and looking great.
22. Spa Hand Treatments. Watch this video to learn first "hand" how to give yourself luxurious spa hand treatments at home using items from the kitchen.
23. Manicure and pedicure treatment. This article offers an entire treatment that can be used for both hands and feet. Be sure you don’t pass up the peppermint tea to help your feet feel rejuvenated.
24. $4 pedicures. Find out how to give yourself $4 pedicures that rival those from high-end spas with this great post from the "Frugal Duchess."
25. Lemon and sugar. Dip lemon slices in sugar and rub on any rough skin on your feet for a great foot scrub.
26. Paraffin dip. Don’t buy an expensive paraffin dip at a spa or even purchase a home-kit. Just use your crockpot and paraffin wax to make your own like the suggestion here.
27. Beach-side scrub. This article offers a great way to give your arms and legs a healthy, refreshing scrub while you are at the beach.
28. Mini manicure. This step-by-step tutorial provides photos to help teach you how to do a mini-manicure at home.

Body Care

Whether you are looking for a scrub, soak, or wash, these treatments will moisturize and smooth your skin while leaving you feeling relaxed and pampered.

29. Milk bath. Pour powdered milk into your warm bath for a moisturizing soak that will leave your skin feeling luxurious.
30. Salt scrub. This exfoliating scrub for your body uses only table salt and oil. Use the grape seed oil recommended for the added bonus of helping to heal stretch marks.
31. Coffee clove body scrub. Coffee lovers will enjoy making and using this body scrub that leaves your skin feeling smooth and smelling delicious.
32. Sugar body scrub. Use this recipe of brown sugar, maple syrup, and olive oil for a body scrub that will leave your skin smoother and moisturized. Don’t skip over the other two spa treatments also included.
33. Sea salt scrub. Try this great sea salt scrub that you can make with sea salt from the grocery store, olive oil, and some herbs for a bit of aromatherapy.
34. Thanksgiving-inspired body scrub. With pecans, sugar, and the rest of the ingredients in this scrub, you may wonder if you should put it on your body or in your body.
35. Lavender body wash. Put a few drops of lavender essential oil in your favorite unscented body wash for a stress-relieving way to get clean each day.
36. Vanilla bath. Scroll down to the bottom of this article for a luxurious bath soak that features vanilla and honey.
37. Honey. Watch this video to learn about the amazing health benefits of honey as a spa treatment and even get a great recipe for a body scrub.

The Whole Shebang

The following resources offer ideas on how to treat your whole body, ways to give yourself or your friends a spa treatment in your home, and offer a multitude of great ideas to help you look and feel your best without spending much.

38. nzgirl–We Love: DIY Spa Treatments. This whole-body spa treatment includes a facial, hair treatment, skin smoother, relaxing soak, and a pedicure…all on the cheap.
39. The Mad Mom’s Manifesto: DIY Spa Treatments. This treatment, recommended from an expert on skin care, includes a facial, a body scrub, and a pedicure with materials easily found around your home.
40. DIY Weekend Spa Treatments. Pick and choose from these great homemade spa treatments for an entire weekend of pampering to promote your health.
41. DIY Spa for Two. There’s nothing more romantic than sharing a spa treatment for two than being able to take advantage of it in the privacy of your own home.
42. DIY Spa Getaway. This article offers great tips on how to conduct a weekend spa getaway at your home. It’s a great idea for a girls’ weekend or a couples retreat.
43. Cool spa treatments for Atlanta’s summer heat. You don’t have to wait until summer to use these great suggestions that are designed to replace expensive spa treatments that can be found in Atlanta spas.
44. DIY Spa Guide. Follow the suggestions here for setting up a great atmosphere for a spa get-away in your own bathroom.
45. Pamper Your Friends With a Do-It-Yourself Spa Party. Not only does this article tell you how to create a great spa party for your friends, it also includes some great ideas to implement, like marbles in the bottom of a bowl full of warm water for a great foot massage.
46. Top 10 DIY spa tricks. No matter which part of your body needs attention, this article will help you find a way to create DIY treatments that are similar to those offered in spas around the world.
47. Do-it-yourself spa treatments. From mint scrubs to homemade lip gloss, these spa treatments are not only good for you, but use materials you probably have in the kitchen.
48. How to Throw a Spa Party. This article provides a detailed guide on throwing a spa party. Even if you don’t go all out, you are sure to gather some great tips here.
49. DIY Spa Rituals. This article offers four spa treatments representing the four elements. Dive into water, breathe in the air, dig the earth, and feel the heat with these healthy treatments.
50. Making Your Own Spa Products. From hair volumizer to a dry skin mask to an eye mask to reduce puffiness, these idea are all easy to make and use at home.