The Lowdown on Unrefined Sweeteners: Are They Healthier Or Just As Bad As Any Sugar?

I used to think agave nectar was the perfect sweetener because some raw foodists I trusted introduced me to it. Finally, it seemed like a great unrefined alternative to sugar and honey! But a year or so ago I did some research and discovered that it's not all it's cracked up to be - how disappointing! And over time, I learned that all unrefined sugars have some drawbacks - I outline the details in this article on Organic Authority.

Top 3 Organic Vegan Wines

Since alcohol is a rare indulgence for me, I always want to have the best of the best when I have it, but with so many excellant options available it's hard to decide. When Organic Authority asked me to write about the top organic, vegan wines it was quite a challenge. Check out which I chose based on the processes used, ingredients and sustainability awareness.

Is Beer Healthy?

I wasn't a big beer fan until a couple years ago. Don't know what happened, but suddenly I liked it. Especially Fat Tire by New Belgium (totally eco-vegan!). When I went gluten-free I got even more into beer, probably because of the novelty of finding the best GF options. That came to a halt when I started a cleanse back in April and I haven't felt the desire to drink much of it since. However, my boyfriend LOVES beer and drinks it like water, which got me curious about the health effects - what are the pros and cons of it? I explored the topic for my recent Organic Authority article called, "The Lowdown: Is Beer A Healthy Drink?"

Check out the piece then let me know what you think - do you like beer? Do your prefer wine? Or are you alcohol free?

The Healthiest Salads at Chain Restaurants

Don't be fooled by the salad selection at restaurants, especially the chains - not all salads are created equally! You wouldn't believe the calorie count and unhealthy ingredients in many of them. Check out this list of the Top 5 Healthy Salads at Sit-Down Chain Restaurants in an article I wrote for Organic Authority. *I did mention some salads that are on the menu with animal products in them, but they can be vegan if requested. 

Vegetable and Herb Stems: Food or Compost?

Most recipes call for the heads, leaves or flowers of a plant, like broccoli, kale, and herbs such as parsley. But what about the rest of them - the stems/stalks? Don't you feel a little guilty tossing such a big part of your food into the compost? Have you ever wondered if they're edible? Have you ever tried a bite and felt discouraged by the bitter taste or tough texture? If so, I've got an article for you! Check out my latest piece on Organic Authority, entitled: "Vegetable and Herb Stems: To Eat or Not to Eat", and learn about all great ways to eat them!

Healthy and Fast Alternatives to Microwaving Your Food

Balancing work, family and a social life can be so much of a juggling act that quality time in the kitchen is often the first ball to drop. While it's tempting to toss organic leftovers in the microwave to shave 30 minutes off your day, what's the point of destroying all the nutrition in the premium food you spent your hard earned money on?

Read my full article on Organic Authority

Recent Organic Authority Articles

I recently started writing for Organic Authority again, after needing to take a break due to other work. I love being a part of this amazingly informative site - here are my recent articles.

Is Coconut Water Everything It's Cracked Up to Be? ~ coconut water is quite healthy, but does it really stand up to all the hype?

Stevia, We Need Ya ~ is stevia a wonder sweetener, or is it dangerous?

Açai: Superfood or Super Scam? ~ the title speaks for itself...

Greenwala, Organic Authority, and other guest posts

You may be wondering why I haven't been posting very much lately. Truth is, I've been spreading the Eco-Vegan Gal "brand" by writing for other companies. I promise you'll get some original content on here soon - I have a ton of reviews in the queue - but in the meantime check my articles out on these great sites:

*I've also been active on Facebook - if you don't "like" my page already, please consider it for my updates.

Greenwala: My article page
Recent articles (I write for them Monday-Friday):

• President Clinton Turns to Plant-Based (Vegetarian) Diet
• 15 “Meats” You Can Eat on Meatless Monday
• Get Behind Bars: Why You Should Be Drinking Fresh Juice
• Healthy Fast Food is Not an Oxymoron
• Bet You Didn't Know It's Vegan
• Wheat-Free Wednesday: Italian Style

Organic Authority:

Recent articles:

• Are You Buying Junk Food Disguised as Health Food?
• The Elephant in the Room: 5 Sources of Vegetarian Protein
• 5 Delicious Foods that Boost Your Energy
• The Gluten-Free Diet: Is It Right for You?
• Digestive System Gas, What Causes It and How to Avoid It
• Health Benefits of Maca, the Peruvian Aphrodisiac

Your Daily Thread: A Guide to Vegan Pie in Los Angeles
Organic Soul: Turn That Frown Upside Down: Food Therapy for Depression

Living Harvest: Tips and Tricks for Eating Dairy Free

Digestive System Gas, What Causes It and How to Avoid It

It happens to us at least ten times each day, but you would rather go on a hunger strike than admit that you do it: passing gas. It always seems to occur at the worst times, and there’s nothing you dread more than being bloated during the hot date you’ve been looking forward to all week. While you might not be able to fully prevent your body from doing what it’s supposed to do, there are some ways to control it so you can plan your social schedule accordingly.

Read the rest of my article at Organic Authority.

Are You Buying Junk Food Disguised as Health Food?

Everyone wants to be healthy - you probably wouldn’t be reading this if you didn’t aspire to good health. As a result, health is extremely marketable and companies will do just about anything to convince us their product will make us feel and look good.  Unfortunately, many food items are not as healthy as they appear at first glance. Thus, it often takes a careful inspection of an ingredients list to determine authenticity of packaging claims. But to many, deciphering an ingredient list can be daunting. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to read food labels and what to avoid.

Read the rest of my article on Organic Authority

Health Benefits of Maca, the Peruvian Aphrodisiac

I am obsessed with the taste of maca! I recently re-discovered how much I love it while at a smoothie shop in Venice Beach (called Fruit Gallery). A few days later I bought a bag of it and started making my own smoothies at home. You can check out my recipe and article on maca on Organic Authority - here's a preview:

When you walk into a cafe on a hot day to buy a refreshing smoothie the last thing you want to see is a menu with foreign ingredients as optional add-ins. Spirulina, wheatgrass, lucuma, guarana, mesquite, maca root... where’s the translator when you need one? Don’t let these words send you running to the nearest vending machine for familiarity's sake - they’re really not that scary once you get to know them.

Read the rest of my article at Organic Authority

Decoding The Glycemic Index: How Low Can You Go?

Admit it - you love carbohydrates. The intoxicating smell is impossible to resist: crusty bread rolls, toasted bagels, sugary donuts - mmmmmm. The only thing stopping you from slipping on your shoes and heading out to the bakeshop right now is knowing that those foods will go straight to your thighs and hips as soon as they pass your lips. However, not all carbs are created equally - each works differently in our bodies. Choosing carbs that have a low glycemic index won’t pack on pounds to your weight, and can even reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Read the rest of my article at Organic Authority

5 Delicious Foods that Boost Your Energy

It’s 9am. Last night you had an incredible time out on the town, but now it seems you’re paying the price - the lack of sleep is kicking in just as you’ve sat down to tackle your work load. Instead of heading out to get your caffeine fix at the local cafe, grab a snack. That’s right - food can boost your energy just as well as coffee or tea. In fact, you won’t experience the highs and lows that you do with your favorite venti skinny latte. Here are 5 tasty treats that will give you another excuse to go out tonight and power through the following morning.

Read the rest of my article on Organic Authority

DIY Kitchen Staples: Beans, Beans, They’re Good For You!

When you hear the word "beans" you might be reminded of that embarrassing jingle the boys in junior high used to sing. Though, you have to agree, beans are pretty magical - they're delicious and fill you up, and to top it all off they’re a great source of protein. There might be a stack of canned beans in your kitchen cabinet, but beware: these cans often contain a toxic chemical called BPA; there goes your appetite. Here’s a solution: ditch the can and go for fresh, dried beans! Doing it yourself is safer, and have a better flavor when cooked fresh.

Read the rest of my article at Organic Authority.

The Elephant in the Room: Where Vegetarians Get Their Protein

Whether you’ve been a vegetarian for years or are giving it a thought for the first time, the most common question you’ll get about your diet is, “where do you get your protein?” Instead of drawing a blank, get prepared for this situation and impress your audience with a solid answer. Here are some facts you can share:

Most of us are aware that protein has an important roll in our bodies, but you may not know why. Made up of amino acids (oxygen, nitrogren, carbon, and hydrogen), protein is the nutrient responsible for growing new cell and building and repairing tissue. However, contrary to popular belief...

Read the rest of my article at Organic Authority

Home Improvement: 5 Easy Eco Kitchen Ideas

You spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but not because you fall into some domestic stereotype - you just love food. I don't blame you, making delicious meals is incredibly satisfying, and I'm guessing that you also enjoy finding new ways to spruce up your cooking space. Well, you're in luck: I have five simple tips on how to upgrade to a greener kitchen (no paintbrush necessary) and you'll even save money as a result.

Read the full article at Organic Authority

Quin-What Did You Say?

We all know protein is a vital part of any diet, meat however isn’t the only source of protein. Get ready to restock those kitchen cupboards, because protein is found in grains, nuts, beans, produce and even seeds.

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah), often mistaken as a grain, is a protein packed seed. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. This tender seed...

Read more by clicking through to my original post on Organic Authority!