For centuries, men and women alike have been fighting against gender stereotypes that pigeonhole them into being a particular type of person or having certain personality traits. While on a whole, men and women are very similar both in their brains and in their abilities, there are some stereotypes that have held strong for a reason– because they are very often true. With new research, now there may even be modern medical science to back them up. Of course, all these stereotypes, despite whatever scientific evidence there is to support them, should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s easy for expectations about the outcomes of scientific studies to influence the actual outcomes, and recent studies have shown that differences between men and women are inconsequential compared to the similarities. Regardless, it can still be fun and interesting to examine the way our gender influences how we act and how we see the world around us–whether we fall into the stereotypes or not.

1. Men are better than women at driving. While female drivers might not be the dangerous, fender bending, crazies they are depicted in movies as being, there is some scientific evidence to support that men are better when it comes to driving than women. Why is this? Studies have shown that men are better at navigation and at orienting themselves in three-dimensional space. Some researchers think this is due to early man having to go out to hunt and return home again with dinner and is related to testosterone levels in the body. And it isn’t just women, the study also found that homosexual men were less likely to excel at driving as well. Despite the stereotype, and the science that supports it, that same testosterone can lead to men taking more risks and driving more aggressively, the reason insurance premiums are so much higher for males than females.
2. Women are cleaner than men. This holds true for personal as well as household cleanliness but it might not just be due to laziness or housekeeping ineptness in men. In fact, researchers think that it has to do with women simply having a better sense of smell than men. While structurally male and female olfactory senses are the same, the way that smells are processed in the brain differs. Women actually use a larger part of their brain to process smells, making them better able to pick up on things like stinky socks, body odor and rotting take out containers that might fly under the radar of men. It is this ability to pick up on body odor in particular that researchers think is the reason for the difference, allowing cro-magon women to better tell when males were ready to mate. Think that sounds silly? A woman’s sense of smell peaks in sensitivity when she’s ovulating.
3. Men feel less pain than women. This isn’t to suggest that it’s impossible to cripple a man with pain (try aiming for the family jewels and you’ll see just how much pain a man really can feel) or that women are huge wimps when it comes to pain. It’s just that men and women’s bodies are set up differently when it comes to sensing and processing pain information. Women actually have more pain receptors in their skin, making even small bumps and bruises more painful for them than their male counterparts. And when men do get hurt? They just don’t feel it as much due in part to a small protein that men have in greater supply than women. This protein affects both the pain threshold and the ability of painkillers to work on the body, causing women to sometimes need double the amount of painkiller to get the same amount of relief. Of course, there is one instance where the situation is reversed: childbirth. During childbirth, a woman’s body is hopped up on enough endorphins and natural painkillers to dull (at least a little bit, as any woman will tell you it still hurts like the dickens) the intense pain of the process.
4. Women are more intuitive. Ever felt like your mom, girlfriend or best friend could read your mind? While women might not be mind readers studies have shown that they are better at picking up on subtle cues that are often nonverbal and unconscious. Research has documented that women consistently score better than men at both remembering the physical characteristics of others and correctly identifying the information being transmitted through facial expressions, tones of voices and body posture. Scientists think it is an evolutionary trait related to having to guess whether a fussy child is hungry, cold or in need of closeness. Moms better at reading cues had better luck at keeping offspring alive, passing on the skill to the next generation. Men in multiple studies were found to be less adept at guessing at the emotions of others, though both sexes have a hard time seeing through perfidious emotions, such as a fake smile.
5. Men can drink women under the table. Men have an advantage when it comes to drinking more than women in that they’re simply often larger and bulkier than their female counterparts. Of course, the ability of men to pound down beer after beer and feel little effect has deeper roots than just body size. The reason behind the difference is due to the water to fat ratios in male and female bodies. Men have more water in their bodies, helping dilute their alcohol intake naturally. And women don’t just have a disadvantage at this stage either, but as the alcohol moves to their liver they have less of the enzyme that helps them to kill the intoxicating effects of liquor, making them get drunk more quickly and more thoroughly than men. Of course, there are always differences among individuals as some women can out drink men and some men can only handle a few beers before falling over.
6. Women talk more than men. The stereotype that women like to talk, talk, talk and then talk some more might hold a some weight when it comes to science. It seems that the part of the brain that processes language and helps support verbal ability is proportionally larger in the female brain than the male. This may mean that females have superior language skills to men. And since they’re better at talking and communicating what they want through verbal cues, women tend to talk more than men. How much more? One study stated that women use around 20,000 words a day, 13,000 more than the average man. Additionally, some research suggests that women speak more quickly and that communication gives women a natural high, making talk a much more satisfying activity for them than men. Does this mean men don’t talk? It’s simply not the case. Other studies have shown that men can be pretty chatty too, but more keen on focusing their talk on sports and gadgets than on relationships and everyday occurrences.
7. Men are more aggressive and more likely to act out in anger. It’s not that women don’t get angry or really want to yell, scream and kick something, but that their brains are just better at dealing with anger than men. Research indicates that men are often more aggressive and act out in anger because the part of the brain that modulates aggression is smaller in men than it is in women. Both genders can produce anger and aggression with equal aplomb, but it is women that can better reign it in and cool down. This isn’t to suggest that men aren’t able to control their emotions, specifically anger, but that they have a much harder time in general doing so because they have been genetically shortchanged. Studies have also pinpointed the genetic origins of aggression to two genes, both creating individuals who are more prone to belligerent and sometimes violent outbursts The anger reducing power of women was found to carry over to controlling these genes as well, and men carrying them who grew up in nurturing loving homes were found to be more docile and less aggressive than those who did not.
8. Women are more emotional than men. Movies and TV would have you believe that women cry at the drop of the hat and can’t handle even a simple crisis without freaking out. Female hysteria has been a stereotype that has dogged women for ages, causing men and women alike to question their ability to lead companies, governments and even their own families. Are women really more emotional than men? Well, sort of. Women and men have been found to be equally emotional, experiencing the same levels of sadness when exposed to a sad external stimulus. The difference is not in the feeling of emotion it is in the expression of emotion, with women being much more likely to show sadness and pain than men. However, women are much more prone to emotional stress than men, due to a stress hormone that can send their emotional state spiraling. Men, accordingly, had little reaction to the hormone, helping them keep their cool in situations the women found quite stressful. Both studies show that women are not really more emotional than men but that they have a harder time dealing with emotional stress (due to medical reasons outside of their control) and feel more socially comfortable expressing how they feel.
9. Men have no savvy for color. We’re all familiar with the stereotypical situation where a woman holds up several very similar paint swatches and asks a man to help her choose between toffee, cappuccino, taupe and beige. Of course, the man can’t tell the difference and audiences laugh at the frivolousness of the woman or the seeming stupidity of the man, depending on their sex. Research shows that this inability to see subtle color differences isn’t a product of a male indifference to design or fashion. It’s actually biological. The gene for seeing red is only carried on the X chromosome, leaving men at a serious disadvantage when it comes to inheriting the ability to see the full color spectrum. it’s also the reason that pretty much no females are color blind. Women also have the ability to be tetrachromats, seeing more colors than the average person, sometimes up to a hundred million different shades. Researchers think the color seeing advantages of women date back to when they were the primary gatherers for the family. Being able to tell poisonous foods apart from similar looking non-poisonous ones was key to survival.
10. Women have less of a sex drive than men. It’s been ingrained into our culture that men are the sexual ones are women just put up with it. Of course, the reality is far more nuanced than that and many women are extremely sexual and want to have sex with men as much as they want to have sex with females. The difference between the sexes lies in that, for women, sex is more than just physical. Research has shown that the male libido is strong and that male sexual desires are pretty straightforward, meaning they can become aroused easily and what arouses them isn’t too hard to pin down. Women, on the other hand, are much more sensitive to environment, context, emotional state and social and cultural factors. Women are often unsure of just what turns them on and are much more likely to be fluid in their sexual preferences than men. And if you don’t know what you want, or who you want it with, you can be less likely to actively seek it out. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule and rates of infidelity between spouses that hover at around the same percentage for both men and women are enough to demonstrate that both sexes are interested in sex and sex with different partners.

Losing weight seems to be on everyone’s list of New Year’s Resolutions and bucket lists, whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a busy entrepreneur, or a medical student. But it can be a hard journey to start yourself, and even more frustrating to turn weight loss into a healthy lifestyle. To keep you motivated and strong, check out these 50 blogs from weight loss coaches who care.

Nutrition and Diet

You won’t lose weight suviving on cake and ice cream, so let these nutritionists and diet coaches help you transition to a healthier eater.

1. Balance Bites: San Francisco-based nutritionist Diane has a great site dedicated to lifestyle coaching, debunking popular diets, and explaining how nutrition can save your life. Recommended posts:"Fats: Which to Eat and Which to Ditch and I Just Can’t Get Enough…Vitamin A
2. Atlanta Fitness Coach: Diabetics and others who are serious about weight loss for specific health reasons can find upbeat, personal posts here. Recommended posts: Start with where you are NOW! and Look at the "Energy" behind Your Intention
3. The Nutrition Coach: Five nutrition coaches blog here so that you can educate yourself on nutrition and healthy living. Recommended posts: Metabolic Balance Recipe and How chili peppers aid weight loss
4. Dawn Linklater: Read this nutritionist’s blog to find great recipes but also to get ideas for being more active. Recommended posts: Some very simple dinner ideas and Chocolatey-Banana Overnight Oats — the perfect solution to a hot, muggy morning!
5. Eat for Energy: A sports nutrition coach blogs on this site, dispensing healthy living advice for anyone who wants more energy. Recommended posts: Top 5 tips for keeping motivated in winter and How to eliminate cravings
6. Feminine Fit Blog: On this site, women read posts about fitness, nutrition and weight loss, giving them a comprehensive diet and health plan for their specific needs. Recommended posts: Pros and Cons: The Apple Cider Vinegar Diet and Spring CleanYour Body from the Inside Out
7. Living in the Sunshine: This sunny blog comes from a certified clinical nutritionist. Find recipes for smoothies and other yummy snacks. Recommended posts: My Daily Juice and Juicing vs. Blending
8. Nutrition for You: Get healthy eating news, nutrition tips and recipes to help you "eat free." Recommended posts: Elegance in eating and Top 11 Useful Dining Out Tips While Losing Weight
9. Laurel on Health Food: This professional, easy-to-navigate site is a great resource for learning about how easy and fulfilling it is to start eating right. Recommended posts: Eat Nuts, Reduce Cholesterol and Kick Up Your Salad
10. NY Organic Food Examiner: Christy Goldfeder is a health coach in New York City, but her tips on organic eating are applicable to nearly anyone’s lifestyle, no matter where they live. Recommended posts: Respect for chickens day and 12 produce items that must be organic
11. The Healthy Cooking Coach: Learn how to cook yourself to good health and weight loss here. Recommended posts: Play with your food and What are you doing about your drinking water
12. Fit Food Coach: Read about superfoods, appealing snack substitutions, and eating habits that will make you feel and look good. Recommended posts: 7 Reasons You’re Still Hungry, Even Though You Just Ate! and 15 New Superfoods
13. Om Chef: The Enlightened Omnivore aims to help readers understand how a balanced diet — not cutting out important nutrients and foods like meat — is healthiest (and most delicious). Recommended posts: It’s Salad Season and EZ Glazed Nuts
14. The Food Coach Blogs: On this Australian network, several different food coaches contribute posts about working out, being a healthy foodie, and making smart food choices. Recommended posts: The Redeeming Features of Spinach and Strategies to reduce salt
15. Food Renegade: This nutritional wellness coach may an have unconventional attitude about food, according to some popular diet myths: she likes red meat and butter, claiming that a traditional diet rather than a Western diet is healthiest. Recommended post: How Food Impacts Our Mood
16. Ask the Diet Coach: Registered dietitican Laurie Beebie has been in the business for 25 years, helping adults find sensible and effective ways to lose weight. Recommended posts: Is There a Supplement That Increases Metabolism? and How Can I Break the Habit of Eating Dessert After Dinner?
17. Your Natural Food Coach: Jo is a detox guru who wants to help you embrace food in a healthy way and rejecting the idea that it’s some sort of weapon. Recommended posts: So What About Whole Wheat and Multi-Grains? and So What About Soy?

Fitness

In addition to a more healthful diet, you need to amp up your exercise routine. Here you’ll find tips and inspiration for new ways to exercise, hopefully changing your life forever.

18. Blazon Fitness: Get over your excuses when you read this fitness coach blog. Recommended posts: August is for achieving goals and The push-up
19. Here’s Health USA: Find fitness videos and effective, more enjoyable fitness alternatives to just running at the gym. Recommended posts: Don’t Start Something and Not Finish It and Dos and Dont’s of Physical Fitness
20. Exercise Nutrition Coach: This blog is especially helpful for those who want to lose weight through an exercise program but are too scared to start on their own. Recommended posts: Sleep yourself thin and Don’t fear fat
21. Aqufit Blog: Learn about the Crossfit and Aqufit methods on this blog. Recommended posts: 8 Ways to Stay Motivated and The Case Against Moderation
22. Personal Fit Coach: Categories on this blog include diet and nutrition, beauty and wellness, and exercise and fitness, which can all direct you to a fun and active lifestyle. Recommended posts: Women’s Health and Fitness: 7 Unconventional Tips and Working Out in the Heat
23. San Diego Fitness Coach: This fitness coach has a BS in Sports Science and is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Recommended posts: Simple Food Guidelines for Big Results and Eat Less, Run More…Live Forever?
24. Amelia Burton Health and Fitness Coach: Amelia Burton’s blog serves to inspire and motivate everyday individuals to weight loss. Recommended posts: Choosing Exercises to Fit Your Lifestyle and Can Foodies Be Fit?
25. Becky Williamson: Becky is the top-rated fitness coach for women of the boomer generation. Recommended posts: Want to Lose Weight? You Need a Game Plan and Healthy Eating Tips for Baby Boomer Women
26. The Boot Camp Blog: If you’re curious about starting a boot camp to lose weight, read this blog to find out what the lifestyle entails. Recommended posts: 6 Minute Move It and The good old days
27. Go Sleeveless Blog: Coach Rylan will help you go sleeveless so that you can show off your newly toned arms and body. Recommended posts: Exercises for Flabby Arms and Airplane Exercises
28. Tri Swim Coach: Those interested in triathlon training to get them motivated to lose weight should read this blog. Recommended posts: The Low Carb Triathlete: Jonas Coltring and Back into the swim of things
29. Your Best Asset:CEO of America’s Fitness Coach LLC Dave Hubbard blogs to help you achieve maximum fat loss and weight loss. Recommended posts: Stress Management for Peak Performance and The Mediterranean Diet
30. Keep Up the Good Fight: Follow along as this blogger tries out the intense new Turbo Fire workout. Recommended posts: TurboFire Week 2&3 Review and Chalean Extreme Lean Phase Week 1
31. Coach DOS: This is a real-world strenghth and conditioning blog that can help you separate the hype from what really works. Recommended posts: David Blaine: true inspiration from a somewhat unlikely source? and Men’s Health Video tip – Building Work Capacity
32. Ask Fitness Coach: Get workout reviews, motivational tips, and more from this fitness coach. Recommended posts: Six Rules for Healthier Grocery Shopping and How to Start Your Weight Loss Journey?
33. Nike’s Training blog: Find running and training tips here. Recommended posts: Minutes vs. Miles and Tip: Plan Your Play, Play Your Plan
34. Trying Fitness: Fad diets and herbal teas won’t do anything if you don’t work out, too. Recommended posts: Is Your Personal Trainer Full of Crap? and Ready for Fitness?

Dropping Pounds

These general weight loss blogs combine diet tips, fitness, and other helpful resources.

35. Lovin’ Life: Law of Attraction weight loss coach Maria Lesetz writes posts to empower you to beat emotional eating, bad habits, and poor body image. Recommended posts: Why do you REALLY want to lose that excess weight? and When Weighing Yourself Sets the Mood for the Day
36. Diet to Go: Bloggers and guest writers contribute on the subject of weight loss, including family dieting, menu planning and nutrition. Recommended posts: Eating Mindfully for Weight Loss: 6 rules and 7 Worst Excuses for Not Getting Healthy
37. Advanced Fat Loss Coaching with Dr. Brad Campbell: Read this blog to learn how to live the lean body lifestyle. Recommended posts: Shake ‘em up fat loss workout and My Favorite Cheat Day Breakfast
38. Marna’s Blog: Thin From Within, LLC CEO Marna Goldstein Thall will help you get thin the right way, so that you stay healthy and in shape. Recommended posts: Stop Thinking Fat Thougths and A Great Quote on Resistance
39. Diet Blog: This popular blog is full of smart tips but is also fun to read. Get posts about sports bras, toning up, and food culture in the U.S. Recommended posts: The Price of Weight Loss: $40,000> and Stadium Food Full of Mice Droppings
40. Jonny Bowden Blog: Recent posts on this nutritionist and weight loss coach’s site tackle low-cal eating, menopause and retraining your mind. Recommended posts: Three New Weight Loss Drugs You Should Know About and Interesting New Research on Tea Drinking
41. Weight Loss Guru: Pete Cohen shares all kinds of free resources like podcasts, videos and reviews to help you lose weight. Recommended posts: Think Before You Eat and Members Weight Loss Tips
42. Lose Weight Find Life: Coach Cathy answers reader questions and offers plenty of encouraging words and inspiration for those on the journey to weight loss. Recommended posts: Overwhelmed? and 50 Tips to Help You Succeed at Normal Eating
43. Weight Loss Blog: A husband and wife team write about cleansing, nutrition and losing weight in a clean way. Recommended posts: Why do we eat? and Don’t Get Discouraged: Get a Cleansing Coach
44. Melinda’s Fitness Blog: Melinda shares nutrition and weight training tips, news and tools for women. Recommended posts: Choosing a Certified Personal Trainer (Who Doesn’t Suck) and New Study Indicates Middle-Aged Women Need to Exercise.

TV and DVD Trainers

These coaches are practically celebrities in their own right.

45. Choose 2 Be Fit: Team Beachbody blogs about their top-notch fitness programs and healthy living. Recommended posts: Are you a mindless eater? and Cucumber Fun Facts
46. P90X Blog: The grueling P90X workout has its own blog for extra motivation.Recommended Which is worse, sugar or fat? and Brad Pitt Fight Club Workout
47. Team HowToBeFit Independent Beachbody Blog: Read about different DVD fitness programs and get tips on sticking with your program, even when you think you’ve failed. Recommended posts: Plan your meals the way you plan your day and Dealing with so called failure
48. Jillian’s Blog: Biggest Loser trainer Jillian Michaels blogs for her members. Just sign up for her program and get her no-nonsense tips.
49. Valerie Waters: Celebrity trainer Valerie Waters will help you transform your body here. Recommended posts: SAS-E For Summer and Your One Thing Part 2, Snacking Sabotage

Holistic Living

Learn how to turn your weight loss battle into a fulfilling lifestyle.

50. Diet and Health Blog: Categories here range from herbs to obesity to digestive disorders and nutrition, giving you a range of posts about how to be "fit and fine." Recommended posts: Seaweed to Fight Obesity and Food for Good Dental Health
51. Delicious Life: Certified Holistic Health Coach Christy Goldfeder writes this blog to encourage others to lose weight without sacrificing energy or fuel. Recommended posts: Get healthy now, don’t wait until Monday and How plants can heal you
52. Sandi Thompson, Nutritional Wellness Coach: Sandi will help you figure out which diet tips can work for you, and which are unhealthy, for mind, body and spirit. Recommended posts: Simple and effective weight loss tips and Lose the fat
53. The Raw Food Coach: If you’re interested in adopting the raw food lifestyle as a way to lose weight, read Karen Knowler’s blog for professional, authoritative advice. Recommended posts: Go for the Clean Burn and All That’s Stopping You is…
54. Laura Fenamore: Laura is a body image coach who can teach you to love who you are and how you look, inspiring you to get healthy and excited about a new way of life. Recommended posts: World Food Week, Part 8 and Straight but not Narrow

As an expectant mom, you probably want to do everything you can to give your baby the best start possible. That means following your doctor’s orders, staying healthy, and avoiding hazards that can harm your unborn baby. But did you know that going green during pregnancy (and beyond) is another great way to support the health of your child? Read on, and you’ll find 100 ways to go green and be more healthy for your baby at the same time.

General

These are just a few of the things you can do to be green and healthy in pregnancy.

1. Don’t go overboard on gear: Only buy what you really need to cut down on baby stuff.
2. Start an eco-friendly baby registry: Register on eco-friendly sites to get your little one’s life started off green.
3. Learn about breastfeeding: Before your baby comes, learn how you can get prepared to breast feed– the greenest and healthiest way to feed your baby.
4. Use reusable bags: Keep reusable bags in your car for last minute baby item runs to the store.
5. Avoid all toxins: Stay away from smoke and other toxins.
6. Cut down on plastics: Plastics often contain harmful chemicals, so stay away from plastic bottles and more.
7. Have an eco-friendly baby shower: Ask for an earth friendly and all natural baby shower.
8. Take a green babymoon: Visit a resort that offers green babymoons.
9. Choose refurbished electronics: If you’re buying a new camera to catch your baby’s life, reduce e-waste by buying used or refurbished.
10. Use eco-friendly pregnancy tests: Look for pregnancy tests that offer less waste.
11. Get baby books from the library: Instead of buying new baby books, just check them out from the library.

Nursery

Keep these green, safe tips in mind when creating your child’s nursery.

12. Buy used furniture: Buy furniture from Craigslist or garage sales to repurpose old items.
13. Reuse baby linens: Accept recycled baby linens from friends and family-used fabrics will have most harmful finishes laundered off.
14. Finish painting early: Give your paint plenty of time to dry and let off gas by finishing at least 8 weeks before bringing baby home.
15. Buy "normal" furniture: Get regular furniture that will grow with your baby’s needs.
16. Paint low-VOC: Look for low odor, low VOC to cut down on chemical exposure from paints.
17. Don’t get new carpet: Avoid the VOCs that come with new carpet by sticking with your old carpet or using a sustainable hardwood.
18. Avoid fire retardants: Stay away from nursing pillows, furniture, and electronics that have fire retardants.
19. Use green furniture: Find eco-friendly furniture: Look for furniture that’s made with sustainable parts.
20. Go organic for your mattress: Choose an organic crib mattress or a wool cover for your baby’s crib.
21. Use organic cotton bedding: Choose natural and organic fibers for your baby’s bedding.

Beauty and Skincare

Pregnancy is a great time to reassess the chemicals that are present in your beauty and skincare routine.

22. Avoid hair dyes: Hair dyes can contain harmful chemicals, so wait until you’re no longer pregnant or stop dying your hair altogether.
23. Use coconut milk for moisturization: Coconut milk makes a great alternative to moisturizers.
24. Read the label: Check out the labels of personal care products to find parabens and phthalates.
25. Use olive oil: Olive oil can be used for moisturizer and deep conditioning your hair.
26. Buy lead-free lipstick: If you wear lipstick, be careful that you’re not using one that’s got lead in it.
27. Try highlights or lowlights: Highlights and lowlights are safer than a full dye job because they don’t touch your scalp.
28. Go fragrance-free: Fragrance-free products may lessen your exposure to phthalates.
29. Don’t tan: Inhaling particles of spray in sunless tanning can be harmful, and tanning in a bed or in the sun can dangerously elevate your body temperature.
30. Use caution with foreign chemicals: Some cosmetics from other countries can contain lead.
31. Look for safe cosmetics: Check out safecosmetics.org to make sure you’re using safe cosmetics.
32. Wait until the second trimester for dyes: Hair dying during the second and third trimesters is safer than the first.
33. Look for an all-natural stretch mark solution: Whether it’s organic cocoa butter or natural oil, protect yourself from stretch marks without all the chemicals.

Food

Follow these tips to ensure that the food you’re eating is healthy and sustainable for your baby and the Earth.

34. Eat locally produced food: Find food that’s fresh and local for a greener diet.
35. Use iodized salt: Iodine can help buffer against chemicals in pregnancy.
36. Don’t microwave food in plastic: Avoid microwaving your food in plastic containers.
37. Filter your tap water: Instead of buying filtered water, use a refillable bottle and a filter.
38. Go without added hormones: Milk and meats should be produced without added growth hormones.
39. Buy produce in season: Seasonal produce will be fresher and require less chemicals to create.
40. Make your own meals: Cook fresh and limit packaged foods when you’re making your own meals.
41. Go organic: Look for organic produce, especially for thin-skinned fruits and vegetables that easily absorb pesticides.
42. Avoid canned food: Canned food is often found to have BPAs, a toxic chemical.
43. Don’t eat for two: You don’t really need to eat for two. Eating too much can be wasteful and harmful to your weight.
44. Store food in glass: Glass offers a safer way to store food.
45. Eat fresh, whole foods: Stick to eating food in as natural a state as possible.
46. Drink organic decaf coffee: Make your coffee healthy and decaf.
47. Choose fruits and vegetables wisely: If you can’t always go organic, choose fruits and vegetables that you can peel.
48. Use safe cookware: Teflon and other nonstick cookware often emits toxic chemicals at high temperatures.
49. Make your own baby food: You can make baby food ahead of time and freeze it in portions.
50. Drink water: Drink water instead of other types of beverages.
51. Stay away from processed foods: Processed foods are likely to have too much fat and sodium, so stick to natural, whole foods whenever you can.
52. Cook with stainless steel: Cookware like stainless steel, iron, or copper coated pots and pans are safer than others.
53. Seek out sustainable fish: Sustainable, low mercury fish offers excellent nutritional value.

Health

Improve your own health as well as your baby’s and the Earth’s by following these tips.

54. Go lead-free in calcium: Get your calcium in a lead-free supplement.
55. Keep yourself healthy: Your health is important when you’re pregnant, so stay fit, keep a healthy weight, and watch your blood pressure.
56. Try prenatal yoga: De-stress and exercise with prenatal yoga.
57. Don’t give up your vegetarian diet: If you’re already on a vegetarian diet that meets your nutritional needs, you don’t have to give up on it, as long as your doctor approves.

Maternity Clothes

These tips offer a great way to feel good about what you’re wearing.

58. Find natural maternity wear: Organic cottons, bamboo, and hemp make great options for Earth-friendly maternity wear.
59. Stop dry cleaning: Dry cleaners can include toxic solvents.
60. Don’t wear maternity clothes: Shop in your own closet and wear empire waist tops, long dresses, and skirts to stretch your maternity wardrobe.
61. Rent maternity clothes: Instead of buying something formal to wear once, rent something nice.
62. Accept hand me downs: Ask friends and family for their old maternity clothes that you can borrow.
63. Use a green laundry detergent: Wash your maternity clothes in a laundry detergent that’s Earth-approved.
64. Shop consignment stores: Gently used prices and repurposing old clothes make consignment stores a winner for clothes.

Household

These tips will help you go green around the home for your baby.

65. Keep your air well-ventilated: Open windows at home, work, and in your car to get some fresh air.
66. Create a garden: Eat fresh at home, just be sure to avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
67. Install energy efficient products: Products like energy efficient light bulbs, dimmers, timers, and sensors can save electricity and be more convenient for your baby.
68. Test your home for toxins: Find out if your house has lead paint, radon, or other toxic chemicals.
69. Leave shoes at the door: Shoes can track pollutants inside, so be careful to leave them at the door.
70. Don’t use air fresheners: Air fresheners can cause headaches in mothers as well as infant diarrhea.
71. Avoid renovating: If you have to renovate while pregnant, get out and stay out until the work is done.
72. Use baby detergent for your household: Wash sheets, towels, and other household laundry with baby-safe detergents.
73. Get rid of bug spray: Trade your bug spray for sticky traps and bait stations.
74. Avoid wood polishes: Wood polishes with nitrobenzene have been linked to birth defects and cancer.
75. Sleep on organic sheets: Keep toxic chemicals out of your bed with organic sheets.
76. Find organic garden supplies: Get rid of conventional pest sprays and fertilizers, opting for eco-friendly versions instead.
77. Don’t use wood finishes: Wood finishes can be harmful for pregnant women.
78. Avoid spot removers: Find another way to get spots out of your carpet, like steam cleaning.
79. Clean with baking soda and vinegar: This household cleaner offers a green way to get the dirt out.
80. Stay away from glues: Household glues may have hazardous chemicals in them.
81. Avoid harsh cleaners: Some cleaners may be harmful to your baby, as well as the Earth.
82. Have a garage sale: Get rid of old, earth-unfriendly items by giving them a new home in your garage sale.
83. Find a green exterminator: If you need extermination services, find a service provider that offers green treatments.
84. Use a water softener: Soft water is good for your (and baby’s) skin as well as the environment.
85. Use nontoxic home furnishings: Get rid of furniture with formaldehyde, flame retardants, and gas emissions.
86. Gather indoor plants: Clean your indoor air with the help of plants.

Babyproofing

Follow these green tips when babyproofing your home.

87. Use sustainable wood for cupboard latches: You can create latches out of sustainable wood.
88. Buy a wooden baby gate: Protect your child from the stairs with wooden baby gates.
89. Create cushions: Use old clothing and material to protect your little one against hard edges.

Baby Gear

With these tips, you can make your baby gear work for you and the Earth.

90. Use BPA-free feeding items: Bottles and eating utensils should be BPA-free.
91. Host a baby gear exchange party: Trade baby gear to get what you need.
92. Consider what you can live without: You may not need a wipe warmer, swing, or exersaucer.
93. Find a wooden high chair: Instead of a plastic high chair, use one made with sustainable wood.
94. Borrow big items: If you know other moms who have baby stuff that’s unused, ask if you can borrow their items.
95. Choose organic clothes: Pick organic cotton for your baby’s first clothes.
96. Turn to cloth diapers: Save cash, cut down on diaper rashes, and drastically reduce your baby’s environmental impact by using cloth diapers.
97. Find eco-friendly baby toys: Look for cotton or wood toys instead of plastic ones.
98. Turn old items into baby gear: T-shirts can be cut into bibs, and towels can be turned into washcloths.
99. Avoid items that will only be used shortly: Items that will only be used for a very short period of time are wasteful.
100. Seek out recycled baby gear: Hit secondhand shops to find recycled baby gear-just be sure to check for recalls and safety standards.

Macrobiotics is a popular albeit restrictive and sometimes controversial lifestyle that promotes whole foods, intuitive eating and a holistic approach to health and wellness that many believe reduces the risk of diseases, including cancer. If you’re wondering about the medical benefits or risks of macrobiotic living, or if you’re curious about a new diet and eating plan that’s focused on local, sustainable and clean foods, check out these blogs and links.

Blogs

These bloggers can help you learn how to make a macrobiotic lifestyle and diet easy to follow. Read their posts for tips, great recipes, and personal stories that will inspire your own lifestyle switch.

1. Jessica Porter’s Hip Chick Blog: Jessica Porter shares macrobiotic recipes, "spiritual stuff," chewing tips and more. Also check out her principal website for an audiobook, FAQ page, and other resources.
2. The MacroChef: Find recipes for any kind of meal or snack on this blog, as well as macrobiotic book recommendations, gardening tips, and more.
3. Energized Eating’s Blog: Find out which foods are best for your body and how to cook them from this blog.
4. Jen’s Whole Foods Cooking Blog: Jen Hoy highlights foods and shares recipe ideas that adhere to a whole, macrobiotic lifestyle.
5. Naturally!: This Hawaii-based blog explains macrobiotic cooking and the philosophy behind the sustainable lifestyle.
6. Macrobiotic Vegan Diet: Michael Acosta blogs to explain the benefits of macrobiotic eating and how to create yummy meals from whole, vegetarian foods.

Restaurants and Eating Out

Learn about eating out on a macrobiotic diet, and get connected to restaurants who also share valuable information about the lifestyle.

7. Best Vegan, Macrobiotic and Raw Food Restaurants: When.com lists best macrobiotic restaurants in cities like Chicago and New York City here.
8. VegGuide.org: Look up vegetarian and vegan restaurants and grocers all over the world: there are over 8,800 entries for North America, and nearly 850 for Europe.
9. Souen Macrobiotics: Souen Restaurant in New York City has a page devoted to explaining macrobiotics, including an overview, food glossary, and yin and yang food listing.

History

These links explain the history behind macrobiotic living.

10. Macrobiotics – A Brief History: 9starki.com reveals the story of George Ohsawa and yin and yang foods.
11. The History of Macrobiotics: Herman Aihara’s history on the Macrobiotic Guide site covers macrobiotics in Great Britain and popular misconceptions about macrobiotics.
12. Macrobiotic Shiatsu: Learn about the history behind and principles of this particular type of macrobiotic living.
13. Macrobiotic History Timeline: Google’s Timeline credits a German author with first coining the term "macrobiotic."

Lifestyle Benefits

Learn about the philosophy of the macrobiotic lifestyle, and how it’s a holistic approach to health, possibly even in fighting cancer.

14. Benefits of the Macrobiotic Diet: The principles of macrobiotics are outlined here, including the idea that the lifestyle contributes to a cancer-free body.
15. Macrobiotics: A Way of Life: Loulie Gillen’s study on the Vanderbilt psychology department website delves into the philosophy and standards of the macrobiotic diet.
16. The Macrobiotic Path: Basics of the Macrobiotic Lifestyle: Find out why buying local, seasonal foods in fundamental, and the reasoning behind the emphasis on chewing.
17. Ahh, the Balancing Act of Life: David Graber, OTS, shares his findings about health and disease statistics that have convinced him of the benefits of macrobiotics.
18. Macrobiotics: Tim Burness has followed a macrobiotic lifestyle for 30 years, and here he discusses the diet and also the benefits of the philosophy.
19. Macrobiotic Diet: This piece on CancerHelp UK explains why some believe the macrobiotic lifestyle helps cancer treatments.

Diet

Discover which foods you can eat, how to cook them, and how to mix and match them here.

20. What is Macrobiotic: LoveToKnowDiet explains the foods and ingredients and what they mean in terms of the macrobiotic lifestyle. For instance, food is the foundation of health and happiness.
21. WH Foods: The Macrobiotic Diet: Get background information on the diet, understand why it’s so popular, and find a foods emphasized and foods avoided list.
22. Eating Plan for Macrobiotic Diet: Livestrong.com outlines the basics of the whole grains, fruits, vegetables, soy foods, legumes and oils you should be eating. Look to the right sidebar for videos, too.
23. Macrobiotics: Lifestyle and Diet: Farrah Sarafa’s piece on macrobiotics discusses the Kushi Institute, and the possibly restrictive nature of the diet.
24. Macrobiotic Diet: Keep learning about what yin and yang foods mean, and how to identify them.
25. What’s a Macrobiotic Diet?: Care2 explores the diet here, specifying the percentage allowances for each food group.
26. What’s a Macrobiotic Diet?: Taste for Life even identifies occasional foods that you can sometimes indulge in, like fruit desserts, rice syrup and trout.
27. Macrobiotic Diet Basics: Find menu planners, food categories and more on this site.
28. Macrobiotic Diet: WebMD reviews yin and yang foods and the flexitarian diet plan.
29. The Macrobiotic Diet Review: Get a review that highlights the low-fat, high-fiber diet.

Questions and Advice

Discover how to ease into the lifestyle and make macrobiotics even more attractive.

30. Toward Macrobiotic Living: Get help starting the macrobiotic lifestyle here.
31. How to Make a Macrobiotic Diet Plan: Read this article to learn how to eliminate certain foods, pay attention to seasonal changes, and to keep macrobiotic foods with you at all times.
32. Nutritious, but nice: Macrobiotic food gets a makeover: Macrobiotics are getting a sexy makeover, according to this article from The Independent.
33. Macrobiotic Lifestyle Tips: Baking Tips and Techniques for the Macrobiotic Lifestyle: Learn how to bake yummy treats even on a macrobiotic diet.
34. 5 Steps for Macrobiotic Beginners: Steps emphasized here include chewing well and giving up dairy.
35. The Macrobiotic Diet Plan: DietTV.com looks at the macrobiotic diet as a weight loss plan.
36. Macrobiotics FAQ: Find out about weight loss expectations, cost and the commitment here.
37. How to Start and Follow the Macrobiotic Diet: This blogger responded to a reader’s question about switching to macrobiotic eating.
38. Macrobiotic Principles: Find macrobiotic guide book reviews on this page.
39. Sample Macrobiotic Diet: After giving an overview of the diet, you’ll find a sample meal plan for breakfasts, snacks, lunches, and dinners.
40. How to Start a Macrobiotic Diet Step by Step: Learn about the distinguishing diet factors and then get a step-by-step guide to transition to macrobiotic eating.

Controversy

These links provide commentary and research on the debate about the macrobiotic lifestyle and its alleged benefits.

41. The Macrobiotic Diet: The Pulse covers two sides of the macrobiotic diet: the health benefits and the restrictiveness that inhibits social eating and possibly even nutritional deficiencies.
42. The problem with purity: Larry Christopher critically examines pure lifestyles like macrobiotics, which are too rigid and perfection-oriented.
43. Macrobiotic Diet: The American Cancer Society weighs the pros and cons of macrobiotics in terms of general health and fighting cancer.
44. Are Macrobiotic Diets Healthy?: Learn about the Vitamin D factor here.

Groups and Organizations

The websites for these groups and organizations provide more information, e-classes, and other resources for understanding the lifestyle.

45. George Ohsawa Macrobiotic Foundation: Carl and Julia Ferre started this nearly 30-year-old organization to educate the public about the macrobiotic lifestyle.
46. Kushi Institute: This macrobiotic center is the preeminent institute for educating the public on the lifestyle.
47. Macrobiotic Meetups: If you’re interested in meeting others practicing the same lifestyle, attend a Meetup.
48. Carbondale Center for Macrobiotic Studies: This nonprofit group is also great online resource for learning about macrobiotic living and health.
49. Macrobiotics America: David and Cynthia Briscoe maintain this site and organization, which provide broadcast courses and cooking instruction, on-site counseling, and more.
50. Foundation for the Macrobiotic Way: Find e-tutorials, health practices tips, food and nutrition info, and more.

If you’re interested in child psychology, there are lots of blogs you can read to learn about it online. From child development to mental health, just about everything is covered here. In this list, you’ll find 50 of the best child psychology blogs online.

General

Study the world of child psychology in these blogs.

1. Ask the Child Psychologist: Talk to Daniel Klein to get your child psychology questions answered. Recommended Posts: Does My Child Need Help?, Parents Can Ease Kids’ Fears About School Changes
2. Child Psychology Research Blog: You’ll find research commentary on child psychology on this blog. Recommended Posts: ADHD and Smoking?, Special Needs Children
3. Diary of a Child Therapist: This child therapist has tips, advice, and resources for great kids and families. Recommended Posts: Daring to Share, Saying Goodbye
4. Dr. Jennifer Bremer’s Blog: Dr. Jennifer Bremer is a child and adult psychiatrist with a holistic bent. Recommended Posts: Darth Vader’s Diagnosis, Teaching Children Philosophy
5. Insights: Insights shares clinical information for your child’s care. Recommended Posts: Girls and ADHD, Signs of Dyslexia in Early Readers
6. Child Psych: Read Child Psych for mental health, trauma, and related social issues. Recommended Posts: Depression in Pre-Schoolers?, ADHD and Sleep Problems in Children

Educational Psychology

School and educational psychology are the focus of these blogs.

7. School Psychology: Melissa Alabrese blogs to improve outcomes for students. Recommended Posts: Surviving Homework, The Role of the School Psychologist
8. PsychSplash: PsychSplash has resources for educational psychology. Recommended Posts: Bully Help, Parent Wonder
9. School Psychology Blog: Read the School Psychology Blog to find information for professionals and parents in school psychology. Recommended Posts: Homework Tips for Parents, Helping Kids with Learning Issues
10. The Black Briefcase: Follow the life of a school psychologist on The Black Briefcase. Recommended Posts: First Day, Snitching Ain’t Easy
11. Teaching High School Psychology: Read this blog to find resources for teaching high school psychology. Recommended Posts: Using 12 Angry Men in Intro Psych, Motivation and Behavior Knol
12. School Psychology Blog and Podcast: Dr. Gaston Weisz has discussion on school psychology, child development, and more. Recommended Posts: Child Behavior Report Cards, Positive Behavior Approaches in School
13. Cool School Psychologist: Find school psychology adventures on this blog. Recommended Posts: The Cost of Family Relationships, Learning From the Past
14. Christine Eagan, School Psychologist: Christine Eagan writes from the perspective of a school psychologist. Recommended Posts: Educational Websites, Who are School Psychologists?
15. Notes from the School Psychologist: Rebecca Branstetter works with kids who hate school. Recommended Posts: Psychologist vs. Puppy, Teacher vs. Student
16. TechPsych: TechPsych examines using technology more effectively in learning, development, and more. Recommended Posts: Interactive Whiteboards Increase Student Attention, Engagement, Participation, and Test Scores!, Kindlelab Project

Therapy & Mental Health

Check out these blogs about therapy and mental health.

17. Cognitive Therapy for Kids: Elisa Nebolsine’s blog discusses therapy for kids. Recommended Posts: Diet of Processed Food Correlated to Depression, Preventing Depression Through Resilience Training
18. Mental Notes: Mental Notes is written by Dr. Jim Baker, an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. Recommended Posts: AntiDepressants Help the Right Brain Right Away, Does My Teenager Have Bipolar Disorder?
19. Child in Mind: Child in Mind promotes children’s mental health. Recommended Posts: Drugging Children to Sleep, When a "Problem" Child Hides a Troubled Marriage
20. Teen Mental Health Blog: Read this blog for a better understanding of teen mental health. Recommended Posts: Your Brain and the Internet, Let’s Make Everyone Feel Good and Ignore Those Who Need Help!
21. Family Dysfunction and Mental Health Blog: This blog emphasizes family dysfunction in behavioral problems. Recommended Posts: We Need More Order in Our Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders

Infant Development

Learn how babies develop on these blogs.

22. Secrets of Baby Behavior: Take the mystery out of baby behavior with this blog. Recommended Posts: It Takes Two Baby, Coping With a Child’s Medical Emergency
23. Because Babies Grow Up: Read this blog to find out what happens when babies grow up. Recommended Posts: Personalizing Your Favorite Songs, Music and Learning
24. Baby Development Blog: This blog answers questions about your baby’s development. Recommended Posts: Baby and the Crying Doll, Why Do Babies Cry?
25. Great Kids, Great Parents: Dr. Paul Holinger has infant and child development and the importance of children’s feelings. Recommended Posts: Effective Alternatives to Physical Punishment, Why Do We Still Spank Children?

Child Development

In these blogs, you’ll find insight into child development.

26. Child Development: Learn about child development from Dakota County Technical College. Recommended Posts: Babies’ People Sense, Kids vs. Kids
27. Darren Tagliarini: Darren Tagliarini writes about behavior on this blog. Recommended Posts: Autism Resources, Social Skills Materials
28. Developmental Psychology Arena: Find news in developmental psychology on this blog. Recommended Posts: Infancy, Children of Divorce
29. The Thoughtful Parent: The Thoughtful Parent shares research based development for parents and more. Recommended Posts: Difficult Temperament Doesn’t Mean A Child Destined for Problems, Yet Another Reason Not to Fight in Front of the Kids
30. The Thoughtful Animal: The Thoughtful Animal writes about developmental psychology and more. Recommended Posts: Zombies Ate My Brain!, Starting From the Beginning
31. Child Myths: Child Myths offers straight talk about child development. Recommended Posts: Psychological First Aid, Picky Eaters
32. Dr. Gil Tippy’s Child Development Blog: Dr. Tippy blogs about autism, ASD, DIR, floortime and relationships. Recommended Posts: Gil Tippy Speaks About Individual Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Dr. Gil Tippy Answers a Question About Not Controlling Contingencies in Autism Interventions
33. Child Growth and Development: You’ll find child development, play, and more on this blog. Recommended Posts: Influence of Genes and Environment on Child Development, Music is an Important Part of Child Development
34. Shaping Youth: Shaping Youth discusses media and marketing’s influence on kids. Recommended Posts: Green Hedgehogs in Virtual Worlds?, Olympic Life Lessons
35. Creative Play Plus: Creative Play Plus shares ideas in play and child development. Recommended Posts: No Time for Recess, A Case for Creative Play and Why Kids Need It
36. Developing Intelligence: You’ll read about developing intelligence in psychology on this blog. Recommended Posts: Robots in the Classroom, Do Inhibitory Skills Improve with Practice?

Parenting & Family

Read these blogs to see how parenting and family plays a role in child psychology.

37. The Favorite Child: Dr. Ellen Weber Libby explores family dynamics. Recommended Posts: Spontaneous Conversations on Favoritism, Is There a Favorite Parent?
38. Parenting Today: Parenting Today focuses on child development. Recommended Posts: Kids Out of Control?, Sexual Media Influences Teen Decisions About Sex
39. Practice What I Preach: Check out this blog about a child psychiatrist becoming a parent. Recommended Posts: Routines: Parent-Led or Baby-Led?, Morning Sickness and Attachment
40. PhD in Parenting: This blog is written for students of parenting. Recommended Posts: Would You, Could You Nurse in Public?, Should We Parent Boys and Girls Differently?
41. Raising Happiness: Raising Happiness offers science for joyful kids and happier parents. Recommended Posts: The Right Way to Praise Kids, Let Your Kids Fail
42. Please Stop the Rollercoaster!: Sue Blaney’s blog has tips and tools for parenting your teens. Recommended Posts: Teens: Media Consumption and Screen Time, Blogging in the Classroom?
43. Parenting Teens: This blog offers a guide to parenting your teen. Recommended Posts: The Teen’s Brain, Choose Your Words
44. Sarah Newton: Sarah Newton has new thinking for a new generation. Recommended Posts: Our Job as Parents is Not to do What is Easy!, Parents, a Stark Warning Not to Stalk Your Teenager on Facebook
45. The Ultimate Sports Parent Blog: Help your young athlete with confidence using this youth sports psychology blog. Recommended Posts: Helping Young Athletes Improve Composure in Sports, When Coaches Yell, Insult, and Intimidate Sports Kids
46. Radical Parenting: This blog has parenting advice from kids. Recommended Posts: Radical Parenting Principles, My Favorite Teacher Ever
47. Parent Empowerment: Sue Scheff has universal resources for parent environment. Recommended Posts: Teen Anger, Rage and Learning to Manage It, Getting Ahead of Your Teens Virtually
48. A Psych Mommy: This psychologist became a mom. Recommended Posts: Spotlight: Baby Bond, Happy 101
49. Dr. John Carpente’s Music & Child Development Blog: In this blog, you’ll learn about music and child development. Recommended Posts: Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy & DIR/Floortime Model, Musical Play
50. Child and Family Psychology Blog: Dr. Renee writes about child and family psychology in New York and beyond. Recommended Posts: Dr. Renee Clauselle Discusses Definition and Diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorders at Upcoming Seminar, Dr. Renee Asks Parents to Take the Cyber Duty Pledge

The practice of acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, and millions of people around the world believe it has helped them overcome everything from allergies to back pain. If you’re interested in learning more about the ancient practice of acupuncture, whether for an additional lesson in alternative medicine outside of medical training school or just for your own personal education, then check out these blogs. You’ll find general information on Chinese medicine, news about the benefits of acupuncture and a whole lot more that can lead to a happier, healthier, more well-informed you.

General Alternative Medicine

Read through these blogs to learn not only about acupuncture but a whole host of other alternative treatments.

1. Deepest Health: Learn more about the benefits and practice of Chinese medicine from this blog. Recommended posts: "Chinese Herb Substitution and Using Local Species" and "A Year of Sagely Living: 12 Months of Chinese Medicine Habits."
2. Spinebuzz: Does your back pain make it hard for you to sleep or do things you love to do? Learn about healthy and natural solutions to your pain, including acupuncture, in this blog. Recommended posts: "How Do I Know If Acupuncture Is the Right Treatment Method?" and "Acupuncture: An Overview."
3. The CAM Report: This blog is home to loads of news about complementary and alternative medicine. Recommended posts: "Acupuncture for Depression" and "Traditional Chinese Medicine Improves Stroke Recovery."
4. Alternative Medicines: Here, you’ll find help improving your health through natural and alternative methods. Recommended posts: "Acupuncture and Pregnancy" and "Can Acupuncture Improve the Outcome of IVF?."
5. Everything You Wanted to Know About Alternative Medicine: The name of this blog says it all. On it, you’ll find everything you’ll need to learn about practices from acupuncture to aromatherapy. Recommended posts: "The Pros and Cons of Alternative Medicine" and "Acupuncture And Tai Chi For Stress Management."
6. Chinese Medicine Adventures: Blogger Damien Bodnarchuk shares posts on acupuncture, cupping, green tea and a wide range of other holistic practices here. Recommended posts: "An acupuncture treatment at the UTS TCM clinic for fatigue" and "Afghanistan: US army acupuncture."
7. Alternative Medicine Zone: Learn more about the wide variety of alternative treatments out there from this highly informative blog. Recommended posts: "Top 13 Yoga Exercises To Avoid Backaches" and "Acupuncture: A Gateway To Health And Wellness!"
8. DANN Chinese Herbs and Medicine: Curious about Chinese herbal and traditional remedies? This blog can help you learn more. Recommended posts: "Yin and Yang" and "How Acupuncture Can Help You Maintain Your Health."
9. Chinese Medicine News: This blog can help you stay in the loop when it comes to news about Chinese medicine, from herbs to acupuncture and everything in between. Recommended posts: "Electric acupuncture helps insomnia" and "Acupuncture good at controlling tension headaches: Cochrane review."
10. New Health Ideas: Follow along with the latest in alternative medicine through the posts in this blog. Recommended posts: "Heat Acupuncture Puts Player Back in the Game" and "Acupuncture for Staying Young."
11. Worldwide Health: This health directory can not only help you find an acupuncturist but can also ensure you know more about natural and alternative health treatments in general. Recommended posts: "What Is Acupuncture?" and "What Is Acupressure?."

Acupuncture Specific

These blogs focus on educating readers about acupuncture.

12. Acupuncture Health Insights: This blog is written by Lynn Jaffee, a licensed acupuncturist, who offers news and information on a wide range of acupuncture and Chinese medicine topics. Recommended posts: "Chinese Acupuncture for Dizziness" and "Oh, Those Aching Feet!"
13. Acupuncture and Massage Blog: Find a wealth of information on this site on why and how you should pursue acupuncture and massage for your health. Recommended posts: "Acupuncture for Weight Loss" and "Tai Chi for Stress."
14. World Acupuncture: Learn more about how acupuncture is being used around the world from this blog. Recommended posts: "Japanese Acupuncture V Chinese Acupuncture" and "Daniel Kowalski uses Japanese Acupuncture and Breaks 3 World Records."
15. The Qi-Spot: Try out this blog by Dr. Philip Ran-Gatue to learn more about the practice of acupuncture as well as some other types of Chinese medicine to keep your Qi in balance. Recommended posts: "Mayo Clinic: Acupuncture Useful for Low Back Pain" and "Does Natural Equal Safe?"
16. Stonewell Acupuncture News: Licensed acupuncturist Michael Ishii shares his tips and expertise on acupuncture and Chinese medicine here. Recommended posts: "Addressing Allergies with Eastern Medicine" and "Acupuncture: Treating the Exterior to Effect the Interior of the Body."
17. Acupuncture Continuum: Make sure you stay informed about the latest in Chinese and holistic medicine by reading this blog regularly. Recommended posts: "Acupuncture Treatment for PTSD" and "Honey for Health: the properties of an amazing food remedy."
18. Insights for Acupuncturists: You don’t have to be a practicing acupuncturist to get something useful out of this blog on acupuncture. Recommended posts: "Tapping For Health-Ancient Chinese Acupressure and Modern Pyschology Meet" and "Acupuncture For Children?"
19. Acupuncture Today: While this blog is geared towards acupuncture professionals, anyone can learn from the news and articles it provides. Recommended posts: "Healing Body and Soul" and "Acupuncture Found Effective for Back Pain."
20. Acupuncture Blog Chicago: Even if you don’t live in Chicago, the stories and news presented on this blog will help you learn more about acupuncture. Recommended posts: "H1N1: How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help" and "More About The Benefits Of Acupuncture."
21. My Acupuncture Blog: Learn the basics of acupuncture as well as finding some helpful reading material on the subject on this blog. Recommended posts: "Acupuncture For Weight Loss and Behaviour Modification" and "Acupuncture Re-Balances Your Chi and Harmonises Yin and Yang."
22. Community Acupuncture Network: Check out this blog to learn about this network’s efforts to make acupuncture affordable for all. Recommended posts: "Community "Style" Acupuncture" and "Why CAN Exists."
23. Acumomma: Here, you’ll find a mom who is interested in improving her health through acupuncture and other natural remedies. Recommended posts: "Seaweed recipes – Per Your Request!" and "Depression, Pregnancy, Acupuncture – Research Study."

Health Centers

Follow the blogs of these health centers to learn ways you can live a longer, healthier life through alternative treatments.

24. Heart to Heart Medical Center: Check out this blog for information on alternative and holistic medicine from Dr. Shiroko Sokitch at the Heart to Heart Medical Center. Recommended posts: "Allergies" and "Spring Cleanse."
25. Empirical Point: From treating acne to relieving pain with acupuncture, this medical practice’s blog will help you learn all about alternative Eastern treatments. Recommended posts: "How Does Acupuncture Relieve Pain?" and "Eight Amazing Lessons I’ve Learned from Being an Acupuncturist."
26. Harmony Health and Wellness: The Harmony Health Clinic posts information that can help you stay healthy and happy, as well as a few political sidebars. Recommended posts: "Acupuncture doesnt need needles to work" and "Acupuncture beats aspirin for chronic headache."
27. The Barking Oracle: Four Paws acupuncture shows that acupuncture can have benefits for animals besides humans. Recommended posts: "K9 Acupuncturist Bit by the Mushing Bug!" and "Got Allergies? Try Quercetin for you and your dog."
28. Acupuncture Blog Minneapolis: Steven Sonmore, an acupuncturist in Minneapolis, offers his insights into the ancient practice here. Recommended posts: "What You’ve Always Wanted To Know About Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine But Were Afraid To Ask" and "Scientific Validation of Acupuncture for Pain Relief."
29. Abbey Fromkin: Learn more about this acupuncturist, her practice and the benefits of acupuncture on this blog. Recommended posts: "Acupuncture May Help Restore Lost Sense of Smell" and "Older Americans begin to embrace nontraditional medicine."
30. Acupuncture & Natural Healing Therapies: Lisa Schlegel, a licensed acupuncturist, shares her passion for the practice in this blog. Recommended posts: "Acupuncture and public safety" and "Western medicine often masks symptoms."

As with addictions to alcohol, drugs, gambling or other destructive substances and behaviors, food addictions and eating disorders cause intense feelings of hopelessness, shame, guilt, waste and frustration. If you want to learn how to help yourself or a friend battle food addiction, or if you want to learn more about the condition as part of your nursing school education, check out these blogs that offer support, education, and advice.

Coaches

These coaches share tips that can help you identify your addiction and organize a plan for dealing with it.

1. The Cravings Coach: Diana Walker can help you deal with cravings in a healthy way. Find recipes and other resources on her blog. Recommended posts: "Nutrition, Whole Foods Help Curb Cravings" and "Cucumbers Curb Sugar Cravings."
2. Get Slim From Within: This blog comes from a certified master life coach who has personally lost 170 lbs, and has kept it off. Recommended posts: "I Would Have Eaten That Until I Got Sick!" and "Slim Mind Tip – Food Forecasting."
3. Tanisha Marshall: Tanisha is a raw food coach who often writes about overeating cooked foods and making the transition to a raw diet. Recommended posts: "Is snacking getting the best of you?" and "Since going raw have you found yourself overeating on cooked food?"
4. A Weigh Out: Read posts about emotional and binge eating, therapy, healthy cooking ideas, and finding out why you eat the way you do. Recommended posts: "Love Myself First" and "How do the Italians do it?"
5. Janice Taylor’s Our Lady of Weight Loss: Janice Taylor is a motivational speaker, writer and weight loss coach who blogs to get you inspired but also realistic about losing weight. Recommended posts: "Diet Tip: Lose 4.5 pounds" and "8 Ways to Short Circuit Stress."
6. Normal Eating Blog: Get tips on stopping when you’re full and avoiding the self-deprivation mindset. Recommended posts: "Eating at Meal Times and Eating from Habit " and "Self-Deprivation Mindset: No Pleasure in Eating ."

Personal Testimonials

These bloggers are in recovery from all sorts of eating disorders that made them preoccupied with food: anorexia, bulimia, overeating, binge eating and more. Read their tips, stories and struggles to help yourself get healthy, too.

7. Confessions of a (Recovering) Compulsive Eater: This 42-year-old recovering compulsive eater blogs about weight loss and the therapy that’s helped eliminate binges. Recommended posts: "How I told my husband I was a compulsive overeater" posts and "Getting honest about my Food Addiction."
8. Real Recovery from Bulimia and Binge Eating: This blogger is happy to share the "miracle guidance" that helped end 14 years of bulimia. Recommended posts: "Triggers are the consequence, not the cause" and "Great excitement in the midst of total uncertainty!"
9. Diary of a Mad Overeater 2.0: Follow along with this "normal guy" working with Overeaters Anonymous if you want support on your own journey. Recommended posts: "Step One, Question One" and "Where I’m At."
10. Recovering Anorexic: This recovering anorexic is on a mission for lifelong rehabilitation, and blogs about the journey with Overeaters Anonymous. Recommended posts: "The Courage to Change" and "Guilt with Food Plan."
11. From Inside the Mirror: Don’t feel ashamed if you’ve slipped up: this blogger understands how hard it is, and is trying to be honest and committed, too. Recommended posts: "Recovery Road" and "Coming Clean."
12. A Better, Lesser Me!: After following others’ eating disorder and food addiction recoveries, this blogger now writes about dealing with troubling emotions in a healthy way. Recommended posts: "I will not feel guilty" and "One day at a time."
13. Escape from Obesity: This obese mom is an inspirational blogger who is open about her serious frustration with her battle to lose weight and gain control of her eating habits. She’s also got a good archive of healthy recipes to try. Recommended posts: "Hot Dogs and Chocolate" and "Eating is Easier."
14. The Binge Diary: Read the blog of a compulsive binge eater if you want to learn more about diabetes, sticking to your recovery, and dealing with the frustration and stress. Recommended posts: "Update – Inpatient Decision" and "My Story, My Shortcut."
15. PJs and Pounds…Food Addict/PJ Geek: This food addict has lost 120 lbs. and may be able to help you find a better balance too. Recommended posts: "120 lbs Lost! New Focus" and "No guilt, just attitude."
16. Fatty Kathy’s Weight Loss Journal: After her husband died in 2005, Kathy started binge eating, but now she’s on a mission to understand her emotional reaction to food and eating. Recommended posts: "I Wish I Could Hibernate" and "Lifestyle Changes May Be the Only Way to Lose."
17. A 40-Something Fool’s Journey: This blog is primarily about the writer’s experience with Overeater’s Anonymous and and trying to achieve abstinence from food addiction. Recommended posts: "Walking Into a First Meeting With A Higher Power" and "A Balance of Self: I Work an Imperfect Program."
18. Exploring Intuitive Eating: Read about women’s reactions to food and body image on this intriguing blog. Recommended posts: "Clouds" and "Another day anothermeeting another picture."
19. Voice in Recovery: Blog posts on this site are elegant and honest, and can offer support and understanding to anyone who suffers from a type of eating disorder or unhealthy relationship with food. Recommended posts: "Just Say NO" and "Food Addiction."
20. Hauling Uphill Blog: This isn’t just a weight loss blog: it’s a pledge to stop letting food and being overweight ruin the blogger’s life and continue damaging the writer’s self-esteem. Recommended posts: "Collateral Kilos" and "Onwards and Downwards."
21. Whatever it takes…Until it is not about the food. That is this blogger’s motto, which is taking them through the 12 steps of OA. Recommended posts: "And the crazy train goes on" and "Precarious balance."
22. Not So Pleasantly Plump: This food addict blogs monthly about progress, setbacks and the daily grind of keeping up with commitment. Recommended posts: "I need motivation…NOW!" and "Breaking through & Resisting temptation."
23. Ali’s Fat to Fit: Ali woke up at 27 and realized that food was her best friend. Find out how she’s reworking her perspective on her way to get fit. Recommended posts: "The Future" and "Five Foods."
24. Tales of a (Recovering) Disordered Eater: Read real posts about self awareness and growth from this blog. Recommended posts: "Triggers of a Different Kind" and "Food Coma + No Formal Exercise = Ugh."
25. Thank God It’s Lunch Time: This compulsive eater writes about OA, therapy and the recovery process, and the constant struggle to focus on things other than food. Recommended posts: "Long Day Good Day" and "Retreat Day 1."
26. Down in Sunny San Diego: This OA member and recovering overeater has type 2 diabetes but has lost nearly 60 lbs. so far. Recommended posts: "Calm and cool…seriously" and "Is it possible I’m fearful of the good stuff?"
27. RecoveryDiscovery: This blog is written by a recovering compulsive overeater who is also a performance artist living in New York City. Read it for inspiration and honest insight into the writer’s journey. Recommended posts: "Summertime…" and "On "rejecting the diet mentality"".

Good Eating Habits

Learn more about bingeing, bulimia, food cravings and other obstacles that get in the way of good eating habits, and how you can turn yourself around.

28. Binge Eating Blog: This blog can help you deal with stress and body image issues so that you’re a healthier eater. Recommended posts: "Developing a Positive Body Image is an Essential Part of Recovery from Eating Disorders and "Study Shows Link Between Binge Eating and Suppression of Emotions."
29. Eating Journey: This blogger was tired of hiding and decided to take control of her eating habits and lifestyle. Recommended posts: "Calorie Restriction as Emotional Distraction" and "Naked on the Scale, Thinking."
30. The F-Word: This blog encourages dialogue about food, fat and feminism, focusing on the eating habits of modern women and their relationship to food. Recommended posts: "I’m Back…" and "Open Topic: Talking to kids about fat comments."
31. Waisting Time: This yo-yo dieter is trying to ignore the scale and think of food in a positive, healthy way. Recommended posts: "The End of Overeating" and "The Never Ending Journey."
32. Feed Me!: Writer Harriet Brown writes about body image and issues with food and weight. Recommended posts: "Distortions and "One more reason NOT to get bariatric surgery."
33. Embracing Balance: Get real, rational tips on finding balance with your eating and fitness. Recommended categories: "The Seduction of a Binge and "Not to self: you are ready."
34. Hungry Girl: On this blog, you can learn about nutrition labels, good-for-you favorites at the grocery store, and more. Recommended posts: "No-Guilt Menu News, Snack Finds, VitaTop 411 & More from HG!" and "
35. Eat Like Me: Self’s blog will walk you through the transition to eating healthy but delicious meals. Recommended posts: "Summer Treat: Indulge in Ice Cream Guilt-Free (Here’s How!)" and " A Carb Lover’s Guide: 3 Essential Rules for Eating Pasta."
36. Laurel on Health Food: Certified health counselor and coach Laurel likes sharing recipes based on her favorite foods like raw chocolate, kale and avocados. Recommended posts: "Summer Reading" and "7 Free Avocado Recipes."
37. Kath Eats Real Food: This blog is devoted to healthy living and contains recipes, videos great photos that will inspire you to eat healthy, but still eat great foods. Recommended posts: "Raspberry Revolution" and "The Swing of Things."
38. Carrots N Cake: Tina blogs to share her tips for finding sensible balance with food and health, pairing homemade, fresh salads with BBQ potato chips. Recommended posts: "Want to Exercise Less?" and "Wine Counts as Dessert, Right?"
39. Circle of Food: Learn about eating healthy and organic foods, keep up with food recalls, and get cooking tips here. Recommended posts: "5 Best Foods for Your Pre and Post Workout Needs" and "A Meal Fit for Popeye."
40. Yummy Diet Food: Read well-developed reviews, recipes and tips that will give you lots of variety when it comes to "diet food." Recommended posts: "Fast Food Low Calorie and Low Fat Options Aren’t Always Healthy (or Low Calorie)" and "Dr. Oz Diet and Weight Loss Advice."

Learning About Addiction

These blogs shed some light on addiction, whether it’s food, alcohol, or another force that’s taken over your life. You can learn how to identify your addiction, discover your triggers, and take the steps to heal yourself by reading the advice given here.

41. All About Addiction: This blog has many posts about food addiction that you can browse here. Recommended posts: "How does it all start? My thoughts on addiction causes and substance abuse" and "How can I overcome all this sugar??? The dilemma of food addiction."
42. Sobriety Girl: Read this blog to learn more about becoming sober and finding the strength to control your addiction. Recommended posts: "The attempted demise of Sobriety Girl" and "The Wall."
43. Attitude of Gratitude: Learn about the power of spiritual discipline and the possibility for change. Recommended posts: "2.21.10" and "2.23.10."
44. Addiction Management Treatment Blog: Dr. John Fitzgerald updates this blog to help people learn about addiction and therapy. Recommended posts: "Sins and Needles: when creativity transforms addiction" and Uncovering the pervasive roots of addiction: Part 1."

Healthy Living

45. A Merry Life: Mary’s weight loss blog is all about understanding food so that you can have a happy and healthy life. Recommended posts: "Reforming My Picky Eater Past By Trying New Things" and "How To Get Back On Track With Healthy Living."
46. Medicinal Marzipan: You can’t successfully adopt a healthy lifestyle if you’re unhappy with the way you look: this blog can help you love your body and your new weight loss goals. Recommended posts: "This is what progress looks like" and "Learning to eat healthfully without restriction."
47. Loretta’s Journey from 460 to 199…One Good Choice at a Time: Loretta has already lost over 100 lbs. and is doing it by making one choice at a time, and taking it one day at a time. Recommended posts: "Day 349 Another Short & Sweet Saturday" and "Day 351 Challenge Updates and Fair Sneak Peak."
48. Underindulgence: This clever blogger has noted a relationship between her overspending and overeating, and is tracking both bad habits to live more healthfully. Recommended posts: "Becoming underindulgent" and "Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose!"
49. Healthy Food and Healthy Living by Dr. Ayala: Find out why you eat the way you do when you read this blog. Recommended posts: "Americans spend more time eating, mostly while distracted" and "Do junk eating friends ruin your diet?"
50. Stream of Consciousness: Gaiam’s life blog can help you live a balanced, peaceful and healthy life. Recommended posts: "Convenience is killing us" and "The Super Fiber that Controls Your Appetite and Blood Sugar."

Michael Pollan’s maxim for eating reads: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." It’s advice we could all use, especially considering how much of our meals are made up not by food but by food-like products. The food we eat every day is as much a delivery system for scores of unknown chemicals as it as a way to fill up for a few hours. Some of these chemicals can even lead to disease, as doctors, nurses, and even medical coders have witnessed. Next time you’re at the grocery store, before you put an item in your cart, check the label to see what chemicals it contains. Chances are you’ll find something you didn’t even know you were eating, and that knowledge is the first step to eating better.

No Side Effects

1. Folic acid: This is one of the most helpful dietary supplements out there for preventing heart disease. You’ll find it in a bunch of grain products, like cereal, bread, flour, noodles, and macaroni.
2. Fumaric acid: Fumaric acid is used in jellies to control their acidity, and it has no side effects.
3. Lactic acid: Lactic acid tastes bitter and is reaped from sour milk and used as a flavoring agent in a variety of products, including cheeses and preserves. Safe to eat.
4. Lecithin: This emulsifier occurs naturally in milk and is added to dairy products like cheese, margarine, and chocolate to keep foods from separating. Although an additive, it’s totally safe.
5. Pectin: If you’ve ever had canned fruit, you’ve probably had pectin. (As a kid, I pretty much lived on canned peaches.) It’s added to foods like fruits and preserves to keep contents from separating and to hold them together.
6. Propionic acid: It’s an intimidating name for something really helpful: Propionic acid acts a mold inhibitor, meaning you can enjoy cheese and bread longer than normal. (Of course, cheese is naturally kinda moldy anyway, but just go with it.)
7. Algin: Algin comes from brown algae, where it reacts with water to form a binding gum. It’s used in food to extend shelf life and boost the thickness and creaminess of products like ice cream and pudding.
8. Glycerin: Glycerin tastes sweet and is low on the toxicity scale, and it’s also colorless and odorless. Add that up, and you start to see why it’s such a popular way to add flavor to food, preserve food life, and even enhance low-fat foods like cookies.
9. Guar gum: Guar gum is a substance made from the ground-up beans of the guar plant, a legume mostly found in India. If it’s in your food, it’s being used as a stabilizer in cheese (legit and processed kinds), jellies, and preserves.
10. Erythorbic acid: Erythorbic acid is derived from vegetables, and though it is (obviously) an acidic substance, it’s acceptable in lower amounts. You’ll find it in soda and wine as a preservative used to maintain flavor and color over time.

Potential Side Effects

11. Diacetyl: Butter without butter, this is the stuff added to microwave popcorn to make you think you’re eating something with a real buttery topping. Of course, it’s also used in mosquito repellant. There have even been concerns about consumer exposure to the chemical. The easy fix: Pop your own corn and add real butter.
12. Aspartame: Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that won over crowds for tasting better than saccharine. However, it includes a component called phenylalanine that can’t be metabolized by those with phenylketonuria, a rare disease. As a result, pregnant women are discouraged from ingesting aspartame.
13. Polydimethylsiloxane: It’s a mouthful, I know, but this chemical is an important element in Silly Putty, and it’s also found in processed foods like McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets. Yes, the same stuff that goes into a rubbery toy goes into a quasi-chicken meal. Charming.
14. Butylated hydroxyanisole: This antioxidant is used as a food additive despite the fact that has caused cancer in rats. The National Institutes of Health state that butylated hydroxyanisole is "reasonably anticipated" to become a human carcinogen, to boot, so if you see this name peeking out at you from food labels, walk away.
15. Propylene glycol: This organic compound has a faintly sweet taste and appears in multiple products as a food additive, though it’s also used as a coolant and as a moisturizer in tobacco and cosmetics. Plus it’s a major ingredient in deodorant sticks. Think about armpits the next time you open up the pantry.
16. Chemical flame retardants: A 2005 report found that Canadians were ingesting extremely high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, a class of chemicals used as flame retardants in everything from foam to plastic. The chemicals were in several different food items, including ground beef and butter.
17. Sodium pyrophosphate: It can’t be a good sign that this thickening agent is described as "toxic" and "irritating." It appears in foods like chicken nuggets, marshmallows, crab meat (real and imitation), and pudding.
18. Sodium nitrite: Sodium nitrite is used primarily as a preservative in meat and fish. Its chemical applications also extend to photography and the production of rubber. It’s found naturally in many vegetables and can be helpful as an additive meant to preserve the condition of meat, but high doses can be toxic. What’s more, certain high-temperature conditions can alter it into a compound that might promote cancer.
19. Sodium benzoate: This preservative is seen in everything from soda to fruit juice, as well as salad dressings and other condiments. The bad news is that it can combine with ascorbic acid to form benzene, a harmful carcinogen. A soda can’s exposure to heat affects the rate at which this process might occur, so keep an eye out.
20. Potassium bromate: Potassium bromate, used in baking bread, has been banned in the United Kingdom and Europe, though not in the United States. If too much is added to the dough, it won’t all be used up in the baking process, and whatever’s left behind can be toxic. Check bread labels to see if it was used in the baking. (Bread sold in California is required to use a warning label when potassium bromate is used.)
21. Astaxanthin: This chemical is used in the coloring of farm-raised salmon, since they’re not able to get it in the wild and are thus differently colored without it. (Weird, I know.) For humans, it’s just another food additive and antioxidant rumored to be helpful.
22. Monosodium glutamate: Also known as MSG, this chemical is one of the more high-profile additives to make headlines. It’s a food and flavor enhancer often found in stocks, sauces, and canned food, and though reports have shown it to be acceptable at lower levels, some people can have a negative reaction to the chemical in higher doses. It probably won’t hurt you, but if you want to avoid it, that’s fine, too.
23. Emulsifiers: Bread wasn’t created to last as long as it does in the grocery store, so emulsifiers help extend its shelf life. Emulsifiers also blend components that normally wouldn’t mix, a process helpful in the manufacturing of ice cream, salad dressings (oil and water), and more.
24. Olestra: Wouldn’t it be awesome to eat fatty foods without the fat? That’s what fat-substitute olestra tries to make happen, though the food additive is responsible for a side effect you never want to associate with snacking: anal leakage. Sure, it might not effect you, but it’s a risky gamble to make. Always check the labels on food products.
25. Partially hydrogenated oils: Adding hydrogen to oil makes it a dense, semi-solid oil that resembles butter but is a lot cheaper to make, which is why partially hydrogenated oil is in a lot of stuff you eat. The downsides? Weight problems, diabetes, and a general addiction to the chemical.
26. Polysorbate 80: Another popular emulsifier, polysorbate 80 is often seen in ice cream, and a small number of people are allergic to it. It can also decrease fertility in high doses, but you’d have to gorge on the stuff for weeks, so you’re probably out of danger.
27. Sterol esters: Sterids are added to margarine to regulate your cholesterol by inhibiting its absorption in the intestine. It’s safe to use, but as with all things, use moderation.
28. Calcium carbonate: It’s from rocks! Yes, calcium carbonate is found in rocks around the world, and it’s used as a calcium supplement and antacid. It’s also present in soy milk as a calcium source. As with everything that didn’t start out in your food, excessive doses can be dangerous.
29. Propyl gallate: This compound is used to preserve fats and oils and is found in meat products and chicken soup base. However, certain studies on animals have shown that it might promote cancer, so it’s definitely an additive to avoid if possible.
30. Acesulfame-K: Another sweetener to be concerned about, Acesulfame-K is often present in baked goods and chewing gum. Because it’s relatively new (the FDA approved it in 1998), it’s best to use in low doses.

Think you know just what you’re eating when you get prepackaged and prepared foods? What you don’t know may hurt you as more and more companies begin researching and using nanotechnology in their food products. While some applaud the efforts as ways to help reduce obesity and improve nutrition, others urge caution as nanoparticles may have some unknown and potentially deadly effects on the human body. While it’s ultimately up to you whether or not you decide to eat nanofoods, here are some facts that will educate you on nanofood technology and may have you moving a little slower towards the latest food tech.

1. There are more than 180 applications for nanofoods in the developing stages, with over 200 different companies researching them. A few of them may already be on your grocery store shelves. Nanofoods are hot research topics for those in the food industry, as they can be more tasty, last longer and even provide greater nutrition. However, the long term effects of the consumption of these products aren’t really known, at least not well enough to release them into the wider marketplace. Nonetheless, you might see at least three nanofood products at your grocery store: a brand of canola cooking oil called Canola Active Oil, a tea called Nanotea and a chocolate diet shake called Nanoceuticals Slim Shake Chocolate.
2. Some nanotech products use particles that don’t break down in the body, like nanosilver and silica. While foods have been modified for years, many food researchers are urging the FDA to look into nanotechnology applications a little more carefully. Because these particles don’t break down in the body, they could potentially build up in the system and cause health problems. Even if the particles were to pass out of the system, they could wreak havoc on water-based ecosystems. Preliminary studies by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology found that nano-silicates like those used in toothpaste and ointments stayed in the water unless treated with a substance that caused them to clump together and form a sort of sludge.
3. There are no warning labels on foods that contain nanofoods because health officials believe there is no reason for caution of concern. Consumer advocates aren’t quite as certain, stating that a lack of research on the health consequences and long term effects of nanoparticles in foods means that there should be labeling on products so consumers can make smart decisions. While cloned or genetically engineered products have caused an uproar with consumers around the world, a lack of awareness and education on the potential hazards has limited the response to widespread nanofood production.
4. Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies have shown that nanoparticles pose potential risks to human health. Worry about nanofoods isn’t just hot air. Studies have shown that when nanoparticles are ingested they can cause DNA damage that can lead to cancer and heart and brain disease. While the promise of nanofoods can’t be denied, the risks to human health can’t simply be swept under the rug either. Worse yet, nanoparticles don’t have to be ingested to be dangerous. Studies have also shown that nanoparticles can travel into the body through absorption, meaning consumers might only have to touch nanoparticle-based products to be exposed. Additionally, a 2005 study in Environmental Science & Technology showed that zinc oxide nanoparticles were toxic to human lung cells in lab tests even at low concentrations while another study demonstrated that nanosilver killed liver and brain cells from rats. Isn’t that something you’d like to know was in your food?
5. The amount of nanomaterial in foods may be small, but it can accumulate with repeated consumption. Dr. Vicki Colvin has said, "One thing we’ve concluded is whatever these things [nanomaterials] are going to do, they’re not inert. What will they do when they get in the environment, and what will they do when they get into people?" The reality is that we still don’t know. Some studies have shown that nanoparticles have been able to reduce tumors in mice when used in a targeted fashion. As to their effects when they’re simply allowed to build up in the body, well, nobody is quite sure, and that’s what makes the nanofoods so potentially dangerous for consumers.
6. Researchers say it’s impossible to know the true number of foods and products containing nanoparticles because statistics are based on self-reporting by companies.That means consumers could be buying and eating many more nanofoods on a daily basis without ever knowing. Since current packaging doesn’t require listing whether or not a food contains nanoparticles consumers can’t make the decision whether or not to eat nanofoods or to avoid them. And nanofoods aren’t going away anytime soon. It’s estimated that by 2015 over 40% of food products will be nanotechnology-based. A scary stat since the true effects of these particles aren’t yet known.
7. Even non-nanofoods may contain nanoparticles as those used in food packaging might leach into food or beverages. Apples, pears, peppers, cucumbers and other fruit and vegetables are being coated with a thin, wax-like nanocoating to extend shelf-life by enhancing color and flavor in the products. Consumers think they’re getting healthy, natural foods but may inadvertently be consuming nanoparticles. As the nanopackaging industry grows, consumers can expect to see more and more products with the technology on store shelves, while the effects of it’s use on human health remain unknown.
8. Nanoparticles have many properties that can make them potentially dangerous and hard to control. Nanoparticles, like those used in foods, have an incredibly high surface area to mass ratio giving them some unexpected and strange properties that might not be beneficial to humans consuming them. Among these are: they can be absorbed directly in the bloodstream, they can enter cell mitochondria and cross cell membranes, they can cross the blood-brain barrier, they have a high temperature tolerance and are incredibly strong and last but not least require only minute amounts to cause an effect.
9. Officially, the FDA says there aren’t any nano-containing food products currently sold in the U.S. There wouldn’t be much of an uproar about nanofoods if this were actually true. Officially, the FDA also says that there is no risk from nano-enhanced foods, despite the fact that many in its own ranks have pointed to studies that plainly show otherwise. It doesn’t help consumers feel safe or confident about what they eat when they can’t and are being prevented from knowing what’s actually in their foods.
10. Nearly 20 of the world’s largest food manufacturers have in-house nanofood labs. This includes well-known names like Nestle, Hershey, Cargill, Campbell’s Soup, Sara Lee, and Heinz. Of course, you won’t hear them trumpeting those efforts to consumers. New York Times author Andrew Schneider points out that manufacturer Kraft once was gung-ho about their nanotech innovations and proudly touted in press releases. Yet, today, the company denies any nanotech research occurs in their labs, stating they have no products or packaging that use nanotech. Of course, consumers have no way of being sure that this is actually true.

The debate over medical marijuana is nothing new, but it has been picking up momentum lately, as more states move towards legalized control over the system. If you want to learn more about the medical ethics, benefits and uses of marijuana, as well as the research and court cases surrounding legalization, check out these 30 blogs.

Legal and News

Get state news, national regulation concern, and other news about the legal and business side of medical marijuana.

1. NORML Blog: The campaign to reform marijuana laws is tracked and promoted on this blog. Recommended posts: "I Gots Mine: Dispensary Owners Against Marijuana Legalization" and "California’s Prop 19: A Word-for-Word Analysis."
2. Inland Empire Marijuana Blog: Get news and other important information regarding medical marijuana in Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario and Colton, CA. Recommended posts: "Obama’s Drug War Budget Increase" and "Ca. State Marijuana Laws vs. Federal Marijuana Laws."
3. Medical Marijuana Group: This blog and forum posts news stories about the fight to make marijuana legal across the country. Recommended posts: "Advocates Voices Remain Unheard in Nevada" and "Montana pushes for a more defined understanding of their medical marijuana laws."
4. Iowans for Medical Marijuana Blog: Carl Olsen keeps readers up to date on legalization news in all states, and especially in Iowa, with helpful links and notifications. Recommended posts: "U.S. Senate Candidate Bob Krause" and "The Strategy Moving Forward."
5. Hemp News: Hemp.org posts videos, news, petitions and more regarding the legalization of marijuana. Recommended posts: "California: Group wants right for AIDS patient to use marijuana to fight disease’s symptoms" and "New Jersey: Key sponsor of N.J. medical marijuana law supports proposal to grow pot at Rutgers."
6. Drug WarRant: On this blog you’ll hear the other side of the medical marijuana argument, as well as news about the drug war on other fronts. Recommended posts: "Why Mark Kleiman is a crock" and "AIDS 2010, and Three Former Presidents sign Vienna Declaration."
7. Ed Rosenthal’s Blog: Also called "The Guru of Ganja Blog," this site is dedicated to bringing awareness to medical marijuana trials so that cannabis can be legalized responsibly. Recommended posts: "An Important Letter From Ed via Green Aid" and "California Rallying Cry: Vote Green, Not Brown."
8. The Speakeasy – Chronicle Blog: At StoptheDrugWar.org, Phil Smith writes drug-related stories that miss mainstream headlines, and often reports on medical marijuana and marijuana reform. Recommended posts: "DARE Attacks Marijuana Legalization While Praising Alcohol" and "The New Politics of Marijuana Reform."
9. Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana: On this site, you will find printable literature and information about medical marijuana and its record with the FDA and Supreme Court, as well as posts about local events and news. Recommended posts: "Philadelphia Marijuana Penalty Reduction Goes Into Effect Today" and "New poll shows 8 in 10 support medical marijuana in PA."
10. Global Ganja Report: Find out why you should have a right to cannabis and medical marijuana here. Recommended posts: "US Patent Office nixes cannabis trademarks" and "ACLU sues Wal-Mart on behalf of cancer patient."
11. Colorado Medical Marijuana Blog: Here you can read about the latest news regarding court cases and popular opinion in Colorado regarding medical marijuana. Recommended posts: "Legalization Popular Among Voters" and "The Battle for Legalization."
12. Medical Cannabis: Voices from the Front Lines: Americans for Safe Access maintains this blog to bring awareness to the fair use and legalization of marijuana. Recommended posts: "Troubling Trend of $1 Million Bails in Medical Marijuana Cases" and "Calaveras Sheriff Brazenly Engages in Identity Theft to Entrap Medical Marijuana Provider."
13. Cannabis Culture Blogs: The blogs on this online magazine discuss criminal cases, legislation and more regarding marijuana in the U.S. Recommended posts: "Marijuana: Legalize, tax it to fund Medicaid" and "Update on Alabama Medical Marijuana Bill."
14. Baked Life: This is "the marijuana blog about everything," and it’s a good place to learn about marijuana culture in the U.S., from the courts to the business. Recommended posts: "Legalize Marijuana Video" and "Drugs Inc: Marijuana – National Geographic."
15. All About Marijuana: Get news, commentary and video about legalizing marijuana from this site. Recommended posts: "The Reefer Report" and "Medical: For Medical Purposes Only, Pt. 1."
16. Colorado Medical Marijuana Lawyer Blog: The legal team of Gard & Bond, LLC, explains in laymen’s terms what’s going on to legalize medical marijuana in Colorado. Recommended posts: "The course of MMJ business over the last year" and " Post 7/1/10, the hangover from Black Thursday."
17. Law Enforcement Against Prohibition: This blog hopes to bring awareness to the community of legal enforcement officers who believe legalized control over drugs like marijuana is more effective than prohibition. Recommended posts: "Press Release: 2 Cops, Judge Sign Marijuana Ballot Argument" and "Official Prop. 19 Ballot Signed by LEAP Speakers."
18. Cannabis Commerce: Get news and insight into the business side of marijuana, legalizing cannabis and medical marijuana here. Recommended posts: " Jon Gettman Weighs In On Legalization, Taxation, and Cultivation" and " Denver’s First Cannabis Convention Captivates the Mile High."

Health and Medical

These blogs focus more on the health and medical benefits and programs for patients using marijuana.

19. Medical Marijuana Blog: Learn about dispensaries, cooking with marijuana, state laws and the benefits of marijuana for different diseases and disorders. Recommended posts: "How to Find the Best Medical Marijuana Doctors" and "Top Five Reasons to Get a Medical Marijuana Card."
20. The Cancer and Marijuana Blog: If you want to learn more about how and why marijuana is used in helping cancer patients, read this blog. Recommended posts: "Does Cannabis Truly Help AIDS Patients" and "Marijuana as Medicine is nothing new!"
21. Medical Cannabis of Southern California: Topics covered on this medical marijuana blog include medical ethics, medical marijuana laws, and the different conditions that can benefit from medical marijuana. Recommended posts: "Medical Marijuana and Withdrawal Symptoms" and "Medical marijuana patients show up on time: a friendly reminder."
22. Medical Marijuana Blog: Posts on this blog go into scientific detail about how marijuana is used for medicinal purposes. Recommended posts: "Is Medical Marijuana Coming to New York?" and "Medical Marijuana and Alzheimer’s."
23. Marijuana Reviews: Learn about different strains of marijuana and how they help. This blog also includes forums and free medical marijuana instructional videos. Recommended posts: "Grape Punch" and "Black Cherry."
24. Faded Fools 2.0: Find out what these faded fools are smoking to ease the pain. Detailed photographs accompany reviews, so it may be NSFW. Recommended posts: "Venom OG Kush" and "Exclusive Master Kush (Indica)."
25. Medical Marijuana Blog: Get news stories but also learn how to find medical marijuana in certain states. Recommended posts: "Five Little Known Facts About Medical Marijuana" and "California Medical Marijuana Laws and Prop 19."
26. Medical Marijuana USA: Read up on dispensaries: how to open one and how to find them. Also find links to other resources for learning about medical marijuana. Recommended posts: "How to get a medical marijuana card in Colorado" and "How to Open a Medical Marijuana Dispensary."
27. Cannabination: Find scientific research reports and other studies on medical marijuana here. Recommended posts: "Cannabinoid Receptors: A Link Between Genetic Variations and Depression" and " Scientists Find New Sources of Plant Cannabinoids."
28. The Marijuana Blog: Blog categories here range from growing marijuana to sharing news updates to highlighting videos from YouTube explaining the medical benefits. Recommended posts: "Going to Pot: Would Legal Marijuana Take Bite Out of Crime?" and "US CO: Delay Sought in Medical Pot Issue."
29. Marijuana Policy Project Blog: Visit the MPP blog for information on voting issues, licenses, collectives and health benefits. Recommended posts: "Bringing Out the Marijuana Vote" and "Mike Meno Marijuana Use Rarely Leads to Emergency Room, Study Shows."
30. Medical Marijuana Tracker: Get practical answers to questions you may have about how medical marijuana is used, and what all the jargon means. Recommended posts: "The Future of Marijuana in America" and "What are marijuana cannabinoids?."