While this is not a post about healthy snacks, I thought I'd post it here because if you are interested in your good health and the health of your family, then chances are you have a big heart that wants to reach out and help others.

At this time of year when the focus seems to be on spending, sparkles and excess, it's also traditionally a time when charitable organizations try to raise money to keep their work going into the next year. If you've been feeling the pinch of the uncertain economy, you might be looking for a way that you leverage the money you're already spending on loved-ones, friends and colleagues to spread a bit farther and help support those causes that you hold dear.

I've assembled a shortlist of websites where you can purchase a wide variety of gifts where part of the money you spend on the gifts is contributed on your behalf to the charitable cause of your choice. Here is a little bit of information about each organization so that you can decide which one you want to work with.

http://www.giftsthatgive.com/

Charitable giving through GiftsthatGive.com is built in every time you shop with us.  Shop with a Social Impact!

Buy designer gifts and have $1 of every $5 you spend go to any cause of your choice – from the American Red Cross, to the Sierra Club, to Susan G. Komen. When you shop with us, you not only have access to top name brands, but you also do social good. Giving back is easy when you shop with GiftsthatGive.com.

http://www.giftback.com/

At Giftback we match name brand products with charitable donations to create highly memorable gift packages.  We increase the intrinsic value of gifts by allowing for a high level of personalization and enabling business and individual consumers the opportunity to support causes that are important to them.

http://worldofgood.ebay.com/

WorldofGood.com by eBay is the world’s largest multi-seller marketplace for socially and environmentally responsible shopping, featuring tens of thousands of stylish and unique products from around the world. More than simply a place to buy and sell, WorldofGood.com brings unprecedented trust and transparency to a shopping experience where every purchase makes a positive impact.

http://www.heifer.org

Heifer International's goal is to end hunger and poverty, and to care for the earth. By giving families a hand-up, not just a hand-out, we empower them to turn lives of hunger and poverty into self-reliance and hope.

With gifts of livestock and training, we help families improve their nutrition and generate income in sustainable ways. We refer to the animals as "living loans" because in exchange for their livestock and training, families agree to give one of its animal's offspring to another family in need. It's called Passing on the Gift – a cornerstone of our mission that creates an ever-expanding network of hope and peace.

http://www.globalgoodspartners.org

Global Goods Partners is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering women, alleviating poverty and promoting social justice. We partner with community based organizations in marginalized regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East, creating access to theU.S.market for our partners’ handcrafted products and providing technical assistance to build sustainable livelihoods.

I hope that these websites give you some ideas for how you can give great gifts and give back to support some amazing causes that are saving lives, and changing the world for the better.

I wanted to share this amazing episode from one of my favorite podcasts, The Healthtopia Radio Show, with host Bonnie Mechelle on Blog Talk Radio. On this episode, Bonnie Mechelle interviews Brenda Cobb, founder of the Living Foods Institute in Atlanta. Ms. Cobb talks about how she cured herself of breast and ovarian cancer with a raw and living foods and without the use of chemotherapy, surgery or pharmaceutical drugs.

This is a life changing episode that can help you transition to a more healthful, healing diet of raw and living foods. You'll also learn about the 30 Day Fruit and Vegetable Challenge.

I was tickled beyond belief to get the email this morning that my Healthy Snack Ideas blog has been added to AllTop! Woo Hoo! (Yes, that's me cheering and doing the happy dance.) I submitted my blog over six months ago, and to be honest, I had kind of given up on it and forgotten about having applied.

AllTop, for those who are not hip to the fact, is the coolest blog directory on the Internet. The website describes AllTop this way:  "The purpose of Alltop is to help you answer the question, “What’s happening?” in “all the topics” that interest you."

I am thrilled and proud that my blog made it in. Please go on over to AllTop  and check out the other blogs there in the Nutrition category, and if you  got here from AllTop, thank you for popping over and I hope that you find some useful information about healthy eating.

Feel free to sign up for the email list and you'll get lots of tips, recipes and other stuff that you won't see on the blog.

Probiotic food and snacks are promoted as the healthier alternative to common everyday snacks. The probiotic healthy component is derived from live beneficial microorganisms that have been introduced in sufficient amounts in the food base or in specific ingredients.

Probiotic food and snacks are often used to complement existing dietary requirements or used as supplementary alternative medicine for certain health related conditions. Probiotics are different from prebiotics since the latter are ingested to stimulate friendly microorganisms living in an individual’s digestive system.

Types of Microorganisms in Probiotic Snacks

As an alternative medicinal requirement, probiotics are packaged in capsules, tablets, and powder form for easy intake. In food or snack form, these friendly microorganisms may be cultivated, fermented, or incorporated prior to or during the food preparation process.

These cultivated, fermented, or incorporated microorganisms are similar to the friendly bacteria living in the digestive system. The different bacterial strains are generally grouped into Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Other probiotic microorganisms fall under the healthy yeast category.

Popular Probiotic Snacks in the Market

A variety of probiotic snack selections are produced annually to supply the increasing demand of regular and potential consumers. As more and more individuals are switching to healthier eating and snacking preferences, producers of probiotic snacks are creating more product combinations and selections.

Live healthy microorganisms may be introduced or cultivated during the manufacturing of certain probiotic snacks like soy-based products and dairy and yoghurt-based products. Popular soy-based probiotic snack products include miso soup, tempeh, soy milk, soy chips, and soy yoghurt.

Probiotic dairy-based products include milk and flavored infused milk, yoghurt, soft cheeses, and other product variants. Probiotic yoghurt, in particular, are now produced in a wide range of flavors to attract mainstream product consumers.

Other interesting probiotic snacks have been developed offering an appealing variety to a broader client market. Chocolate bars, granola and nut bars, flavored oatmeal, fruit juices are just some of the more exciting probiotic-infused snack products that have been introduced in the market.

Benefits of Probiotic Snacks

Potential health benefits of probiotic food, snacks, and supplements have been highly endorsed by experts. According to proponents of probiotics, the live healthy microorganisms found in probiotic snacks are essential for the general well-being of not only the digestive system but the other systems of the body as well.

Probiotic food and snacks facilitates prevention and management of lactose intolerance in certain individuals. With regular, healthy doses of a probiotic infused diet, certain conditions and symptoms associated with the digestive and excretory system like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory disease, ulcerative colitis, among others are prevented or relieved.

In terms of healthy cardiovascular functioning, the probiotic components assist in reducing cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. Other positive effects that have been reported after regular intake include enhanced immune system, reduction of skin allergies and infection, and reduction of yeast infection among women.

Risks and Warnings

Not all people are suited for a probiotic rich diet. Some people exhibit side effects after a few days of intake of probiotic rich foods or dietary supplements. Side effects are sometimes restricted to the digestive area like mild stomach upset, flatulence and bloating, and can normalize after the body has adapted to the microorganisms. However, this is not true for all consumers, especially those with weakened immune systems and other specific health conditions. In some cases, existing medical or health conditions are aggravated due to the adverse microbial reaction to the additional microorganisms in the body.

photo credit: sxc.hu

Please enjoy this guest post by Charles Jones:

Our kitchen pantry and backyard garden are a source of natural home-based remedies that can be used in place of over the counter medicines. Select herbs, fruits and vegetables are imbued with natural healing properties that are known and utilized by older generations to prevent, relieve, and cure ailments and disease. It is essential to rediscover their healing benefits and take advantage of the basic and natural remedies that they offer.

A list of recommended herbs, fruits, and vegetables can be found below. Also described are the benefits and curative properties and treatment process associated with each herb, fruit, or vegetable.

Herbs

Cloves: Popularly used for oral hygiene and as a cure for tooth ache and inflammation. Its microbial properties cure and prevent the recurrence of eczema, ringworm and other fungal infections. Clove in its raw or processed oil form can cause stomach problems when ingested by certain individuals. As a topical poultice, too much application can cause redness, swelling, and a burning sensation in the skin.

Ginger: This herb is extensively used globally to add an amazing flavor and aroma to food. As a healing herb, it can be used to boost the immune system. For those having problems with nausea and motion sickness, ginger extract helps in relieving this condition. When prepared as tea, the warm ginger essence helps soothe a sore throat and suppress a nagging cough.

Mint: The oil extracted from the mint is good for healing wounds and burns. When dissolved in water, the wonderful minty vapors can be inhaled to clear the nasal passages. In addition, mint offers a good quick solution to other respiratory illnesses affecting the throat and bronchial passages. Extracted mint oil possesses anti-pruritic characteristics and works well when applied to insect bites.

Fruits

Lemon: The lemon is filled with rich antioxidants that helps prevent the growth of certain cancers. The fruit has limonene and limonin, two components that inhibit the formation of cancer cells. It is also a rich source of Vitamin C, a nutrient essential for increased healing and immunity against free radicals.

Apple: This wonderful fruit has a flavanoid that protects women from osteoporosis, fortifies bones, and improves bone density. Apples are also claimed to assist in preventing lung, breast, colon, and liver cancer. In addition, the fruit is beneficial for diabetes management and Alzheimer’s prevention.

Vegetables

Carrot: These vegetables are rich in beta carotene, an effective anti-oxidant. As a source of beta carotene, carrots have been known to prevent certain types of cancers, and reduce cholesterol and ward off heart attacks. Carrots also help cure and address conditions in the digestive system of the body. As a regular part of the diet, it can lessen acid reflux, cleanse unhealthy organisms in the system, and prevent diarrhea.

Cucumber: As part of a healthy diet, the cucumber is imbued with diuretic properties that prevent water retention and help the body expel toxins. Aside from its natural cleansing properties, the cucumber naturally hydrates and cools the skin when applied. It also reduces facial swelling and takes away the tiredness from the eyes.

Garlic: Nature’s purported cure-all to a multitude of ailments. There is some truth to this statement; a lot of people use garlic to ward of certain ailments despite the strong odor that this vegetable emits. As a food supplement, garlic is known to assist in maintaining over-all cardiovascular health. Regular intake of garlic, as a food or medicinal supplement, reduces the chances of stroke and the formation of blood clots. When applied as a topical cream, garlic can be used in conjunction with dietary solutions to treat pimples and acne.

This set of kitchen gadgets contains many of the essential tools that you need when whipping up meals in the kitchen.

Making perfect pancakes becomes a breeze when you have these nifty little pancake rings. You just pour in the batter and you get perfectly round pancakes.

These washable, reusable produce bags can help you use less plastic, save money and keep your produce drawer in your fridge neater, too.

I love a good spice rack, and these fat, little round jars are just adorable. No more searching high and low for the cumin or the thyme because all of your spices will be in one, alphabetized, convenient place.

This adorable, Panda bear shaped Bento box will make packing a lunch both entertaining and fun.

OK, so I know that I would definitely bake and take more cupcakes if I had one of these bad boys. You can transport your cupcakes without smashing the frosting. What will they think of next?

I hope you like these gift ideas. Again, I am making it clear that I chose items that I as a mom would love to receive. You know your or your wife. Try to find a gift that she would enjoy receiving and using, but might never buy for herself. And for all of you moms reading this, I wish you a Happy Mother's Day on May 8th. May you feel loved and appreciated, and also get some cool swag.

Are you looking for the best healthy snacks for kids? Let us face it. A large number of parents out there have horror stories about their children turning up their noses at the food placed before them. In fact, there are children who definitely do not eat anything except takeout meals, TV dinners, processed foods, lots of meat products and potato products, so how can they expect to be healthy? The problem is that you cannot even force-feed a child, because he is quite capable of yelling the house down. Those were the days, my friend, when a plate could be taken away and the child sent to his room to subsist on bread and water, if he turned up his nose at the good round healthy meal placed before him. However, times they are a- changing, and the mere idea of healthy eating is enough for a child to break out in a rash! Unfortunately, this is because the word healthy is become synonymous with exercise, boring food, and force fed diets. However, that should not always be necessary, so here are some really easy healthy snacks for kids, which they are going to enjoy without even getting to know that they are eating healthy!

Chop up a number of fruit and raw vegetables, and sprinkle with nuts. Toss this mixture with olive oil. Then sprinkle garlic salt, paprika, pepper and any other spices you prefer on this in between meals salad. Place this in front of the TV, and see it disappear!

Do you know that child psychology is such that when you ask him to eat something because it is healthy for him, he is going to turn up his nose just like Dennis (of "the Menace" fame) does when confronted with spinach and carrots! However, associating carrots with his favorite cartoon character, Bugs Bunny, and giving him a raw carrot on which to munch, is going to have a much more positive effect on his eating habits! Or you can always tell him that Popeye cannot do without spinach, and then feed him steamed spinach, with nuts sprinkled in it, and well, there you are, you are going to have a spinach aficionado clamoring for more!

Choosing the right healthy snacks for kids and getting them to eat them is an ongoing battle for every health-conscious parent out there. You need to apply child psychology to get your child to eat healthy; saying that a child needs to eat something or has to eat something because it is healthy is definitely going to put him off. Forget the word healthy while dealing with the child. Instead, use the word "different", "tasty", and associate those terms with the diet followed by superheroes, and even his favorite cartoon characters of the day!

You would be surprised to know that children are very amenable to experimental foods, especially when they are allowed to make their own snacks under the close supervision of adults. So, put out some fruit, vegetables, spices, nuts, olive oil, and even boiled beans and let them indulge in creative experimentation to make their own healthy snacks!

Healthy eating habits are very effective in improving the overall health of you and your family. Learn how to easily implement a healthier lifestyle by visiting my website at http://EverydayHealthGirl.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becki_Andrus

I love my Yogi teas, and of course, my Celestial Seasonings, which I drank as a little girl, but I also love trying out new teas. This morning at breakfast I made a pot of Tulsi Peppermint and I must say that I really like the flavor. It's deeper and richer than just plain Peppermint. I usually drink my tea unsweetend so that I can appreciate the full flavor of the tea. As I sipped and savored the new experience, I read the box.

I learned that Tulsi Tea is a 5,000 year old herb that is grown in India. It's held sacred by people of the Hindu religion, and many households grow the beautiful, blue or lavendar floral herb in earthen pots in their homes.

"Leaves, flowers, fruits, root, branches and the main stem and everything about tulsi is sacred; even the soil under the tulsi plant is holy." --excerpt from the Padmapurana, an ancient(5000 yr. old healing text from India).

The people of India hold Tulsi or Holy Basil so sacred because it has so many amazing health benefits. It's described as "Stress relieving and energizing," but here's a link to an article that outlines, 15 Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi).

On the label, Organic India says, "All our products promote genuine wellness and are made with love. The product you hold in your hands is one link in a chain of love, respect and connectedness between our farmers and you." That's an amazing statement and one that makes me happy to be a customer and to be enjoying their delicious tea.

So, whether you drink it warm as a healthful tonic, or for a refreshing glass of iced tea to accompany your healthy  snacks, Tulsi tea is a wonderful herbal infusion that you should add to your tea collection.

Developed by Kraft Foods, Big Fork, Little Fork is an iPhone/ iPad app that contains:

• Recipes designed to please picky eaters

• Tips, articles and other information about healthy eating habits and nutrition

• Step-by-step how-to videos

• Games to teach kids and parents about the USDA food pyramid and more

It's available in the iTunes store, and it's listed as, "Free for a limited time," and then the price will go to $1.99 for the app.

In the battle to help get your kids to eat a more healthy diet, starting early to expose them to good information that will help them make good food choices is an important step. If you've tried this app, please leave a comment about what how you liked it.

This goes out to my friend Bonnie, who just let me know that she is pregnant with baby number two. Her first child is seven, so it's been awhile since she's been preggers. She battled and worked hard to lose 100 lbs. after her first baby, so she is concerned about weight gain during his pregnancy. I wrote this article to give her some tips and ideas for healthy snacks during pregnancy that will help satisfy those munchies that you feel without packing on a lot of extra weight.

The first thing to do is talk to your doctor about what she recommends that you eat during your pregnancy. If you are already overweight, you want to be careful about calories in, but if you are not overweight, you don't want to become that way from following that ancient, "I'm eating for two," myth. Factor the calorie counts of your snacks in with your daily calories so that you don't have to worry about over eating.

Keeping a food diary or log helps you to keep track of what you are eating each day. Some women develop strange food craving during pregnancy, and the hormonal tsunami that is going on as your baby grows will make your willpower virtually dissolve. So, try to keep those 'trigger' foods such as salty chips, chocolate and ice cream out of the house.

Here are some healthy snack options that will keep pregnant women healthy and fit:

Fresh fruit
Slice up fresh fruit and enjoy dipped in yogurt or just as it is. In the summer, pop some grapes in the freezer and cool down with this yummy snack. Dip slices of apple into a tablespoon of peanut butter, or enjoy a bow of fresh cherries or blueberries for a natural source of vitamins and anti-oxidants.

Yogurt
Yogurt is full of calcium, protein, and the live, active cultures that help digestion which is where the majority of your immune system lives. Try plain, low fat yogurt, and add some fresh fruit.

Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than traditional yogurt because it is strained three times as opposed to the normal two times. Removing the extra water and whey makes the texture more solid, it's lower in sodium and higher in protein.

One of the downsides of Greek yogurt is that in the straining process, some of the calcium gets removed. Straining off the liquid concentrates the product making it higher in fat and calories, so opt for the non-fat version if you are watching your weight.

Nuts provide protein, calcium and fat, and they help you feel full quickly. Just don't overdo it with the nuts because while they are nutritious, they are high in calories and fat.

Fruit smoothies
Throw some blueberries, sliced banana, mango, or peaches and orange juice into the blender with some ice and whip up a cool, delicious smoothie. Try your own recipes combining your favorite fruits.

Veggies and hummus dip
Slice up some carrots, and celery, sugar snap peas in the pod, or some cucumber slices and dip them into some calcium-rich hummus dip for a light, healthy snack.

Lettuce wraps
Use large leaves of Romaine lettuce to wrap slices of turkey and low fat cheese to make a nutritious, low calorie snack.

Whole grain crackers and low-fat cheese is a nutritious snack, which is full of fiber and calcium from the cheese.

Making healthy food choices, eating frequent, smaller meals spaced throughout the day, getting plenty of excercise and sleep will help you have a healthy, enjoyable pregnancy without worrying about weight gain.