Current Issue: June 2008

Refresh

One of my favorite summer pastimes (aside from spending as much time outside as possible) is sitting in the backyard with my kids, eating fresh organic...

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Do you get the same health benefits by drinking purple grape juice as you do from red wine?...

FRESH

Worth its salt

Today's chefs accent food with natural, flavor-enhancing salts. Known for their coarse texture, snappy taste, and high mineral content, these beautiful gourmet varieties add color and subtle flair to dishes...

The gender divide on food

Men and Women Really are from Different Planets — at least when it comes to their eating habits...

Hooked on tonics

For more than 3,000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners have used tonics to create balance by counteracting deficiencies or blockages, and...

Fruits vs vegetables

You may think you know the difference between a fruit and a vegetable. Fruits are sweet; veggies are savory, right? Bzzt. Botanically speaking, many plant...

Fo-ti

Also known as he-shou-wu, fo-ti is made from the starchy roots of a woody vine and is a common ingredient in many Chinese tonic formulas...

Outdoor energy snacks

Bored with the same old bar? Think outside the wrapper to replenish your strength during summer activities...

What's in Season: Watermelon

Nothing beats the sweetness of a perfect watermelon. In addition to the classic red-flesh type, look for yellow flesh, seedless, or cantaloupe-size mini varieties...

TRIPLE TAKE

How can I get rid of brain fog?

Dietitian Brain fog is not really a medical diagnosis, but people are talking about it more and more. You may have unclear thinking or trouble concentrating...

QUICK & EASY

Shrimp Recipes

Shrimp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with Potatoes Vinaigrette, Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Vegetable Slaw, Soffrito Shrimp with Crispy Polenta Cakes...

Shrimp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with Potatoes Vinaigrette

Serves 4 / Prep tip: For even quicker cooking, cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes....

Soffrito Shrimp with Crispy Polenta Cakes

Serves 4 / Ingredient tip: Precooked polentais sold in plastic-wrapped logs. Prep tip: Chop the vegetables while the polenta cooks...

Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Vegetable Slaw

Serves 4 / If you prefer, double up on tortillas to ensure tacos won't fall apart. Serving tip: Top with plain yogurt to tame the spicy heat....

FEATURES

Destination rejuvenation

Oftentimes, planning a vacation and the anticipation of it is as much a part of the fun as actually taking the trip (well, almost). It's looking forward...

Where to go: Boston, Massachusetts

Vacationing in the city doesn’t have to be hectic or unhealthy—au contraire! Greener hotels and back-to-essentials retreats offer a new take on city life...

FOOD FEATURE

Cool desserts

Mixed Berry and Mint Granita, Lemon-Ginger Slush, Dark Chocolate Sauce, Strawberry Frozen Yogurt, Vanilla Bean Gelato, Tropical Popsicles, Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Pie...

Mixed Berry and Mint Granita

Serves 12 / This refreshing dessert can also be served as a slushy. Spoon into goblets and garnish with fresh lemon peel or mint sprigs for a partylike feel....

Lemon-Ginger Slush

Serves 8-10 / Reminiscent of frozen lemonade, but for grownups. This can also be mixed with tequila for an afternoon happy hour — we won't tell...

Dark Chocolate Sauce

Makes about ¾ cup / Excellent drizzled warm or cold over icy desserts. You can also warm it and dip fresh strawberries or bananas into the mixture for a chocolate fondue...

Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

Serves 10 / Substitute any number of fruits — peaches, when in season, are wonderful — or use a different flavor of yogurt, to create one-of-a-kind combinations...

Vanilla Bean Gelato

Serves 12 / In this lightened but ultrarich gelato, nonfat and low-fat milk replace whole milk. Prep tip: For intense vanilla flavor, use a whole vanilla bean (about 6 inches long) and scrape out the seeds after warming in the milk mixture. Serving tip: Top with summer berries and a dollop of Dark Chocolate Sauce ...

Tropical Popsicles

Serves 16 / Prep tips: If you prefer a less-tart treat, add more sugar to compensate for the lime juice. Vary this recipe by substituting other juices, such as grapefruit, for the orange or pineapple juice...

Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Pie

Serves 10 / Perfect for your Fourth of July party. Top with fresh blueberries, raspberries, sliced peaches, or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired....

WELLNESS

Muscle up

Back pain, jaw tension, leg cramps so many common health problems involve your muscles, those powerful tissues that make up about 40 percent of your body...

PARENTING

Reduce, reuse, and let's party!

Cleaning up after a kids' party can feel like standing in the aftermath of a natural disaster. The disposable plastic cups, plates, cutlery, tablecloths...

BEAUTY

Eye for protection

Your eyes may or may not be the window to your soul, but they certainly say a lot about your health. Although it's not always possible to change the environments where you work and live, experts say these simple tweaks can keep your eyes looking and feeling healthy...

THINK ABOUT IT

Running the numbers

Since 2006, Seattle-based photographer Chris Jordan has focused on taking digital photographs that, as he says, look at “contemporary American culture through the austere lens of statistics....

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Health Notes

Understand your options to make informed health decisions.

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