Why We Love Food and How Food Love Goes Bad – Part II


Like our friend fat, scientists at Duke University have also discovered that the biological mechanism that creates an appetite for salt is linked to the way addictive drugs influence the body.

According to the researchers, because the salt craving is so closely linked to drug addiction, this explains why abstinence-based treatments are so hard to enforce.

Sugar by far is the most well known when speaking about food cravings gone bad. The most heavily debated and studied, the bottom line is more science backs up its addictive nature than does not. The best pioneer in this area is Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. , author of the bestselling book: Potatoes Not Prozac, Little Sugar Addicts: End the Mood Swings, Meltdowns, Tantrums, and Low Self-Esteem in Your Child Today, and Your Last Diet!: The Sugar Addict’s Weight-Loss Plan.

Food manufacturers recognize and utilize our cravings, through ads and packaging, but also by using lots of dense little calories that stimulate dopamine production = feeling good (short term). Continue reading

Adios Mosquitoes!

With the news that mosquitoes are testing positive for West Nile Virus in our town, Toronto, Canada, we decided to do a post to offer natural and effective options for keeping these little nasty pests away. It should be noted that everyone’s skin responds differently to essential oils, so trial and error is necessary. However, we are providing the most proven effective, year after year. There is no need for harsh chemical products like Off and Deet.

For more information about West Nile Virus
For more information about the actual symptoms

If you or a family member have any symptoms or unusual fever – please contact your own physician, or go to the nearest clinic.

Recipe 1 – Urban Mask – A lighter yet highly receptive blend of simple ingredients that smell good.

Ingredients:
• 4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting (do not use a bottle that previously contained cleaning products or hair products such as hair spray).
• 2 ounces of witch hazel (found at any drugstore)
• 1 ounce of distilled water at room temperature.
• 15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 10 drops Geranium Essential Oil (woman’s version*)
• 5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
*for men use only 5 drops Geranium and add more Rosemary

Directions: Fill the spray bottle with the 1 ounce of distilled water and 2 ounces of witch hazel. (Even though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested, leave about 1 oz. unfilled so you can shake the bottle well between uses.) Then, add the essential oils. Continue reading