Part Two of the unusual and unconventional ways we can all pitch in!

#4 Homemade goodness. Make some of your favorite products at home, using ingredients you already have, or ones that are double in purpose. Cutting back on commercial products will help you save on the cost of lots of packaged foods you didn’t know you could easily whip up yourself. Plus, by using fresh ingredients, you’re also cutting back on the preservatives you find in many packaged foods. (Psst… This also means you do your part to cut back on the costs of ... Read More >>>

We all wish we were a little better at recycling, but I bet you didn’t know there are more than a few non-traditional ways to support a healthier planet. So don’t forget about the three R’s, but I invite you to think outside the box when it comes to conservation.

#1. Let’s slow things down a little. The Slow Food movement was originally created by an Italian to protest the growing popularity of fast food. But since then it’s become a whole lot more. The organizations more than 100,000 members strive to appreciate the cultural value of food by educating others about the wasteful and risky be... Read More >>>

Some people swear by their daily vitamin combinations while others write off their effects as placebo. Vitamins, often labeled “dietary supplements” because of legal issues, don’t have to be approved by the FDA. This leaves a few people wondering about the real benefits vitamins can provide.

If you’re feeling skeptical, there is something you should know about the laws that are in place for these products. Before 1994, vitamins and supplements were subject to the same FDA regulations as all other foods we eat. But the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) put r... Read More >>>

Myth: Being Too Clean is Okay

False! Did you know that having overly ambitious cleaning habits can actually be worse for your body? Sure, it’s great to keep yourself squeaky clean, but if you’re one of those people that needs a good scrub down at least twice a day, consider this:

If you woke up to find that your face had broken out, you’d probably like nothing better than to scrub your face raw and wash those irritating blemishes away. Unfortunately, those who believe that washing your face can rid you of acne have been ... Read More >>>

Nearly everyone nowadays is addicted to gourmet coffee drinks and those other fancy, blended creations sold everywhere from fast food restaurants to corner cafes. But next time, instead of shelling out five bucks for small frappe latte, consider trying the homemade version—just as sweet and flavorful as you like it.

For a cheaper way to enjoy iced coffee, brew a pot of your favorite roast, whether it’s a regular black brew, a chocolate flavor, or anything else you have at home. You may want to cool the coffee in the fridge before prep... Read More >>>

#6 Keep only healthy, individually-portioned snack items around. You’ve already skipped the donuts at the grocery store, right? So to satisfy those in-between meal cravings, buy healthy snacks that come in pre-set portions to prevent over-eating. Fruits are a great, natural alternative to sweet desserts. But if you really have a sweet tooth, try some of the low-fat frozen desserts you can find at grocery stores.

#7 Use interactive technology. Computers can be excellent resources while dieting. Use your television to watch exercise DV... Read More >>>

#1 Buy all your food at once. Carefully plan your healthy meals for the next week or so, and shop knowing that you should only buy the items on your list. Cookies, chips, and other munchies are the little extras that add up in the end. Prevent yourself from temptation by banning runs to the grocery store until it’s seriously time to shop again.

#2 Make exercise fun. If you dread your boring gym routine, then you’ll probably lose interest pretty quickly. Instead, do something you’ll enjoy. If you like the relaxed feel of yoga, or the company o... Read More >>>

We all know that throwing away a moldy loaf of bread or a funky block of cheese is just like dumping $3.50 right into the can. To save money, and all your food, next time try these tips for keeping your grocery goods fresher, longer.

1. Put cereal, chips, and crackers into airtight containers. These guys just can't wait to get stale. Plus, if you take them out of the original packaging, you won't have to fumble with boxes and bags later on when you need a handful of munchies. Just clear, resealable containers.

2. Put mushrooms in a paper bag. This trick keeps your mushrooms... Read More >>>

Feeling a little stiff lately? Regular workout routines can be difficult to keep up with, but for those in-between days when you need to get up a move, there’s a solution. Make managing your flexibility a morning priority.

If you love those just-woke-up, face-contorting stretches, just think how limber and equipped your body will feel after a first-thing-in-the-morning flexibility routine.

Start with simple arm stretches that you can do while sitting up in bed. Reach high above your head and hold the stretch for a few seconds, then rotate your arms behind you to feel the movement in ... Read More >>>

Trying to exercise a few times a week but sick of trekking to the gym for a quick workout? Video routines are all well and good but can become repetitive after a few dozen playbacks, and breaking a sweat with step aerobics is just plain old-fashioned. So how do you reach that peak workout intensity without sacrificing the time it takes to drive to and from the neighborhood gym? Work it out at home with a good set of exercise bands.

Elastic exercise bands are a great alternative to other at-home workouts because they provide the versatility (in both total number of routines possible and number of body parts ... Read More >>>