Naturally Savvy

Send us a textRaw foods are far more extensive than carrot sticks and celery stalks.When you think of eating "raw," you might immediately assume that you'll be restricted to snacking on carrot sticks and celery all day long.That couldn't be farther from the truth. Carol Alt, bestselling author on Raw Food Nutrition, including her book, Easy Sexy Raw: 130 Raw Food Recipes, Tools, and Tips to Make You Feel Gorgeous and Satisfied, has extensive experience in eating the highest quality raw foods that are both nutritious and delicious.Carol joins Naturally Savvy host, Lisa Davis, to share some of her favorite raw treats.

Send us a textRight now, the person next to you may be suffering from an invisible disability... and you wouldn't even know it.We live in a time when 26.2 percent of American adults are struggling with mental illness, when one in 88 of our children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, when an estimated one in a hundred children have a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and when 4.4 percent of adults are living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These numbers are not strangers. These numbers are our parents and children. They are our siblings and spouses. They are us.And yet, despite all the media coverage and the dozens of commercials for the next best drug; despite the piles of books next to our beds, or the list of websites bookmarked on our computers; despite all we know—too many of us still live in silence. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, we believe ourselves to be suffering alone. Our breezy Facebook statuses and cheery holiday letters betray us. We don’t mention the t

Send us a textDid you know that the U.S. government hasn't passed any cosmetic regulatory laws since 1938?Your skin is your largest organ. So, just as important as it is to consider what you put in your body (food, beverages, supplements), you also want to be conscious of what you're putting on your body, including make-up and skin care products.That can be difficult, especially considering that the U.S. government hasn't passed any cosmetic regulatory laws since 1938. Add to that the fact that the U.S. only bans 11 chemicals contained in skin care and cosmetic products, while the European Union (EU) bans over 1,300. Many of the chemicals contained in these products are considered "endocrine disruptors," which wreak havoc on the way your hormones work. Other ingredients may contain certain elements that are typically fine if you consume them in moderation, but can become problematic if you consume too much. For instance, many products contain a form of vitamin A (retinol). But, if you

Send us a textExperts are recognizing the key elements in warding off an initial diagnosis of cancer or preventing its return.Cancer is so prevalent in our society. Much has been learned in the world of cancer prevention and treatment, and experts are recognizing the key elements in warding off an initial diagnosis or preventing cancer's return.Matthew McCurdy, MD, PhD, DABR, is a board-certified radiation oncologist who treats all types of cancer. Dr. McCurdy has identified five key factors that you can implement right now to help reduce your risk.Change #1Diet, especially in terms of limiting refined sugar. Studies in animals show tumors grow more rapidly on a diet of refined sugars. Closely controlled human trials also indicate the same. Instead, emphasize a whole food, plant-based diet with leafy greens and a wide variety of foods (vegetables, fruits, grains, herbs and spices).Change #2Exercise. Get your body moving as much as possible, even if it's a 10-minute walk at lunch and playing with you

Send us a textWhether you've never been married or you're post-divorce, there are a few key things to consider when entering the dating sphere.The dating world is far different than it was even 10 or 20 years ago.Whether you've never been married or you're post-divorce, dating coach Katy Clark says there are a few key things to consider when entering the dating sphere.Effort: Is he putting forth enough to survive the long term?Fun/Funny: Does he make you laugh?Reality: Do your realities meet?Chemistry: It doesn't have to be sparks all the time, but there should be some sizzle.Listen in as Katy joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more tips and strategies for women who are dating in today's society.

Send us a textHave you ever sat down and asked yourself, "What truly makes me happy?"Have you ever sat down and asked yourself, "What truly makes me happy?"The answer might be very simple. However, in our society, it's easy to get bogged down by all of the negativity. Stress, finances, relationships, and the state of the world can certainly add to a depressive state.How can you beat that negativity?According to Shaman Isabella Stoloff, founder of Orange County Healing Center, you can start by learning about your "heart's intelligence."This is a concept that suggests your heart is more intelligent than your brain. When you listen with your heart and feel with your mind, you can raise the vibrations within you and completely shift your energy to a more positive light.Listen in as Stoloff joins Andrea and Lisa to help you get to that desired state of happiness.

Send us a textNow, more than ever, your kids should get dirty but eat a clean diet.A lot of parents keep their children indoors, because they’re worried about safety issues, and those parents that actually want their children to be able to play outdoors find that school and homework get in the way.But being outside and "getting dirty" is important... and for more than just getting all the energy out of your little ones.According to Dr. Maya Shetreat-Klein, author of The Dirt Cure: A Whole Food, Whole Planet Guide to Growing Healthy Kids in a Processed World, research has shown that the bacteria in soil increases focus and attention and also boosts serotonin levels.It's something the Eastern cultures have known for some time, coining the term forest bathing... immersing yourself in the beauty of the forest. Spending time in natural, green spaces can boost cognition, improve immunity, reduce inflammation, and allow your body to produce more anti-cancer proteins. Activities can include hiking, exp

Send us a textHow can keeping your microbiome healthy help you lose weight?Your microbiome is essentially a large collection of bacterial cells; a number so vast that it's incomprehensible. In fact, these cells are thought to outnumber your human cells.The microbiome plays an important role for keeping you healthy, both in the prevention of disease and overcoming health conditions, as well as promoting healthy aging. Keeping your microbiome healthy is a constant job, and you must feed them properly.What do these cells want to "eat"? According to Dr. Raphael Kellman, author of The Microbiome Diet, what they don't want to eat are things like sugar, refined foods, processed foods, or GMO foods. They also don't like when you eat on the run. Instead, it's important to feed your microbiome natural foods that come from the earth, particularly certain types of vegetables that help the microbiome proliferate and become healthy, like asparagus, radishes, jicama, and leeks, as well as ferme

Send us a textSomething as simple as a Gerber Daisy can significantly improve your indoor air quality.Marketing tactics have misled many people to believe that air fresheners work to clean the air around you. But, these fresheners don't actually clean air. They just mask the odors in your air with synthetic chemicals, which can cause irritation to your nose, throat, eyes, and skin. This can become problematic when you consider that approximately 90 percent of your time is spent indoors. It's essential that your indoor air is fresh and free of toxins, and plants are one way you can achieve that.The NASA Clean Air Study identified the top plants you can use to improve your indoor air quality. While a total of 50 plants were given accolades for this ability, some of the more common plants included the following:Bamboo PalmSnake PlantAreka PalmSpider PlantPeace LilyGerber DaisyChrysanthemumHow many plants do you need? According to Certified Green Building Professional, Lisa Beres, it's best to have

Send us a textGreen tea is often celebrated for its health benefits, but did you know that black tea also has some amazing health properties?Green tea is often celebrated for its health benefits, but did you know that black tea also has some amazing health properties?Black tea is chock-full of antioxidants. Studies have shown that regular consumption of black tea may lead to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, and may even reduce the potential for certain forms of cancer.Of course, it's important to choose organic, non-GMO options when selecting your tea to ensure you reap all the benefits with none of the potential toxic detriments.Listen in as Naturally Savvy hosts, Andrea Donsky and Lisa Davis, share more about the benefits of drinking black tea.

Send us a textWhat do you want your life's work to be?Have you ever been stuck in a job that you feel neutral or even depressed about?You may have had a feeling that you weren't fulfilling your true calling. One question to ask yourself to get out of this rut is this: what do you want your life's work to be?Jennifer Noel Taylor, author of Love Incorporated: The Business of Doing What You Love, joins host Andrea Donsky to share what inspired her to follow her own dream, as well as how you, too, can learn to do what you love.Jennifer also discusses her work with energy healing.

Send us a textThe goal of the Day Off Diet is to no longer be handcuffed to a diet that causes you to pull out of your life.If you've already faltered with your New Year's resolutions, you may have deemed yourself a failure.Having that attitude will definitely not help your cause.Registered Dietitian Ashley Koff says that "as soon as you acknowledge yourself as a failure, you can no longer realize success." The recurring pattern of making resolutions and not sticking to them is one of the reasons Koff jumped on the "Day Off Diet" program with other nationally recognized health experts, including Dr. Oz.The premise of the Day Off Diet is that you get one day per week to fall off the wagon; however, the next day you get right back on.... because, no matter what, life is going to happen. It's not your fault when circumstances are out of your control. Koff says that the goal is to no longer be handcuffed to a diet that causes you to pull out of your life. You still have to put i

Send us a textDr. Bhupendra O. Khatri fears the essential doctor-patient relationship is in peril of being destroyed."Doctors today often depend more on computers than on their own instincts and experience in caring for patients. We are now pulled in so many different directions that it's no wonder the major complaint of patients is that their doctors do not spend enough time with them."Those are the words prominent neurologist, Dr. Bhupendra O. Khatri, uses to describe practicing medicine in today's digital age... meaning that it is so highly regulated and changing that it adversely affects the patient-doctor relationship. In fact, he fears this essential relationship is in peril of being destroyed. In his newly published book, Healing the Soul: Unexpected Stories of Courage, Hope, and the Power of the Mind, Dr. Khatri explores the power of the subconscious mind in healing. Stories of spirit, valor, and inexplicable medical miracles reflect his 30 years of practicing medicine and treating

Send us a textWhat truly occurs in the depths of your unconscious mind?So many people are suffering because of a lack of a deep inner life. But, the world of dreams, intuitions, feelings, even visionary encounters can bring you wonder and great wisdom. For over a hundred years, in psychotherapy rooms across the globe, therapists have helped their clients interact with their deeper selves. While this therapeutic context is, and continues to be, a great service to the world, you need not shut yourself off from your personal experience of inner life. According to Dr. Mary Harrell, author of Imaginal Figures in Everyday Life: Stories from the World Between Matter and Mind, it's time for the nurturing of soul life to move beyond the consulting room. Suffering, the inescapable common denominator of the human condition, is never pleasant. But, Dr. Harrell says that if you tend it well, that very suffering can transform into human compassion and love. It is so common that during times of suffering the imaginal w

Send us a textWith all of the fad diets and diet "buzz words" out there, choosing one can be overwhelming and confusing.Have you ever jumped into a diet without really researching it?You wouldn't be alone. With all of the fads and diet "buzz words" out there, choosing one can be overwhelming and confusing.For instance, many people have jumped on the "gluten-free" wagon with the hopes of losing weight. However, many gluten-free products contain more fat and calories than foods with gluten and may cause weight gain instead of weight loss.Carol Alt follows a raw diet for her health, as well as to maintain her optimal weight. But, she agrees it may not be the best fit for everyone. Every person is different; the key is to truly understand how your body responds to various foods.Listen in as Carol joins host Andrea Donsky to share more about finding the right diet for you.

Send us a textMost (if not all) conventional deodorants and antiperspirants contain harmful chemicals and other toxic ingredients.Your body absorbs 60 percent of what you put on it, and that includes your deodorant or antiperspirant. Unfortunately, most (if not all) conventional deodorants and antiperspirants contain harmful chemicals and other toxic ingredients... some of which have been linked to cancer, birth defects, skin irritation, allergies, and more.These ingredients include:Aluminum: Clogs your pores and has been linked to breast cancer and higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. Parabens: Hormone disruptors linked to early puberty and hormonal cancers, including breast cancer.Propylene Glycol: Damages your nervous system, liver, and heart. Main ingredient in antifreeze.Fragrance: Can hide hundreds of chemicals, including phthalates. Sweating is good for your body, because it helps you eliminate these toxins. But, if you're using conventional deodorants and antiperspirants, you're putting

Send us a textWhat does "getting clear" really mean?2016 is the "Year of Emergence." What does that mean?Certified LifeLine Practitioner, Ariana Bahret, explains that ultimately it's a time when you can truly step into who you really are, as well as your purpose on this planet.It's what she calls "becoming clear," which can be accomplished through energy work, re-programming of the subconscious mind, remembering your truth, coming from a place of love instead of fear (in every life circumstance), and loving yourself unconditionally.How does energy healing factor in to this process?Bahret says that everything is energy; electricity is constantly running through you. Energy healing involves releasing or "clearing" lower vibrational energy that may be keeping you down. This allows you to get to a higher vibration, a state that's closer to how you came into the world... without judgement or negativity; with unconditional love and compassion. Listen in as Bahr

Send us a textCould you go vegan for one month?Many people make the choice to go vegan or vegetarian for their health, but some individuals also make that decision based on a love for animals or to help protect the planet. Launched in the UK in January 2014, Veganuary (pronounced vee-gan-uary) is a global campaign that encourages people to try vegan for January. Veganuary aims to reduce the suffering of animals by inspiring and supporting people across the globe to go vegan.As a non-profit organization, Veganuary is dedicated to changing public attitudes, while providing all the information and practical support required to make the transition to veganism as easy and enjoyable as possible. Veganuary has had an incredible degree of success in a very short time and is changing lives all over the world.Clea Grady is Veganuary’s Marketing Manager. A vegetarian since the age of 12, she became a vegan after participating in Veganuary. Describing herself as “an unconscious vegetarian, but a very conscious vegan,” Cl

Send us a textHow can you make the most out of the coming year?With the new year comes exciting possibilities. How can you make the most out of the coming year?A big part of that is discovering what you love and how to make more time for that. Oftentimes, it can be as simple as one word, such as "balance." Another tactic is to identify your old belief systems and work on changing them. For example, if you're constantly berating yourself with negative self-talk, try listening to yourself like you are your own best friend. Would you say to a friend, "You're worthless" or "You can't do anything right"? Not likely. You need to learn how to speak to yourself in a loving way.Shaman Isabella Stoloff, founder of the Orange County Healing Center in Southern California, joins Naturally Savvy hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more about how you can make the most out of this year, as well as specific ways you can leave the negative behind.

Send us a textWhich smartphone apps will give you the best results?There are so many smartphone apps available these days, it can seem quite overwhelming to choose the ones that you'll actually use and benefit from. Digital lifestyle enthusiast Kelly Wonderlin has a background in social media, marketing, and video, which has kept her up to date on the latest technology, apps, gadgets, how-to’s and more. Kelly joins Andrea and Lisa to share some of her favorite apps for managing your life, travel, and finances.LIFEBaby Connect: Keep a journal of every nap, dirty diaper and bottle. Keep your tiny one on a nice, consistent schedule.Life360: Use the GPS in your phone to track your family’s whereabouts.Time Hop: This app is designed to remind you of memorable moments in your life. It can track one, two, five, even 30 years back. Pet Phone: Here you can keep track of your pet's health and vet appointments.TRAVELFoursquare: Check in at your location and see where your friends are.TripIt: Get organized for