Photo Gallery: 12 top health stories of 2011

Delicious Living

Dec. 19, 2011

Cut calories

Lightening up on calorie-rich foods? It’s a good idea if you’re trying to lose weight. Just don’t opt for the wrong “low-cal” foods. Instead, make small, doable choices that favor good nutrition over empty calories. Read more.
Heart smarts

Did you know that up to six times more women die of heart disease than of breast cancer; in fact, heart disease the number-one killer of women, and the number-three killer of women under 45? In February, Delicious Living reported on what every woman should know about preventing heart disease naturally. Read more.
Choose your detox

Most detox plans share common foundations: eat right, avoid chemicals, take supplements that support the liver and colon. But when it comes to choosing the plan that’s right for you, first consider your goal. Do you struggle with digestive distress, stubborn weight gain, or annoying breakouts? Read more.
50 planet-friendly protein choices

Most experts agree that eating a diet based largely on plant foods is healthier not just for our bodies, but also for the planet. For about 3 percent of Americans, the choice, then, is clear: Follow a vegetarian diet. But what if you care about your health and the environment, and prefer to include some protein from animal sources in your diet? Read more.
Holistic ways to pamper mom

Breakfast in bed is lovely, really, but it’s over in mere minutes. To truly honor mom, give something that will make a lasting impact on well-being and provide some of what all moms need more of: sleep, energy, support, relaxation, and fun. Read more.
27 ways to get perfect skin naturally

Skin: your biggest organ, all 20 square feet of it, and every square inch containing 19 million skincells—which the body replaces monthly. It's no wonder caring for your outer self can feel like such a big project. Consider recent studies of twins, which found the younger-looking twin had healthier habits, less stress, and fewer medical problems—and ultimately lived longer. In May, Delicious Living presented the most effective, nontoxic solutions for top skin care concerns. Read more.
Guide to gut health

Digestive issues aren’t just uncomfortable, they also affect your total well-being. One in three U.S. adults has a digestive disease—and the rest of us have periodic bouts of heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating. Find natural solutions to common digestive issues as well as healthy habits and supplements that can help get your digestion—and wellness—back on track. Read more.
8 top mistakes health-conscious people make

When it comes to wellness, Americans suffer from a serious case of overconfidence. And even the most health-conscious consumers aren’t immune. We interviewed top industry experts to find out where you should be paying more attention—and when you should cut yourself some slack. Read more.
Nontoxic personal care products for kids

Parents, are you fussy when it comes to the products you use on your children? You may look for “extra gentle,” “tear free,” “hypoallergenic,” and “natural” to avoid synthetic preservatives, dyes, fragrances, and foaming agents—linked to health concerns including skin rashes, hormone disruption, and cancer—but these terms don’t necessarily mean you’ll avoid potentially harmful chemicals, according to experts. Read more.
Natural hormone balance at any age

It’s not just puberty and menopause: Women experience hormonal changes throughout their lives. New research shows the onset of menopausal symptoms is often linked to the modern Western lifestyle, including nutrient-poor diets of refined foods, alcohol consumption, smoking, chronic stress, depression, lack of exercise, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting toxins found in common household products. Making smart lifestyle changes—especially before peak transition times—can help smooth out symptoms. Read more.
New advice on healthy aging

From trimming calories to fighting free radicals and inflammation, three longevity luminaries interpret the latest research on how the body ages at a cellular level—and explain how to put this wisdom into action. Read more.
Natural supplements for mild depression

Mild depression symptoms can sometimes be lessened through the use of natural remedies. Check out these safe, natural options, which studies show can enhance mood. Read about the mood-balancing benefits of B12 and L-tyrosine, High-potency B-complex, Omega-3 fatty acids, SAMe, St. John’s wort, Vitamin D. Read more.

From smart ways to lighten your calorie load to the latest in anti-aging, these top health stories from 2011 offer the latest research and doable advice to take into the New Year.