Do you look forward to the holidays? Unfortunately, too often we end up stressed out and upset at the end of holiday meals and gatherings with family and friends. Whether it’s rising to the challenge of putting together the “perfect” menu, or dealing with everyone’s different diets and personalities, we can lose sight of the meaning of the occasion. Here are some tips - and amazing recipes - for a holiday gathering sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Are you interested in eating more plant-based foods, but can’t imagine giving up your family’s special holiday meat meal? Don’t despair; it turns out that pretty much every culinary tradition can be enjoyed, sometimes with a bit of modification, by those who choose to eliminate animal products from their diets. This article shares some of the easiest, fanciest, and most delicious, traditional recipes from around the world, with all of them suitable for even the strictest vegan. And meat-loving friends probably won’t complain either!

Every year more than 30 million microwave ovens are sold. And there’s no question they can add a measure of convenience. But are they safe? And are they a good way to cook? Here’s what we know (and don’t know) about microwave ovens and the health effects of using them.

Matt Frazier wanted to add a bit of healthy protein to complement his athletic kids’ wholesome plant-based diet. So he started researching the available options - and he was horrified by what he found. Most of the protein powders on the market were contaminated with dangerous heavy metals and PCBs, not to mention fillers, sweeteners, preservatives, and gums. In this article, Matt exposes what the protein powder industry doesn’t want you to know.

Although the U.S. food system is plagued with problems, heroic people have devoted themselves to improving the quality and accessibility of good, healthy food. Among these changemakers are a group of African American female entrepreneurs whose initiatives are inspiring examples of hope in action.

Many processed foods and even cosmetics and personal care products are rife with synthetic food dyes. Made from petroleum products, these dyes wreak havoc on our health and well-being. But thanks to the natural rainbow of foods available in our world, safe, homemade alternative food dyes are possible. Find out how to make some of your own!

For many people, chocolate is one of the special pleasures in life. It tastes delicious, it’s connected to many favorite holidays, and it can immediately lift your mood. But what are the health effects (positive and negative) of chocolate? And can you enjoy it without contributing to slave labor and environmental degradation on cacao plantations? In this article, we’ll share the research on chocolate’s surprising health benefits, and how you can partake ethically and healthfully.

Fish and seafood are often recommended as good sources of healthy nutrients like protein and essential fatty acids. Some research even suggests that fish may help you live longer, with a lower risk for disease. But how much truth is there to these claims? What about contamination with mercury and other heavy metals? And what about the ethical and sustainability concerns?

Do you ever come home from work after a hard day and wish that you could push a button and have a healthy, delicious, home-cooked meal magically appear on your table? Well, modern science isn’t quite at the “Star Trek” level of technology yet, but we do have the next best thing: “freezer meals” that you can make in advance and simply reheat in a fraction of the time it would take to create the whole dish from scratch. In this article, you’ll discover the joys of freezer meals, and get introduced to seven of our favorite recipes from around the web.

We hear a lot about fermented foods and how healthy they are. But what health benefits do they actually offer? Do they pose any dangers? Which ones are best? And if you want to eat fermented foods, can you safely make your own?