What you need to know about managing your stress levels

by Donnalynn Civello, Resident Health + Wellness Expert

During times like these, it is completely understandable that we humans fall prey to stress.  After all, we live in an extremely time-impoverished society that we ourselves have actually created. Our “to do” lists are off the charts, our work hours are longer than ever before and we are forced to do more with less resources and less time due to economic restructuring. What’s worse is our children are also overscheduled with extra curricular activities and playdates! How do we get it all in these days and what is the price our bodies pay to do so? Read the rest of this entry »

Explore the healing benefits of real raw chocolate on the body and the planet

 by Donnalynn Civello, Resident Nutrition + Wellness Expert

 We have all experienced the healing benefits of chocolate at one point or another. These healing benefits are commonly experienced in response to a negative stimuli which has somehow rendered us sad and despondent on the sofa! So what is it about chocolate that makes us want to reach for it after every bad breakup, every bad presentation and after every argument with a colleague or a loved one? In answer to this question, we at LiteWing Naturals set out to uncover the sweet spot behind real raw chocolate. Read the rest of this entry »

What is the FDA doing about the recent claim against artificial food colorings and its apparent link to ADD in children?

by Donnalynn Civello, Resident Nutrition + Wellness Expert

Ever walk down the supermarket aisles these days? Those aisles are filled with a bevy of brightly colored juices, cereals, yogurts, snack foods and even vitamin supplements. Unfortunately and unbeknownst to many of us, artificial food colorants and dyes and their chemical compounds have become part of our mainstay menu. How is it that we can be ingesting these chemicals on a regular basis and not realize the impact of their toxic burdens on our bodies? Read the rest of this entry »

5 Tips to “Greening Your Style”

by Donnalynn Civello, Resident Nutrition + Wellness Expert

“Green” seems to be all the rage these days. But how much do we really understand about what it takes to “green” a part of our life? Let’s begin by taking a look at our wardrobes… believe it or not there is an easy way to start greening your style!
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Understanding the Implications of Today’s Diet

 by Donnalynn Civello, Resident Health + Wellness Expert

 Where did we go wrong? When did we start thinking that it was healthy to eat sweetened breakfast cereals and derivatives of animal parts processed with chemicals or drink brightly colored carbonated drinks latent with sugar and artificial sweeteners? The question remains, where did this insanity begin and what has it done to our bodies over the last few decades?

 In a society where obesity levels are skyrocketing to 66% of the American population and heart disease, cancer and Type 2 diabetes is spreading like wildfire, why is it that people still do not understand that diet is a fundamental underlying cause?

 Here’s the simple truth. We are what we eat. DONE. 
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Many people can’t afford to buy all organic all the time. But you don’t have to buy all organic produce to reduce your risk for chemical contamination. This list from the Environmental Working Group tells you which fruits and vegetables contain the most chemicals and which ones are least contaminated. Use it when shopping to help make the best choices for you and your family – even if you can’t buy entirely organic foods.

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by Donnalynn Civello, Resident Health + Wellness Expert, HHC, AADP

Today’s concept of organic clothing has evolved a long way from our perceptions of “earthy-crunchy, tie-dye wearing, Birkenstock sporting, hippy, tree-hugger’s attire.” Today there is a much higher level of consciousness dedicated to organic fibers and their influence over our sense of fashion/style. Read the rest of this entry »

by Donnalynn Civello, Resident Health + Wellness Expert, HHC, AADP

 Why organics you might ask? Over the last 60 years our food supply has undergone a huge shift in mineral/nutrient density. Pre-World War II, our foods were considered whole, unprocessed and untainted with chemical stabilizers, preservatives and fertilizers. Our foods were considered clean – untreated with pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones and antibiotics. Read the rest of this entry »

by Donnalynn Civello, Resident Health + Wellness Expert, HHC, AADP

Our beauty industry is saturated with “miracle cures” for anti-aging, acne-clearing and sun care prevention, among others. This industry coupled with our instant gratification society has become obsessed with the next best product that promises instant youth, sun-kissed but sun protected skin and longer lashes than nature ever intended. Read the rest of this entry »