Wellness Posts by HealthyVoyager

Green Thanksgiving

support@wellness.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 08:00:00 Z

Wellness.com - Green Thanksgiving by HealthyVoyager

Thanksgiving is best known for the gargantuan feast, football and insane holiday shopping. The excess of food and consumerism can be overwhelming so this year, why not go green and even be a little creative with the holiday itself? Here's how! - Buy local and organic - Shopping for food and or ingredients to make the big meal can be time consuming and costly. Do your best to make wise choices and choose locally grown and made products. Lower your carbon footprint by saving the shippers gas and stimulating the local economy. This goes for your booze too! - If you're hosting dinner this year, decorating is a wonderful way to get into the spirit of things. Instead of buying seasonal decorations, make them instead. Have your kids collect pine cones and acorns and sprinkle them with glitter. Place them in a glass vase you already own or a hollowed out pumpkin for a beautiful end result. Decorating with natural products like falling leaves, gourds and corn make the home look festive without wasting money on disposable, eco un-friendly decor. Make use of what you have - This is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to go green any day of the year, and it works on Thanksgiving, too. You don't need fancy dishware - your regular tableware will do just fine. If you're the Martha Stewart type and feel like everything must match perfectly, consider renting tableware, chairs and linens - it costs less than buying new. Mood lighting - No need to turn on every light in the house for your guests. Create a romantic atmosphere without adding to your electricity bill by placing beeswax or soy candles around your home. Avoid paraffin candles, though - they're made from petroleum and emit nasty fumes into the air. Waste not - Don't toss those potato peels, celery tops and carrot ends into the trash! If you're not the type to save them for soup broth, toss them in a bucket along with a handful of shredded paper, leaves or other carbonaceous material. If you don't already have a compost pile or bin, now's a great time to get a head start on next spring's garden by creating free, fertile compost. If you aren't able to make it home this holiday, gather up a group of others who can't make it home and have a potluck dinner. It's great fun to cook together to create a beautiful meal and enjoy the eclectic menu. Make it an event to look forward to with games, movies or even holiday crafts or even host a "Thanksgiving Throwdown" cooking competition a la Food Network style. Whether you are hosting or going to a dinner, make a full day of celebrating so that no one is feeling lonely. It is also great fun to host a Thanksgiving leftovers brunch so that the food does not go to waste and it is a way to continue the fun with your friends for a lovely holiday weekend.
Be creative with your menu. If you can't afford all of the usual holiday fixings, cook up a more affordable menu like pasta, salad and rolls. Or if you're looking for something different, try a themed dinner. No matter what is served, it's all about the company ; ) - If you don't have time to cook, make it a semi-homemade dinner and plan ahead. It's always smart to cook a few things ahead of time and freeze/refrigerate them until the day of. And for labor intensive parts of the meal, be sure to check your local markets to compare pricing on pre-cooked holiday meals. In addition, if you are invited to a dinner where you know you're dietary needs will not be met, bring your own meal (which can be ordered as well) along with a dessert or a bottle of wine for your host. Then everybody wins ; ) - Give instead of receive - Volunteer at a local shelter or soup kitchen and help those who are less fortunate. Clear your cupboards of non-perishable food you know you will never make and donate it to a food bank to help feed a needy family this year. Rally your friends to do the same and make a day out of it ; ) - Whatever you do this Thanksgiving and through the holiday season, don't forget to keep it green, give thanks and surround yourself with people you love!

Tips For a Hangover Free St. Patrick's Day

support@wellness.com — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 07:00:00 Z

Wellness.com - Tips For a Hangover Free St. Patrick's Day by HealthyVoyager

St. Patrick's Day is here and that means green food, green garb and yes, lots and lots of green booze. While many will partake in the Irish themed festivities, there are ways to keep from partaking in the day after traditions of feeling ill. I've compiled some of my easy and healthy tips to keep you from being green well into the days following St. Paddy's Day! - What to do before your green hued liquor binge: - St. Paddy’s Day morning, start off with a healthy glass of green juice. If you are lucky enough to have a juicer, you know what to do to make a killer green drink. But if not, the next best thing is to guzzle a green beverage by Odwalla, Naked, Trader Joe’s or Bolthouse Farms. You will get a few of your daily servings of hearty veggies in one glass as well as boost your immune system for later, not so healthy action. Walk or ride your bike to your local Irish pub to save up some calories, gas and the environment as well as to help save lives after to much green fun. If the bars are not in walking distance, designate a driver!! No excuses!! - Drink plenty of water before going out as well as an occasional glass of plain water during the time that you are consuming alcohol. Be sure drink a full glass of water just before going to sleep that night. Have a dinner of starchy foods such as pasta or potatoes. Starchy foods slow down the alcohol absorption. Drink slowly (nurse your drinks). Less alcohol consumption equals less chance for a hangover. If you and/or your friends have overdone it, put your keys away and call a cab. Don’t press your luck!! - Things that can help you if you do overdo it are: - Taking vitamin C as it will help to breakdown the alcohol faster in your body. As soon as you wake in the morning drink another full glass of water. Also, taking vitamin B complex capsules you will lessen the time that your hangover will last. You can make a hangover tea by crushing 5 to 6 thyme leaves and place them in a cup. Fill the cup with water and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove the leaves and drink the remaining liquid. Placing a cold pack to the forehead will give immediate relief from a headache. Consuming alcohol puts toxins into your body. You can help to drain these toxins from your body by taking a hot bath in the morning. When you drain the toxins you will experience less symptoms. Eat a banana for breakfast the morning after you have been drinking. Have a nice cup of milk thistle tea with your meal as it will aid in your liver’s ability to process alcohol better ; ) - For the morning after, to replace electrolytes & rehydrate, make this homemade gatorade: - HOMEMADE GATORADE - 2 quarts filtered water - 1/2 cup organic orange juice - 1/2 cup organic sugar - 1/2 tsp sea salt - Mix all the ingredients together and serve chilled. Also, have some Ginger Root Tea, bananas & saltines handy for upset tummies. Here's wishing you a happy, healthy and lucky St. Patrick's Day!

How to Visit Paris The Vegan and Gluten Free Way

support@wellness.com — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 21:43:25 Z

Wellness.com - How to Visit Paris The Vegan and Gluten Free Way by HealthyVoyager

For many, Paris is the ultimate destination. One of the world's most beautiful cities filled with art, culture, wine and incredible food. Although for special diets such as vegan, gluten free and dairy free, it seems that it might not be the most accommodating place to visit. But I'm glad to report that it is quickly becoming a hotspot for delicious dining, no matter your dietary restrictions! - First of all, let’s get the touristy tips out of the way: - Using a service like airbnb or roomorama will help you save money and allow you to stay in the heart of the city. Staying in home-like accommodations put your in great neighborhoods near metro stations and cool places to eat, drink and shop, away from the tourist stuff. Being a local for a little while is a great way to experience the city. Be sure to check websites for places you would like to visit before you plan your trip. Many tourist destinations close for a day or 2 a week and in fact, most of the month of August, many places are closed for summer holiday. You don’t want to miss out on all the places you want to see and/or eat! - If you’re traveling sans an international phone, Wifi (weefee in france) is available at most places. Just be sure to ask ; ) - Seeing the city on foot is absolutely dazzling. In fact, if you’re up for it, you can see most of the outdoor attractions in 1 day. But do yourself a favor and wear comfortable shoes and split it up if you can. My top 10 must visits are: - Eiffel Tower – Duh! Make sure you get in line with enough time to ride up - Notre Dame -Very pretty to take shots from the Love Lock bridge! - The Louvre – Takes a whole day – old art - Musee d’Orsay – Great for a half day – modern impressionists - Arc de Triomphe – Be sure to climb to the top! - Champs-Elysee – Shopping, dining and beauty - Sacre Coeur – Beautiful and a great view of the city! - Catacombs – Way cool - Pere Lachaise Cemetery – Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and many more are here - Napoleon’s Tomb – A cool place for photos and a lavish resting place to visit - Honorable mention – Moulin Rouge – The Montmarte area is cool and it’s worth the photo op in front of the famed locale - Okeedokee, now, the food! - Newly opened by a wonderful gal and her vegan mom, -Gentle Gourmet- is chic and delicious. Serving breakfast through dinner and a fabulous brunch on the weekends, GG is the perfect place to dine with non-veggies. It’s classy, cool and fantastic. I died and went to heaven with their homemade french toast with whipped cream and chocolate. OMG! Located in the Bastille neighborhood, make it a must stop on your list. Just a stones throw from the Pompideu you will find -Le Potager du Marais. A quaint and cute eatery, it’s 100% vegan and 100% amazing! Their homemade vegan cheeses absolutely blew my mind! And the vegan cheese melted over my incredible french onion soup still stays fresh in my mind as it is divine. Dining with non-vegan friends, they were blown away with the diverse flavors and portions of the meals. Every dish was just fabulous and I implore you to make it there as soon as you can! - For a quick sandwich, salad or yummy dessert on the go, be sure to pop in to -Vegan Folies. A super vegan, eco-friendly and local business, their options are fresh and seasonal. In fact they are so green, they don’t have to-go utensils as they encourage people to bring their own! Their cheesecakes and cupcakes are terrific and worth a stop in for goodies on the go! - If you’re looking to do some cooking in your hotel room or flat, the best place to stock up on great organic, gluten free and vegan groceries is at -Un Monde Vegan Market. Stocked with everything you need, along with the best European vegan imports (German vegan cheese!), you might spend most of your souvenir budget just trying all the great foreign goodies we don’t get back home. That’s just a taste of what’s available in Paris! There is more Parisian yumminess at http://HealthyVoyager.com ! Au revoir!-

Eco Tips for 2014

support@wellness.com — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 20:57:40 Z

Wellness.com - Eco Tips for 2014 by HealthyVoyager

From weight loss to saving more money, new year's resolutions run the gambit. But for many, going more green might not be one they think of. The funny thing is that going green doesn't only help the planet, it can help your health and you wallet too! Check out some of my easy ways to go a bit more green in 2014! - 1) -Decrease Your Meat & Animal Product Consumption – -While not everyone is ready to become 100% vegetarian, there is little doubt that eating less meat is one of the fastest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Pick one or two days a week where you will only -cook vegetarian food. Find a good vegetarian food -cooking book- to learn the best recipes, and you’re set! - 2) -Seasonal Shopping – -While it can be tempting to eat strawberries in winter, when they have been imported from halfway across the planet or grown in energy-hungry greenhouses, they’re hardly sustainable. Do some research into what is naturally grown in your area in the season, and prefer these. This way, you’ll also rediscover the pleasure of meals changing with the seasons! - 3) -Pedal Your Way Through the Year - People who re-start cycling to work and/ or the supermarket often say that it’s lovely to rediscover their neighborhood that way. In fact, unless you live in a very mountainous area, this could be the most relaxing resolution you take! - 4) -Bus it, Train it or Carpool it - Granted, in the middle of the mountains or when there is half metre of snow outside your door, cycling sounds less appealing. If that’s the case where you live, start using public transport to go to work and the supermarket. If public transport connections are poor in your area, then it’s time to wake up the local campaigner in you and ask for it – make 2011 the year when your community stood up for sustainability. 5) -Green Your Abode - By now, I assume most of you have switched to -CFL lightbulbs - so it’s time to take home -efficiency -to the next level. Check your house for heat loss (there are companies specialised in this if you don’t feel expert enough) and make it your DIY project in 2011 to fix them. If you haven’t yet, lower the thermostat during the night. The ideal temperature to sleep is around 16 degrees celsius. If that’s too cold for you, do it in steps – half a degree less each month. You might realise you even sleep better – and you will see it on your heating bill! - 6) -Toss Out The Toxins – -This might take a while in research, so plan to do it over the whole year. From beauty products to clothes detergent and computer parts, we have become used to toxics products in our daily lives. Time to stop it. When buying new products, check what they are made of, and pick the one that will have the least toxic residues. 7) -Take Care of What You Already Have – -New cellphone? Must absolutely have the latest iPad? How about the newly released gaming console? Our -consumption of electronics is reaching records. Make a break, and promise not to buy new electronics this year, unless the one you already have breaks down (and when it does, ensure it is recycled properly!). 8) -Recycling 2.0 - You probably have two different bins in your kitchen, sorting your waste to have it recycled. It doesn’t end here though. In 2011, try to reduce the amount picked up by the garbage truck. If you have a garden, start your own compost. When you’re at the supermarket, prefer products that are not overpackaged (you know the one: plastics wrapped in plastic, itself wrapped in cardboard…). If there are to many of these items in your local supermarket, time to start campaigning! Write to the store manager and express your concerns – and convince your neighbours to do so as well. 9)- Make More Outdoor Time - Learn to enjoy nature again. Make a habit of taking a weekly walk outside. We have become so used to live in our houses and in our cars, many people have no idea what nature looks like anymore. 10) -Convince (at least) 3 friends to Go Green With You - Why three? Because almost everyone knows three people they can influence. If those three convince three more people next year and so on, we will grow a movement capable of protecting our planet – and the resolutions above will become a no brainer for everyone. 11) … What is your green resolution for 2014? Tell us in comments below! - For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com -

Eco 2014

support@wellness.com — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 21:25:39 Z

Wellness.com - Eco 2014 by HealthyVoyager

From weight loss to saving more money, new year's resolutions run the gambit. But for many, going more green might not be one they think of. The funny thing is that going green doesn't only help the planet, it can help your health and you wallet too! Check out some of my easy ways to go a bit more green in 2014! - 1) -Decrease Your Meat & Animal Product Consumption – -While not everyone is ready to become 100% vegetarian, there is little doubt that eating less meat is one of the fastest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Pick one or two days a week where you will only -cook vegetarian food. Find a good vegetarian food -cooking book- to learn the best recipes, and you’re set! - 2) -Seasonal Shopping – -While it can be tempting to eat strawberries in winter, when they have been imported from halfway across the planet or grown in energy-hungry greenhouses, they’re hardly sustainable. Do some research into what is naturally grown in your area in the season, and prefer these. This way, you’ll also rediscover the pleasure of meals changing with the seasons! - 3) -Pedal Your Way Through the Year - People who re-start cycling to work and/ or the supermarket often say that it’s lovely to rediscover their neighborhood that way. In fact, unless you live in a very mountainous area, this could be the most relaxing resolution you take! - 4) -Bus it, Train it or Carpool it - Granted, in the middle of the mountains or when there is half metre of snow outside your door, cycling sounds less appealing. If that’s the case where you live, start using public transport to go to work and the supermarket. If public transport connections are poor in your area, then it’s time to wake up the local campaigner in you and ask for it – make 2011 the year when your community stood up for sustainability. 5) -Green Your Abode - By now, I assume most of you have switched to -CFL lightbulbs - so it’s time to take home -efficiency -to the next level. Check your house for heat loss (there are companies specialised in this if you don’t feel expert enough) and make it your DIY project in 2011 to fix them. If you haven’t yet, lower the thermostat during the night. The ideal temperature to sleep is around 16 degrees celsius. If that’s too cold for you, do it in steps – half a degree less each month. You might realise you even sleep better – and you will see it on your heating bill! - 6) -Toss Out The Toxins – -This might take a while in research, so plan to do it over the whole year. From beauty products to clothes detergent and computer parts, we have become used to toxics products in our daily lives. Time to stop it. When buying new products, check what they are made of, and pick the one that will have the least toxic residues. 7) -Take Care of What You Already Have – -New cellphone? Must absolutely have the latest iPad? How about the newly released gaming console? Our -consumption of electronics is reaching records. Make a break, and promise not to buy new electronics this year, unless the one you already have breaks down (and when it does, ensure it is recycled properly!). 8) -Recycling 2.0 - You probably have two different bins in your kitchen, sorting your waste to have it recycled. It doesn’t end here though. In 2011, try to reduce the amount picked up by the garbage truck. If you have a garden, start your own compost. When you’re at the supermarket, prefer products that are not overpackaged (you know the one: plastics wrapped in plastic, itself wrapped in cardboard…). If there are to many of these items in your local supermarket, time to start campaigning! Write to the store manager and express your concerns – and convince your neighbours to do so as well. 9)- Make More Outdoor Time - Learn to enjoy nature again. Make a habit of taking a weekly walk outside. We have become so used to live in our houses and in our cars, many people have no idea what nature looks like anymore. 10) -Convince (at least) 3 friends to Go Green With You - Why three? Because almost everyone knows three people they can influence. If those three convince three more people next year and so on, we will grow a movement capable of protecting our planet – and the resolutions above will become a no brainer for everyone. 11) … What is your green resolution for 2014? Tell us in comments below! - For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com -

Italy The Healthy Way

support@wellness.com — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 21:05:09 Z

Wellness.com - Italy The Healthy Way by HealthyVoyager

Whether you are looking to stave off the pounds or have special dietary needs, travelers can still indulge and enjoy all the deliciousness that Italy has to offer. In the birthplace of pizza, where pasta flows as freely as the wine, Italy may seem like a tough place to keep an eye on your waistline. However, it’s not as difficult as you may think! From gluten free pastas to naturally vegan pizzas and soy gelatos, get your taste buds ready for the healthy side of Italy.
First and foremost, European cities are made for walking. The amount of foot action that travelers engage in daily, trekking from site to site, is enough to burn off calories for an entire week. This alone will assist vacationers against the battle of the bulge. Needless to say, one of the most important things you can pack is a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Ladies, leave your heels at home! Join me, won’t you? - Always opt for a walking tour not only for the health benefits but also because, on foot, you are able to notice things and stop to check them out much more freely than if you were speeding by on a crowded bus. Exploring is part of the fun of visiting Italy, what with it’s windy, narrow streets, cute café’s and fun loving people, you may just find a hidden gem off the beaten touristy path by letting your feet lead the way! - Alright, brass tacks time, cuisine. Italian food is known the world over for it’s rich and heavy, carb and cheese filled dishes. So it would be safe to assume that perhaps it’s not the best place to watch your figure or worse, where special diet diners would be noshing solely on espresso and tomatoes. However, with the explosion of healthy living and the popularity of special diets such as gluten free, vegan and paleo around the world, Italy is no exception. While it’s important to not say “No” to everything while on vacation, moderation and incorporating some substitutes is key. You definitely want to enjoy that full fat cappuccino, bottle of wine, pizza margherita and tiramisu, but if done at every meal, it’s a recipe for dietary disaster. So here are some ways you can healthily indulge, guilt free! - Gluten Free, Si! – With the explosion of Celiac disease across the globe, Italians have become acutely aware of the wheat induced illness that not only affects their visitors but also their countrymen (and women). Because of this, gluten free pastas are increasingly easier to find and a perfect alternative to give you reprieve from all the bready goodness. So Soy – Lactose intolerant? Vegan? Whatever the case, if you avoid dairy, it’s not a problem. A growing number of gelato bars and coffee shops offer soy (or soia) options. In fact, many gelato shops have sugar free options as well. So don’t fret, grab that latte to go and enjoy that gelato. Veg Out – For those who choose greens over meat, going vegetarian is not an issue. There is a plethora of naturally vegetarian dishes in Italy and for vegans, there are plenty as well. Ovo Lacto vegetarians can order up any number of pastas and salads “senza carne” or “senza pollo” (without meat or chicken). Pescetarians rejoice in seaside towns such as Naples as seafood is fresh and in abundance in all local eateries. Vegans, while it may seem impossible, bruschetta a la pomodoro and pizza marinara is always “senza formaggio” (without cheese) throughout Italy, without even having to ask. Additionally, Italians love vegetables in their pastas, pizzas and as appetizers so it’s very easy to add and substitute them in to your meal. Can you say grilled artichoke or pan seared zucchini? Yum! - Don’t say “no” to Vino – You don’t have to turn your cheek and wag your finger when the drink menu comes around just because you’re afraid of the caloric intake. One of the best parts of the dining experiences in Italy is the wine. Of course, as mentioned, moderation is important but wine has a number of healthy attributes as well. From lowering blood pressure and reducing stress to being filled with the magic antioxidant, resveratrol, wine can be a healthy part of your meal. However, if you are looking to cut back on calories while still looking to enjoy a drink, pinot noir and pinot grigio are on the lower end of the caloric scale. Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated are also essential tips when traveling, especially when it comes to combating jet lag and the exhaustion your body will feel from the amount of walking. Ultimately, enjoy your vacation as Italy is beautiful and the food is as incredible as the sites and the boot nation’s rich history. Although, finding balance and vacationing as healthy as you can will help your re-entry into your life back home much easier. Ciao! - For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com

Thanks-Greening

support@wellness.com — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 21:34:27 Z

Wellness.com - Thanks-Greening by HealthyVoyager

Soon we will be traveling, cooking and gathering, all in the name of the Thanksgiving holiday. From the meal to the holiday shopping to the last leftover, as a nation we will be consuming and spending like nobody's business. And while we must take this weekend for holiday fun and tradition, we really must remember that Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks and being grateful for what we have. And what we all have is a great planet and resources that we need to protect so this coming Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect time to go green. Here are a few ways to make your Thanksgiving greener which will be a sign of thanks for all our earth gives to us!: - Use nature to decorate – Use seasonal fruit, vegetables and plants that can be composted after the holiday. Gourds can adorn your table; then you can cook with them and/or compost later. Also, making decorations with kids from recycled materials keeps them busy, sparks imagination and makes lasting memories. Drink Organic – Or biodynamic. Booze that is! When shopping for adult Thanksgiving beverages, remember that organic, biodynamic, and natural wines have been produced without polluting pesticides or chemicals. And if your bottles travel thousands of miles to reach you, try to at least support small, independent vintners. In addition, it’s healthier for you and your guests! - Don’t wash the dishes – This Thanksgiving, use -bamboo disposable plates- or -compostable paper plates. This will save time and water in addition to saving non-eco disposable ware from sitting in a landfill. Keep it organically local – To minimize carbon emissions, support small-scale farmers, and know where your food is coming from, buy local food that hasn’t been driven by truck all over the country to make it to your dining room table. Plus, organic farms are good to the earth and good for you. Skip the turkey – Yep, I know he’s the mascot but factory farms are the largest contributors to greenhouse gasses and pollution. Try out a vegan wellington full of delicious grains and veggies and top with a savory gravy. It’s full of flavor and won’t put you to sleep! - Waste not, want not – Don’t overcook. Thanksgiving causes folks to cook up big feasts regardless of the amount of folks on the guest list. No matter what, people always end up with tons of leftovers that eventually get tossed. Save money and don’t waste food. Cook enough for the folks who have confirmed their attendance or better yet, ask that everyone brings a dish to share and then you aren’t left with a week’s worth of leftovers. Plant a tree – This is an action that the whole family will enjoy and is the gift that keeps on giving. Take a photo every year by the tree and see how much it has grown since it’s birth this Thanksgiving ; ) - Carpool and travel light – You can’t help it if you need to fly to get where you need to be this holiday but you can offset your flight by purchasing carbon offset credits. And if you have the luxury of driving to your destination, carpool or take mass transit. All of these tips can save time and money while also contributing to your health and showing mother earth that we haven’t forgotten about all that she does for us ; ) Have a very eco Thanksgiving! - For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com-

The Scariest (and Tastiest) Places in America

support@wellness.com — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 20:42:16 Z

Wellness.com - The Scariest (and Tastiest) Places in America by HealthyVoyager

Halloween is here and that means ghouls, goblins, ghosts and gore! Sure, you can stop in to a local haunted attraction but why not mix some fun travel and adventure in with your fright? This great nation is full of some rich, and dark, history, so why not check some of it out at the scariest time of year? And while you're ghost hunting, be sure to explore the area and some of the local healthy, vegan and gluten free fare! - Here's my list of the scariest places in America as well as where to dine! - Gettysburg Battlefield, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania- (Check out our -Philly round up- on where to dine!) - LaLaurie House, New Orleans, Louisiana- (Check out our -New Orleans round up- on where to dine!) - The Bell Witch Cave, Adams, Tennessee- (Check out our -Memphis-, -Nashville- and -Chattanooga- round up on where to dine!) - The Whaley House, San Diego, California- (Check out our -San Diego- round up on where to dine!) - The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado- (Check out our -Denver- and -Boulder- round up on where to dine!) - The Winchester House, San Jose, California- (Check out our -San Francisco- round up on where to dine!) - Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Louisville, Kentucky - The Stranahan House, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida- (Check out our -Ft. Lauderdale- round up on where to dine!) - Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania- (Check out our -Philly round up- on where to dine!) - The White House, Washington D.C.- (Check out our -D.C round up- on where to dine!) - Saint Augustine Lighthouse, St. Augustine, Florida- (Check out our -St. Augustine round up- on where to dine!) - Congelier House, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Mount Misery Road, West Hills, New York - Franklin Castle, Cleveland, Ohio - The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California- (Check out our -Long Beach round up- on where to dine!) - Hull House, Chicago, Illinois- (Check out our Chicago round up on where to dine!) - The Lincoln Theater, Decatur, Illinois- (Check out our Chicago round up on where to dine!) - Lemp Mansion, St. Louis , Missouri- (Check out our -Kansas City round up- on where to dine!) - Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois- (Check out our Chicago round up on where to dine!) - The Myrtles Mansion, St. Francisville, Louisiana- (Check out our -New Orleans round up- on where to dine!) - If you choose to check out some of these fright filled, historic landmarks, make sure to save room for yummy eats! Happy Halloween!! - For more information, visit -www.HealthyVoyager.com -

A Healthy Last Summer Hoorah

support@wellness.com — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 19:46:26 Z

Wellness.com - A Healthy Last Summer Hoorah by HealthyVoyager

No one wants to believe it but summer is winding down and before you know it we will be preparing for back-to-school, falling leaves and warmer clothes. But there is still last long weekend left to soak up the sun and enjoy the last few drops of summer fun. So it's important to make it count no matter your schedule or budget. Below are some of my favorite ideas to get in one more fun packed weekend before we all go back to reality! - Be a Hometown Tourist - Many residents don’t take the time to visit all the landmarks and attractions that their hometown is famous for. Make like a tourist and visit a popular monument, a local museum or attend a hockey game. Sometimes a stay-cation is all you need to recharge ; ) - Theme Park it! - Be a kid again. Gather some friends and spend a few hours at a nearby theme park. Let loose and ride the roller coasters. Look out for resident deals to save you some cash. If you’re afraid of what to chow on while you’re there, check out my -healthy theme parks article-! Summer time brings out the kid in all of us so a theme park suits the mood. Sleep Away - Go online and find a reasonably priced hotel in your own city, book a room for a night or two and go. Since your stay will be short, you can even splurge and go for that five star hotel that you have always wanted to visit. Enjoy the luxuries of room service and all the amenities, such as the pool and jacuzzi. This provides the feeling of being away without the mileage or the airfare. Take the night to just relax by yourself or with someone special. If you have kids, find a hotel with fun activities or a neat pool while you take time to chillax!
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Take a Hike! - Find a nearby nature preserve or mountain with marked hiking trails. Grab your boots, backpack and -water bottle- and get moving. Make the most of the sun and warm weather by taking in all that nature has to offer. Pack a lunch and make a day out of it with pals. Day Tripping - Plan to do something fun for the day. Look up towns and landmarks that are up to 2 hours away so you can make it up and back comfortably with time to explore. You’d be surprised how even being 30 minutes outside of the city can feel like being a world away ; ) - Weekend Getaway - Plan ahead to take the whole weekend off and devote it to yourself, your friends or your family. Find good last minute deals for spas, hotels and even flights. For us Southern Californians, Vegas is a quick and inexpensive getaway if you know where to look. For Floridians, Orlando. Explore as far as you can for as long as you can. Camping is also a great, affordable weekend trip that gets you away from the big city stress and in touch with nature. Get Creative - No matter what you do this Labor Day, get out there and do SOMETHING! Whether you need some time to yourself to prepare for school or a new job or have a family and want to make some final summer memories, explore your world and enjoy it while you can ; )-For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com

Vegan Food in Ft. Myers

support@wellness.com — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 19:38:29 Z

Wellness.com - Vegan Food in Ft. Myers by HealthyVoyager

If you are thinking about a trip down the west coast of Florida, Ft. Myers should definitely be a stop on your itinerary. Beautiful beaches (Sanibel Island is a must!), lovely resorts and fun family activities, Ft. Myers is a great place to get away from it all. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford sure thought so, you can visit their winter homes! However, one thing you will also find that is abundant as the sun is delicious, healthy, vegan eats! - As always, when in Florida, I’m down for Latin food. El Gaucho Inca serves up authentic Peruvian and Argentinian food which is easy for a veggie eater. Lots of fresh veggies, beans and whole grains as well as juices, you can eat like an Incan king or queen! Awesome quinoa salads and sides like plantains, yucca, veggie tamale and other delicious veggies, you can have a fully veg platter that will leave you with a big smile on your face! - Sometimes you just crave a burger and -Elevation Burger -hits the healthy spot. Offering a vegan patty with all the fixin’s your little heart desires, not only do they dedicate a grill to their veggie diners, they have healthier fries and tasty, organic condiments too! - I love great vegan baked goods for breakfast when I travel and -Chef Brooke’s Natural Cafe- had what I craved. Vegan and gluten free options, Brooke’s also carries unique grocery items along with smoothies, fresh juices, sandwiches and salads. Great for a quick bite, a treat or a healthy lunch and always served up with a smile! - I stumbled upon -Happiness Healthy Cafe- and figured, with a name like that, how can I go wrong? All I can say is spicy tofu naanwich! Yummers! They’ve got sandwiches, naanwiches, paninis, juices and some tasty Indian entrees. They are known for their lunch and dinner combos which are hearty and good on the old wallet ; ) Happy and healthy indeed! - That’s it for now on Ft. Myers but a few more spots on the west coast of Florida coming up next! - For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com-