THE BEST: Picks for Top Healthy Gourmet Snacks of 2023

The Pros and Cons of using CBD to Sleep Better

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has been gaining popularity as a natural remedy for a variety of health concerns, including sleep. While research on the effectiveness of CBD for sleep is still limited, many people are turning to CBD products as a way to improve their sleep quality and duration. However, it’s important to note that there are both pros and cons to using CBD for sleep, and it’s important to consider these factors before incorporating CBD into your sleep routine.

One of the major pros of using CBD for sleep is that it is a natural and non-habit-forming alternative to traditional sleep aids. Unlike medications like Ambien and Lunesta, which can be addictive and have a number of potential side effects, CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by most people. Additionally, CBD does not produce the “hangover” effect that can be associated with traditional sleep aids, allowing for a more refreshed feeling upon waking.

Another pro of using CBD for sleep is that it has been shown to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. Anxiety and stress can be major contributors to insomnia, and by reducing anxiety and stress, CBD can help to improve sleep quality and duration. CBD has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties which can help in reducing pain and improve overall well-being, which might also contribute to better sleep.

However, it’s important to note that not all CBD products are created equal. It’s important to choose products that have been lab-tested and are made with high-quality ingredients. One example of a reputable CBD company is “CBDmd,” which offers a wide range of CBD products that are lab-tested for purity and potency.

On the other hand, there are also some cons to using CBD for sleep. One of the main cons is that research on the effectiveness of CBD for sleep is still limited. While there are some studies that have found that CBD can improve sleep quality and duration, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects. Additionally, the FDA does not regulate CBD products, which can make it difficult to know exactly what you’re getting when you purchase a CBD product.

Furthermore, CBD can interact with other medications and can have side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness. Therefore, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before using CBD, especially if you are taking other medications.

According to some physicians, CBD is generally considered safe, but as with any substance, there can be risks and side effects, and that it’s important to talk to your doctor before trying CBD, especially if you’re already taking medications.

In conclusion, while CBD has shown promise as a natural remedy for sleep, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Additionally, it’s important to choose high-quality products and to speak with a healthcare professional before using CBD. However, for those looking for a natural alternative to traditional sleep aids, CBD may be worth considering.

Please keep in mind that it’s illegal to possess, use or sell cannabis or its derivatives in many countries and states, and laws vary by location. Always check the laws and regulations in your specific region before using CBD.

THE BEST: Picks for Top Healthy Gourmet Snacks of 2022

The Benefits of Walking Yourself to Better Health and Fitness

What is one of the most productive and effective ways of exercise? Walking!

Walking in fact is not just one of the most effective ways of exercise, it’s also one of the oldest. Humans are designed to walk, it is how they evolved and thrived. It is how they overcame obstacles in the wild, found food and water, and expanded territory. You could say that in fact humans are literally meant to walk. So if this is true, it’s clear what happens when you don’t do what you’re supposed to do. You are not as healthy, not as fit, and not as happy. This is exactly why walking is great for you.

Some of the benefits of walking include increased cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness for your heart and lungs. Walking also increases provides benefit, which is reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It also improves the management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and high cholesterol, as well as decreased joint and muscular pain, stiffness, and diabetes. Plus it can lead to stronger bones and better balance. Mentally, there is nothing more refreshing than taking a nice, calm, and refreshing walk to clear the cobwebs out of your mind, and getting good air into your lungs.

Most cities and states in North America and Europe have parks and hiking trails in which you can get out and walk. California has a lot of great spots where you can walk. In cities like San Francisco, it seems like everyone either walks or hikes on a regular basis. In Los Angeles, there are beautiful places along the boardwalk and the beaches where you can walk and walk and walk.

It is recommended that you walk at least 30 to 45 minutes nearly every day. You don’t have to do it all at once, you can break it up into a 10 minute chunks, but the pace that you set is important. You don’t need to break a sweat, but your goal is to get your heart pumping.

So get out there and take a walk, your body and your mind will thank you

THE BEST: Picks for Top Healthy Gourmet Snacks of 2020

2020 TOP HEALTHY GOURMET SNACKS

The world is full of fantastic, delicious, and innovative healthy gourmet snacks. That’s why we’ve tasted some of the best, and here’s what we found.

The 6th Annual Snack Awards selects and  rewards the Top Healthy Gourmet Snack creations of the Year.

Products from across the country entered into this competition, and were sent to a select jury panel of food & wine media and industry judges located throughout North America. This panel tasted,  reviewed and voted on which they consider to be the “Top Healthy Gourmet Snacks of the Year” by the TASTY AWARDS panel, the Academy of Media Tastemakers

The Healthy Snack Awards look for the tastiest, most appealing , and healthiest snack choices on the market. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bar, a chip, popcorn, or nuts, as long as it looks good and tastes good and is good for you then it has the chance of making the list. Gluten Free, Sugar Free, or just made with fresh and natural ingredients, the bottom line is that they have to satisfy your urge to munch.

The judges and reviewers for this year’s selections come from a panel of gurus from the Academy of Media Tastemakers. Here are their favorites


OUR TOP PICKS FOR GREAT HEALTHY & TASTY SNACKS


GOODTO GO Snacks Strawberry Macadamia Nut Snack Bar

“Tastes like something you have to keep checking the package to make sure it’s actually healthy. But it is!”

Kathies Kitchen: SuperSeedz Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Gourmet Pumpkin Seeds

“Be ready to maintain a bit of portion control, it’s easy to keep munching on these tasty Salted pumpkin seeds in dark chocolate”

Nature’s Path Love Crunch Dark Chocolate & Red Berries Granola

“So cool to see a granola that adds unique ingredients and seasonings like red berries, healthy dark chocolate, and organic coconut”

Mary’s Gone Crackers – Super Seed Classic

“Fully plant-based gluten-free protein, these crackers can be eaten alone or paired with a topping such as cheese, avocados, or even peanut butter”

MadeGood Food Red Velvet Soft Baked Mini Cookies

“If you have a taste for red velvet, you’ll like these, but because of their size and healthy ingredients you won’t feel too guilty about having them”

Barebells Protein Bars – Crunchy Fudge

“The snack bar with no added sugar that you want to take with you to the gym or before a good run. “

Finally, a Bolognese Sauce that is 3 in 1: Delicious, Versatile and Healthy

A thick and rich tomato Bolognese sauce is a gift for the home chef. That is because it is so versatile. A new sauce we have discovered is Otamot, and its versatility is perfect for these challenging times.

This organic sauce is made from vine ripened tomato, carrots, red bell peppers, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, spinach, red beets, sweet onions, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and shiitake mushrooms. Otamot is also certified as vegan, gluten-free, and GMO-verified.

We have used this sauce on everything from pastas such as tortellini and ravioli, to the base for deep dish pizza, to meatball sandwiches. It has yet to fail us!

Based in Brooklyn, the brand was founded by a dad Andrew Suzuka, who wanted his daughter to be able to eat healthier while enjoying her meals. As Suzuka says, “Tomato sauce CAN be packed with vegetables, vitamins, antioxidants and have no added sugar or preservatives.”

Find it at https://www.otamotfoods.com