LiveWell Vermont

Did you know that 70% of Olive oil available in stores in the US has actually been cut with cheaper, nastier oils – meaning its fake! Olive oil is supposed to be a healthy, sustainable option, right? Well, not when it's mixed with other oils that don't have the same health benefits. Seven of the biggest olive oil manufacturers in the US have been cutting their products with cheaper, inferior oils (such as sunflower oil or canola oil) in order to minimize the cost of production. This comes at a huge cost to everyone else who invests in this healthy alternative. How did the olive oil investigations begin?  In 2008, over 400 Italian police officers participated in a major crackdown called “Operation Golden Oil.” This resulted in the seizure of 85 oil farms who were adding certain percentages of chlorophyll to sunflower and canola oil and selling it on as extra virgin olive oil. The oil was mixed, perfumed, colored and then flavored before being sold to the producer as “extra ...

Some days you may wake up feeling unlike your usual self. Whether you feel stressed, anxious, sad, or just a little "off," here are some tips to help you feel good again! 1.) Work Out:  Go for a run, lift some weights or do some yoga. Exercise has been shown as one way to release endorphins, a chemical in the body that reduces pain and stress and can increase your sense of happiness. 2.) Connect with People You Love : Sometimes when you're not feeling right, human connection can spark happiness. Feeling sad? Play with your kids, get a hug from your significant other or go grab coffee with a friend. 3.) Go for a Walk: If you're not looking for a difficult workout, sometimes just a walk around the office or neighborhood can help. 4.) Drink More Water: Dehydration can lead to crankiness and even trigger anxiety. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Keep a water bottle with you. 5.) Gratitude Journal : Sometimes all it takes is writing down the t...

Zucchini Fritters with Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce Perfectly golden brown, crispy, and light zucchini fritters Submitted by: Kinsley Sicard Yields: 10-12 Fritters/Prep Time: 1 hour total/ Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Garlic Herb Sauce Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain greek or regular yogurt 2 teaspoon chopped parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon honey 1 heaping teaspoon minced garlic Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste Fritters Ingredients:  2 cups shredded zucchini (2 small or 1 large zucchini) 1 cup shredded sweet potato (1 small, peeled) 1/3 cup finely chopped onion 1.5 teaspoons salt 2 large Eggland's Best eggs 1 heaping teaspoon minced garlic 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh mint 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/3 cup cornmeal 1 Tablespoon corn starch 1/3 cup olive oil Directions: To make the yogurt sauce: Whisk all the yogurt sauce in...

Fresh Picked Apple and Raspberry Crisp Submitted by : Alissa Robertson Note: This dessert has a nice flavor because of the raspberries added to the mixture. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla greek yogurt for a healthier twist to a classic crisp. You can choose your favorite apple, but McIntosh are great! Ingredients: 12 apples, peeled, pitted, and sliced into 1 inch wedges (about 2 pounds) 1 pint fresh raspberries 1/2 cup granular sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice  Topping Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 tablespoons of coconut oil, cut up into small pieces (hard at room temperature) Directions:  Lightly grease a 9 by 13 baking dish with coconut oil and put aside. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Mix your apples, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract together in a medium mixing bowl. Now pour your apple...