Food That Masquerade As Being Healthy!

Happy Monday, everyone! We at Green Cleaners believe that choosing to go green means improving all aspects of your lifestyle. Today, we bring you food that are pretending to be healthy - but are not.

Protein bars.
Just because they claim to have protein, doesn't mean they are actually nutritious. The truth is, with all the added sugars and preservatives in a protein bar, they are pretty much as bad for you as a bar of chocolate. If you want a quick pick me up, make your own mix of healthy nuts with antioxidants to snack on during the day.

Veggie Burgers.
Although a lot of veggie patties (especially those you make at home) are extremely healthy, some of those served in restaurants may be held together with loads of cheese, making it full of saturated fat. Before you order a veggie burger when you dine out, ask your server what they used to make the patties and how they were prepared. Better safe than sorry!

Frozen Diet Meals.
Most of the ready made meals that require little effort (microwave and serve) are actually packed to the rafters with sodium. Not only that, they tend to not have enough servings of vegetables making the diet unbalanced, which also causes you to get hungry soon after you've had a nuke and gobble meal.

Gluten-Free Desserts.
Some people do need to avoid gluten due to allergies and intolerance, but most of the gluten free options, especially cakes and cookies, actually contain just about the same amount of calories as their gluten-containing equivalents, if not more. They are also pricier, so it makes little sense to spend more if it's really not necessary.

Veggie Chips.
Don't be fooled by the sea of spinach chips, carrot chips, and pepper chips lining the snack aisle these days. Oftentimes these are no healthier for you than a regular bag of chips. Most still use potato as their base, and then sprinkle in a little spinach, tomato, or pea powder for color – and not a lot of added nutrition.

Multigrain Pasta, Bread and Cereal.
Whole grains are healthier than refined grains because they have more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
However, multigrain might mean refined wheat flour with a dash of refined corn flour, and two kinds of refined flours isn't necessarily better for you than one. Check the ingredients list. If it says "whole wheat" or "whole corn" near the top, then you're actually getting the extra health benefits.

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.

Autumn is upon us! Although not everyone around the world has the pleasure to enjoy this season, we at Green Cleaners still believe that because being kind to the Earth is not just a seasonal practice, it is the perfect time to share some fall inspired crafts you that engage your children and keep creative minds busy wherever you are in the world.

1. Fall Button Branches

Wondering what to do with all those spare buttons that have fallen off clothes or came free with past purchases? All you need is a good strong twig and ta-da! You have a beautiful button branch!

2. Fall Leaf Initials (Door Hangers)

All you need are the stunning leaves found in your back garden or around the block, and a strong setting wire. If you're feeling more adventurous, why not go for a whole name? You can adjust the sizing to fit on a door for a more personal touch.

3. Mouse Corks

This is a good way to put those wine corks to good use. Feel free to be as artsy as you can be, using colourful card paper and pipe cleaners, markers and googly eyes. Just be sure to keep the stanley knife out of reach - remember, safety first!

4. Stunning Leaf Banners

The beauty of this specific craft is that you don't have to stick solely to autumn leaves - you can do bright green leaves, flowers or even petals of any colour that you have readily available. For a nice touch, you can use old newspapers or magazine clippings. This is a fun project that the whole family can enjoy and you can all hang up proudly across the halls!

5. Tin Bird Feeder

Once the weather gets chillier and especially when it starts to snow, it’s tougher for birds to find food quickly. Make it a little easier on the birds by making these adorable recycled tin can birdseed flowers. A set of these would look adorable lining your front flower beds or spread amongst the pumpkins in your backyard garden. - See more at: http://www.inhabitots.com/10-easy-eco-friendly-fall-crafts-for-green-kids/3/#sthash.N0ixaK54.dpuf

Once the weather gets chillier and especially when it starts to snow, it’s tougher for birds to find food quickly. Make it a little easier on the birds by making these adorable recycled tin can birdseed flowers. A set of these would look adorable lining your front flower beds or spread amongst the pumpkins in your backyard garden. - See more at: http://www.inhabitots.com/10-easy-eco-friendly-fall-crafts-for-green-kids/3/#sthash.N0ixaK54.dpuf

As the weather gets chillier, birds to find it a bit more difficult to find food. Why not take it from Mary Poppins and help them out a bit? All you need is tin can (or two), some paint and a pair of tough scissors!

Pamper Yourself.

When was the last time you said the words, "I need a break."? More importantly, when was the last time you actually acted on that and booked a holiday away from all the stresses of work and the city life? Today, let us take you on a trip down the green lane - where pampering yourself comes hand in hand with pampering the earth!

Here are some beautiful destinations that offer eco-friendly spa services:

Washington, D.C. : Nusta Spa

Nusta Spa stays on the green path by using sustainable, local and chemical free recycled materials throughout its interior as well as their products!








                                                                                       Peru: Inkaterra Machu Picchu

Located in an Andean village near the ancient city of Machu Picchu, the Inkaterra Hotel and its Uno Spa transcend the old and modern worlds. One of the greenest hotel resorts in the world, it is carbon neutral, and long recognized for its extensive sustainability commitment. This includes the use of green technology as well as supporting major ecology research and conservation programs of its rainforest surroundings.

Australia: Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa

Nestled in one of the most precious, respected rainforests, Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa peacefully resides in the heart of this incredible fusion of humanity and nature, and does its part each day to respect and nurture the Aboriginal tribe that so carefully crafts its life here.

A three-day Aboriginal Expedition allows you to walk the pathways, breathe the air, and live the life of a human being that is truly at one with nature. The green doesn’t stop there. Once inside, the spa menus are just as kind to the earth, so while you’re getting a facial, or immersing yourself in a massage, you can smile knowing that not only are you treating yourself, but you’re also helping the astonishing outdoor setting around you. The green spa’s partnership with the Australian Greenhouse Office ensures its daily reduction of greenhouse emissions, energy management, intellectual property rights, cultural heritage preservation, and the underlying movement of working at one with nature.

Ireland: Monart Destination Spa

Being Ireland's first destination eco-spa, Monart Spa is widely recognized as Ireland's top spa by travel authorities like Forbes magazine. Located on 100 acres of the Irish countryside, the spa was built to ethical standards, including every tree cut down used later in its construction, operating hydrocarbon-free, and according to stringent energy efficiency standards.

North Africa: Kasbah Du Toubkal

Not for the faint of heart, this beautiful one of a kind gem perched 1800 feet above sea level on North Africa's highest peak has been recognized by the King of Morocco for setting the responsible travel standard. The Kasbah uses mule transportation, minimizes electricity and partners with the local Berber community, funding local projects such as a school, waste disposal system and the area's first ambulance.

Costa Rica: Tabacon Grand Spa

 Amidst the pristine rain forest of Costa Rica and an active volcano is the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, rooted in its surroundings. Treatments are conducted outdoors to the sounds of waterfalls and the rain forest, and specialize in local ingredients, especially those using volcanic mud from the active Arenal Volcano, prized for its curative properties. Long a recipient of international awards and certification, Tabacon is considered one of the finest spa resorts in Central America.

These are only a few of the most sought after getaways around the world. What are you waiting for? Pamper yourself while staying on the bright green road.

Green Superheroes!

What child does not love the idea of being a superhero? We have recently found a wonderful organization that offers camps for young people who want to be more actively involved in saving the planet.

 Green Super Camp Australia offers students a fantastic learning experience that guides every individual into becoming a more confident, motivated and driven member of society! Operational for over 30 years, children who have been involved in this camp have shown a great improvement in their overall holistic growth. With a 55% increase in academic skills, 30% rise in personal development and a whopping 84% improvement when it comes to self esteem, this green discovery is sure to make parents, children and schools happy!

It's no wonder Australia is one of the leading countries in the movement to help the planet restore it's former glory.

For more information, you can visit http://greensupercamp.com.au/