So you wanna be strong? You don’t need meat to build muscle. As long as you get enough protein (meat-free protein options here) and eat a well-balanced diet, you’ll be fine. If you’re not convinced, check out the website of America’s top vegan bodybuilder. If he can build muscle without dairy, then cutting back on meat won’t hurt you a bit.

Eggs: Eggs are the perfect protein, supporting your body’s protein needs even better than beef. And it’s the group of amino acids found in "complete" proteins that promote muscle growth.

Almonds: Two handfuls a day will give you enough vitamin E to protect your muscles from post-workout free radical damage, letting them recover and grow more quickly.

Yogurt: Yes, yogurt can be macho! Sugar-free yogurt with fruit provides enough protein and carbs together to help avoid post-workout breakdown of protein – helping your muscles grow faster.

Olive Oil: The mono fat in olive oil lowers the amounts of muscle-degenerating protein found in your body. Buy organic extra-virgin and eat it uncooked, sprinkled over your food.

Water: Duh! All your body functions work less efficiently when you’re dehydrated. In a thirsty body, protein is used at a slower rate to build muscle. While not technically a "food", water is vital. So drink up - and no, Gatorade doesn’t count.

Any vegetarian bodybuilders out there? Tell us what ...Read More

I have to admit, there's something sickeningly fun about flying off the handle. But the raised blood pressure and wake of problems that can result are clearly not doing you - or anyone around you - any good. Chronic anger is like psychic pollution. It ruins everybody's mood. Here's how to clean up your act.

...Read More

We interrupt your normal EcoSalon programming for an urgent public service message, Dire, really.

Is the world's favourite super-spy greening up his act?

Coming soon to a big screen near you is Quantum of Solace, the second outing for Daniel ...Read More

I, Kim Derby, would really like you to get busy. Why? Because sex, my friends, is good for the planet. Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell your...well, if you're doing this properly, you probably won't need to tell them. I know all of you smart, sophisticated eco-vixens have it in you.

Here's why going ...Read More

Poor thing, he'll be out there all night.

Let’s just say I’ve dated a lot. I have dozens of horrible yet hilarious dating tales, but I continue to pick myself up, dust off the disappointment and carry on - hey, the good outweighs the bad and there's always the chance for love. However, I have dated enough to know ...Read More

I’m a giver. Finding an item that seems perfectly suited for a friend is like happening upon a buried treasure - I can’t pass it up! I buy and give and it doesn’t have to be any one’s birthday or anniversary. (This in no way makes me immune to the talent of taking, by the way).

As an example, this ...Read More

Don't bail on the planet, dudes! You can hit the backside, frontside and freeride on sticks that are better than those beat ones with gnarly chemicals. And don't forget the new, phat outerwear that's made of tight, eco-friendly hemp and recycled polyester.

Whew. How did I do?

Snowboarders with a conscience need to ...Read More

I’m going out on a limb and broaching a subject most women (who have brothers or sons or boyfriends or husbands) would prefer not to touch with a 10 foot pole. Literally.
 
The subject: stinky athletic socks. If you haven’t been exposed to the inside of a gym bag or entered your son’s room and wondered “did ...Read More

Hammock and eggs. It's what's for Father's Day breakfast! After a great deal of green soul searching for the right gift for my anti-consumption husband, I cannot think of a more suitable gesture than presenting him with yet another reclining opportunity: an eco hammock.

Sure, the red sectional sofa in the TV room is comfy for ...Read More

Even without "help" from global warming, the sun can be hard on skin. I love the beach and the summer rays - and I have, on more than one occasion, been sunburned to a brilliant shade of lobster red. These days I’ve learned to avoid extreme exposure, but the risk of skin cancer and rapid aging also goes up with everyday sun in the ...Read More