2012 inspired a new wave of healthy Los Angeles restaurants. A post office morphed into a social house, a blue cow was in a kitchen, and a "living food" academy came to life. Clean Plates, L.A.'s only nutrition handbook and restaurant guide combo, discovered some outstanding spots.

From acorn-fed, pastured ham to celeb chef-created vegan "fish," scores of new flavors vied for attention at NYC's restaurants this year. We at Clean Plates were especially impressed, adding several of the city's latest restaurants to the Clean Plates Manhattan 2013 restaurant guide.

The following seven made the...

By Jared Koch, founder of Clean Plates

Fire up the grill -- it's BBQ season! However, many of us don't stop to consider the quality of the burgers and hot dogs we throw on the grill. Improving the quality of the same foods you're used to eating can...

You went to the farmers market and brought home a colorful riot of summer's best organic, non-GMO produce: berries, melons, peaches and plums, tomatoes, corn, summer squash, leafy greens and herbs. Or perhaps you opened the box from your CSA to find a brilliant array of fruits and vegetables you've...

By Lisa Roberts-Lehan

Glowing skin is anything but skin deep: Our epidermis is often the visible scorecard for how well we eat. Here is a shortlist of my favorite go-to beauty foods. Look for these gems at your local farmer's market, food co-op or health food store, and start noshing...

In most cultures and spiritual traditions, spring is a time of rebirth, renewal and purification; it's no surprise that farmers markets across the country are suddenly bursting with artichokes, asparagus, arugula, watercress and spring onions. All these vegetables cleanse and prepare our bodies for warmer temperatures. If you are curious...

By Jaclyn Einis

Whether the first moments of 2012 find you dancing under bright lights, hiding away at the beach or cozy at home, chances are there will be sparkles. Make a toast to your health and the environment by choosing something natural....

It can be challenging to host a festive holiday party without throwing everything you know about health and nutrition out the window. The more decadent the food, the boozier the booze, the more everyone will enjoy themselves -- right? While we're big believers in indulging from time to time, the...

By Kim O'Donnel

Warm a foodie's heart (and belly) this holiday season with these eco-friendly and beautiful gifts. I've included some personal favorites that I use in my own kitchen (and plan on gifting to others), plus a smattering of newly discovered items I covet. Notice how each product...