It’s not difficult to find gluten-free candy — many manufacturers offer candy options that will suit you if you’re following the gluten-free diet.

But the choices narrow considerably when it comes to gift candy boxes. Because these boxes generally include mixed varieties of smaller candies, most contain some gluten-containing candies. Even if you can pick out the individual gluten-free pieces and leave the gluten ones behind, you’ll be risking cross contamination.

However, you do have some options. Here’s the latest information on gluten-free candy boxes for gift-giving or enjoying yourself.

Here’s my list, updated for Valentine’s Day 2012, of gluten-free Valentine’s candy, along with candy that’s definitely not safe to eat on a gluten-free diet.

Gluten-free Valentine’s candy:
• Sweethearts candy hearts from Necco (New England Confectionery Company)
• Hershey’s Kisses, only in plain milk chocolate (not the flavored or striped ones)
• Jelly Belly jelly beans, all flavors
• Dove Heart Promises
• Smarties Valentine Hearts
• M&Ms Valentine Candies, all except for any pretzel-based varieties
• Tootsie Roll Valentine Candies
• Peeps Valentine marshmallow-based treats
• Pez Valentine’s Day candies
• Tootsie Pops Valentine’s lollipops
• Wonka Laffy Taffy, special Valentine’s Day edition
• Charms Valentine Pops

Valentine’s Day candy that’s NOT considered gluten-free:

• Brach’s Conversation Hearts
• York Peppermint Patty Hearts
• Sweetarts
• Jolly Rancher Valentine candy
• Wonka Nerds Valentine candy

The natural reaction is to cut back on calories until it’s time to ride—and burn energy—again. But the healing process demands fuel, too. “It’s like fixing a house,” says sports dietitian Cynthia Sass, RD, CSSD. “A crack in the foundation requires raw materials to patch things back together, and in the body those raw materials come from what we eat.”

Proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants help heal wounds, relax stressed tendons and mend fractured bones more quickly. So in addition to your doc’s advice to elevate and ice, choose the right combinations of foods to speed recovery and get back on your bike. Here’s where to aim your cart at the Stop & Shop.

Produce Section

BUY Carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes and kale for vitamin A; oranges, strawberries, peppers and broccoli for vitamin C

WHY Vitamin A helps make white blood cells for fighting infection, “which is always a risk with injury,” says Sass. Vitamin C has been proven to help skin and flesh wounds heal faster and stronger, making it a valuable ally when caring for road rash. Vitamin C also helps repair connective tissues and cartilage by contributing to the formation of collagen, an important protein that builds scar tissue, blood vessels and even new bone cells.

Meat Counter

BUY Lean turkey, sirloin, fish and chicken

WHY Lean meats are packed with protein, a critical building block for producing new cells. In a 2008 study published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, researchers at the University of Ottawa identified a protein that acted like a bridge between damaged tissues, promoting repair. Because athletes require about 112 grams of protein per day (for a 175-pound male or female) for optimum healing, eating meat is an easy way to rocket toward this goal faster.

Dairy Department

BUY Eggs, milk and yogurt

WHY All three are good sources of protein; milk and yogurt also contain calcium, which repairs bone and muscle. The vitamin D in dairy products improves calcium absorption and helps injured muscle and bone heal: A 2010 study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery reported that boosting this nutrient’s levels in deficient patients produced earlier results.

Cereal Aisle

BUY Fortified cereal

WHY It contains zinc, a proven asset to the immune system and to healing wounds. Along with red meat, fortified cereals are the best sources (some deliver 100 percent of your recommended daily value). By itself, zinc doesn’t repair damaged tissue, but it assists the nutrients that do. “Just don’t overdo it,” Sass cautions, adding that too much–more than 40 grams a day for an adult–of this potent mineral lowers HDL cholesterol (the good kind) and actually suppresses your immune system. Cereal supplies moderate zinc doses as well as whole-grain carbohydrates, which fuel your body’s healing efforts and keep it from dipping into protein for energy. “Eating enough carbs ensures that your body puts all of its available protein toward repairs,” Sass explains.

Seafood Case

BUY Salmon, tuna and trout

WHY In addition to an added protein bonus, fish is packed with omega-3s, fatty acids which quench the inflammation that slows recovery from tendinitis, bone fractures and sprained ligaments.

A Little Inflammation Goes a Long Way

Most of us heed our doctor’s advice to use rest, ice, compression and elevation to reduce inflammation and speed recovery. But should we also rely on anti-inflammatory measures such as cortisone injections, large doses of ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs? In a 2010 study done at the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio, researchers concluded that these measures may actually slow healing and that moderation is key. They observed that in acute muscle injuries, inflammatory cells (called macrophages) aided growth that sped muscle regeneration. In other words, a little inflammation actually facilitates healing. This makes anti-inflammatory foods, such as fish and berries, particularly valuable to cyclists on the mend. “These foods throw a big bucket of water on inflammation, but they don’t put the fire out entirely,” says dietitian Cynthia Sass.

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts*

1 tablespoon sunflower oil, divided

Juice of half a lemon

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 large red onion, diced

3 carrots, cut into half moons (bite-size pieces)

1 large red bell pepper, cut into small cubes

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed

1 14-oz. can diced tomatoes (unsalted), with juice*

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth*

2 bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads

1/4 cup chopped green olives

1 cup fresh (or frozen and thawed) peas*

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped parsley for garnish

*Use organic when available

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1/2 tablespoon sunflower oil in a cast-iron skillet on high heat. Brown chicken on both sides (four minutes each side), then bake uncovered in the skillet for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil and set aside, covered. After 10 minutes, slice chicken into strips.

In a pot, add cumin, paprika and remaining sunflower oil. Saute the onion, carrots and bell pepper for five minutes. Add garlic and rice and stir for one minute. Add tomatoes (with juice), chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaves and saffron. Bring to a boil and add salt to taste. Stir, cover and lower heat. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until rice is cooked.

Remove from heat, stir in sliced chicken, green olives and peas. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Garnish each plate with chopped parsley. Serves four. Per serving: calories, 535; fat, 12.8 grams; protein, 61.3g; carbs, 42.2g

MEET THE CHEF

Who She Is: Cristina Urioste studied at the Wise Earth School of Ayurveda, in Asheville, North Carolina, where she learned how food can serve medicinal purposes. Now, she travels to teach others what she’s learned. “When we eat wholesome food, prepared in a nourishing environment, eaten in a mindful way, our health improves, and we experience wellness,” says Urioste.

How She Rolls: Last October, Urioste traveled with the Pablove Across America ride from Seattle to Los Angeles. She cooked for the cyclists for 18 days and 1,425 miles.

One of my key realizations about happiness, and a point oddly under-emphasized by positive psychologists, given its emphasis in popular culture, is that Outer order contributes to inner calm. More than it should.

After all, in the context of a happy life, a messy desk or house is a trivial problem—yet I’ve found, and other people tell me they feel the same way, that getting control of the stuff of life makes me feel more in control of my life generally. (Even if this is an illusion, it’s a helpful illusion.)

But as much as most of us want to keep our home, office, car, etc. in reasonable order, it’s tough. Here are some myths of de-cluttering that make it harder than it needs to be.

Myths of Cluttering:
1. “I need to get organized.” No! This is not your first step! Don’t get organized.

2. “The more organized I am, the better.” I fully appreciate the pleasure of having a place for everything, and perhaps counter-intuitively, I find it easier to put things away in an exact place, rather than a general place (“the third shelf of the coat closet,” not “a closet”). However, this impulse can become destructive: if you spend a lot of time alphabetizing your spices or setting up eighty categories for your home library, consider simplifying your approach. Also, some things simply won’t stay organized, so it’s not even worth trying; I’ve spent hours sorting magic markers and Calico Critters pieces, only to find everything a jumble the next day.

3. “I need to run out and buy some inventive storage containers.”See #1. I love cunning containers as much as anyone, but I’ve found that if I get rid of everything I don’t need, I often don’t need a container at all.

4. “I need to find the perfect recipient for everything I’m getting rid of.” True, it’s easier to let go of things when they’re going to a good home, but be wary of letting this kind intention become a source of clutter, itself. I have a friend who has multiple piles all over her house, each lovingly destined for a particular recipient. This is generous and thoughtful, but it contributes mightily to clutter. Try to find one or two good recipients, or create some kind of rigid system for moving stuff along quickly.

5. “I can’t get rid of anything that I might possibly need one day.”How terrible would it be if you needed a glass jar and didn’t have one? Do you need gigantic stores of rubber bands or coffee mugs?

6. “Someday, I might get that gizmo fixed.” Face it. If you’ve had something for more than six months, and it’s still not repaired, it’s clutter.

7. “After I lose some weight, I’ll fit into these clothes again.” If you lose a bunch of weight, you’ll likely want to buy a new pair of jeans, not dust off the pair you bought seven years ago.

8. “I need to keep this to remind me of the past.” I’m a huge fan of mementos; remembering happy times in the past gives you a big happiness boost in the present. But ask yourself: do I need to keep all these t-shirts to remind me of high school, or can I keep a few? Do I need to keep a giant armchair to remind me of my father, or can I use a photograph? Mementos work best when they’re carefully chosen—and when they don’t take up much room!

9. “I need to keep this object to show respect for the person who gave it to me.” You can love someone, but not want to keep a gift from that person. It’s okay to pass an item along to someone who will appreciate it more.

What other myths am I overlooking? Do these ring true for you?

Dering Hall, an online bazaar for home decor, tapped design experts for some essential tips on how to make your home stylish and comfortable while keeping Mother Nature’s welfare in mind. Here’s what they have to say:

Think long term. While affordable, bargain furniture made out of synthetic material like particleboard may be more cost effective, it can often have poor construction that causes it to break easily. Broken furniture, as we’ve all seen, end up on the streets and even landfills, which have damaging effects on the environment. Instead, opt for durable pieces made from longer-lasting materials such as solid hardwood and stainless steel.

Go with local artisans. Buying from local designers and artisans in your surrounding areas is not only a great way to help stimulate the neighborhood economy, it’s also good for the environment. There’s no transportation delivery so you save on gas emissions and non-recyclable packing material.

Embrace vintage pieces. Reclaimed wood, salvaged materials and distressed mirrors can help add texture and sophistication to any dwelling. Look for old materials that can be revamped or renovated into something unique — you’ll be surprised what a fresh coat of eco-friendly paint can do.

by TreeHugger.com

Employ green cleaning products As the health and environmental impacts of conventional cleaning products become more thoroughly understood, more and more brands of healthy, green, and effective cleaning products have started hitting the market and competing for that coveted place of honor under your sink. Many of these products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources (not petroleum). But if designer labels aren’t for you, home-mixed cleaners can get the job done and then some. Vinegar and baking soda can be used to clean almost anything. Mix in a little warm water with either of these and you’ve got yourself an all-purpose cleaner.

1. Avoid poor indoor air quality It is not uncommon for the air inside a home or office to be more toxic than the air outside. This is because of the presence of toxic materials and substances and the fact that homes and buildings are better insulated than ever before (which is a good thing from an energy standpoint). Keeping windows open as often as possible allows fresh air in and keeps toxins flowing out. This is especially important when cleaning your home.
2. Be careful with antibacterial cleaners The antibacterial and antimicrobial ‘cleaners’ that many people think are necessary, especially during cold season, don’t clean hands better than soap and water, and also add to the risk of breeding “super germs,” bacteria that survive the chemical onslaught and have resistant offspring. The FDA has found that antibacterial soaps and hand cleansers do not work better than regular soap and water, and should be avoided.
3. Help your home smell baking soda-licious Baking soda not only removes those strange smells coming from your fridge, it’s also a great odor-eliminator for your carpet. Just sprinkle on a little baking soda to soak up some of those odors and then vacuum it up.
4. Clean your indoor air naturally Skip the store-bought air fresheners and instead try boiling cinnamon, cloves, or any other herbs you have a fondness for. Fresh chocolate chip cookies also have been known to create a friendly aroma. Also, plants may not make your house smell different but are good for filtering interior air–pretty much any broad green leaf plant will do. Peace Lilies are a favorite choice.
5. Toss toxic cleaners carefully When replacing your cleaning products, don’t just throw the old ones in the trash. If they’re too toxic for your home, they won’t be good for the drain or the landfill either. Many communities hold toxics & electronics recycling days and will take all of these off your hands. Throwing chemicals in the trash or down the drain means they might end up back in your water supply and come back to haunt you.
6. Avoid convential dry cleaners Conventional dry cleaners are the largest users of the industrial solvent called Perchloroethylene, or perc, which is toxic to humans and also creates smog. The two most common green drycleaning methods are carbon dioxide cleaning and Green Earth. Seek out cleaners that use green methods. If you do take clothes to conventional cleaners, be sure to air them outside before wearing them or putting them in the closet. Our recommendation: The Dry Cleaning Station
7. Employ a green house cleaning service For people don’t have the time to clean their own homes, fortunately there are an increasing number of green cleaning services out there to help get things spic and span. If you can’t find one in your area (or their rates are outlandish), call around until you find a service willing to use the products and methods you specify.
8. Leave the toxins at the door Imagine what’s on your shoes at the end of the day. Bringing that oil, antifreeze, animal waste, particulate pollution, pollen, and who knows what else into the house is not good news, especially for kids and other critters that spend time on floor level. Keep the sidewalk out of your home with a good doormat or a shoeless house policy. Many green buildings now include entryway track-off systems as a means of maintaining a healthy interior environment. Less dirt also means less sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming, which means less work, water, energy, and fewer chemicals.
9. Design with clean in mind Designing houses and other building with cleanability in mind can create spaces that are cleaner, healthier, and require fewer substances to maintain. In larger buildings, good cleanability can also be a big money-saver as cleaning costs can often add up to as much as half of a building’s total energy costs.

One thing I’ve never liked about the holiday season is the proliferation of store-bought décor. Plastic trees, mass-manufactured ornaments, and objects emblazoned with Santas, elves, and reindeer are not only a drain on our planet’s resources; they’re also extra things that must be stored, unused, for eleven months of the year.

I’m certainly not against decorating for the holidays; I simply think we can do it in a lighter, more elegant, and more environmentally-friendly way. Here’s some ideas:

Decorate with nature. Spread evergreen branches across your mantle, or spruce up your table with sprigs of holly. Gather pine cones into a bowl, or place a few poinsettias around your home. Natural items give us a true appreciation of the beauty, and bounty, of the season.

Decorate with food. A garland of popcorn or cranberries is a lovely way to adorn your tree or mantel, and a plate of festive Christmas cookies (not to mention the divine smell of them baking!) is enough to put anyone in a holiday spirit.

Decorate with photos. The holidays are all about family—so what better way to add warmth to your home than with a special display of family photos? Dig out those dusty prints from yesteryear’s celebrations, or make a slideshow of digital ones on your TV, computer monitor, or digital frame. Reminisce over your family history, or simply laugh at your hairstyles and fashions from decades past.

Decorate with color. An item doesn’t have to be holiday-themed to qualify for display. Any object in a seasonal color—like a red throw, green vase, silver candleholder, or gold-rimmed plate—can just as effectively set the mood.

Decorate with handmade items. The holidays are a perfect time to showcase the creativity of your household. For a particularly delightful effect, ask children in the family to create special artwork for you to display. Their Santa drawings and paper chains are infinitely more charming than department store baubles.

Decorate with recycled materials. If you’re crafty, the cards, ribbons, and wrapping paper of Christmases past can make simple seasonal touches around your home.

Decorate with candles. Some strategically-placed tea light, votive, or pillar candles lend a warm, magical feel to a holiday gathering. (Of course, make sure to take all appropriate safety precautions!)

Decorate with music. The sounds of Bing Crosby crooning classic holiday tunes—or your twelve-year-old playing them on the piano—creates just as wonderful a seasonal ambience as any visual display.

And for the die-hard minimalists: admire other people’s décor. Go on a holiday house tour, visit a botanical garden, or explore your hometown (or a neighboring one) for festive seasonal displays. It’s a great way to get your holiday fix with no stuff, no fuss, and no clean-up!

Do you keep it simple when it comes to holiday decor? We’d love to hear your strategies for a festive (yet clutter-free) look!