It can feel like a step forward and a step back in the current Dublin music scene.

A great band appears; a venue closes. A new festival appears, an old one like Beatyard threatens to disappear off the map.

As culture fights an ongoing battle for space and affordability in our increasingly cluttered city, here are our nods at the best (and worst) of music events from 2019

Beyond a few stand-outs, Rock music is not all that fashionable right now we live in the era of immaculate production values, autotuning, boisterous Hip-Hop and one-off-hits.

The scene has always been strong, however, and is really on the rise in Ireland at the moment.

Theres always been Slane, of course, but the introduction of next summers Sunstroke a first Rock and Metal-specific festival in some time is a big moment.

There are some great gigs on the horizon, too.

While the cultural landscape of cities has always changed, the slow death of some of Dublins key venues is really quite pervasive.

The Tivoli, which closed its doors early in 2019, was arguably at its highest ebb when it did so.

Like the original Bernard Shaw pub, which has relocated but will struggle to regain its original status, itll be replaced by a hotel.

Beatyard, a casual, summery festival in Dun Laoghaire, was once a summer highlight and looks likely to depart from next summer, too.

See festivals in particular, but also big gigs selling out time after time.

Ive been creating the gig listings for this publication all year, and the number of sold-out shows in Dublin is astonishing; the demand is consistently huge.

Electric Picnic expanded, and still sells out. Other festivals arent too far behind, and there are more and more of them.

Irelands appetite for music is astonishing.

Sure, tours are the main way that musicians make their money now, and thats much of the reason why tickets are so disproportionately expensive compared to a decade ago.

With tickets in the three-figure price range not unheard of today, though, its hard not to feel its all got a little bit elitist and out of hand for the average gig-goer.

Thats not a good thing.

For many years, there was no vinyl production facility in Ireland, which especially for relatively small productions made the reality of producing vinyl records more difficult for Irish acts.

Dublin Vinyl established itself a couple of years ago, but 2019 has definitely been their best yet, with the launch of subscription service, Loves Vinyl, and, shortly, a new Vinyl Hub online store.

Not a big deal to the consumer, perhaps, but its huge for the industry in a time of vinyl revival.

Yes, simple common sense tells you that when you reach a certain age, people who grew up as part of your life (in this case, musically), start to die, but thereve been some major losses in music this year, ones that its hard to contemplate a music scene without.

Keith Flint of groundbreaking ravers The Prodigy stands out, as does experimental legend Scott Walker.

More locally, we suffered the loss of Danny Doyle, whos Rare Ould Times still resonates with heft in the city.

The likely loss of Beatyard in particular is a damaging one, but there are already rumours it might be replaced by something equally impressive in Dun Laoghaire.

A little more firmly booked in are Sunstroke, a new Rock festival, and a Dublin version of Brightons brilliant new-music showcase, The Great Escape, both of which should offer lots of colour.

Its a bright looking year ahead, and who knows what else 2020 might bring

The rest is here:
A look at all the highs and lows of music in Dublin in 2019 - Dublin Gazette

Stay positive.

Happiness is hard. Its not just a mood that you can just switch from on to off. Happiness is something that you have to put effort in achieving.

The best way to reach true happiness is by having the right mindset, but it doesnt always come naturally. You have the choice to be optimistic and try to see the good side to every situation. Putting your best foot forward isnt always the easiest choice, but it will lead you to happiness.

RELATED: 9 Ways To Accept (and Love) Your Life Today For Real Happiness That Lasts

To find happiness, you must do what gives you the most joy and serves you best. Only you know what you need to do in order to live a happier life. If you know that you need to take time for yourself or go shopping in order to get in a better mood, then do those things! You need to do what you need to do to find your happiness.

If youve been feeling down, sometimes you just need to be reminded that you have a support system. You can always reach out to a friend, family member, or loved one who would love to cheer you up. Human connection can give you immense happiness. It can feel comforting to know that everyone has their troubles, but we can get through them together.

When searching for your own happiness, it is important to continue spreading your positivity and encouragement with everyone around you. You can gain great happiness by being kind to others.

Finding happiness is easier said than done, but sometimes we make life more complicated than it has to be. Happiness can appear when you arent holding on to things so tightly. It can be scary, but we have to learn when to let go and trust instead. You always have the choice to open up and let love and happiness in. The first step towards happiness is deciding you want to seek happiness in the first place.

To help you on your journey to happiness and positivity, enjoy these happy quotes that are bound to give you an optimistic outlook on life.

To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others. Albert Camus

RELATED: 6 Words You Use Every Day That Are Crippling Your Self Esteem (& What Empowering Words You Should Use Instead)

It's a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy. Lucille Ball

Dont underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you cant hear, and not bothering. Winnie the Pooh

"Don't go out much at all. I've never been the type to call. I realize to be happy, maybe I need a little company." Marina Diamandis

Happy people plan actions, they dont plan results. Dennis Waitley

RELATED: 7 Simple Steps You Can Take To Prioritize Happiness In Life (& Become A Happier Person Naturally)

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. Herman Cain

Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions. Dalai Lama

When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us. Helen Keller

It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. L.M. Montgomery

Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

RELATED: 20 Things Really, Really Happy People Do Way Differently

Of all forms of caution, caution in love is perhaps the most fatal to true happiness. Bertrand Russell

Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it. Andy Rooney

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet. James Oppenheim

Learn to let go. That is the key to happiness. Buddha

We dont stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. George Bernard Shaw

RELATED: Why Your Life Feels Empty (And 6 Ways Practicing Self-Love Will Fill The Emptiness)

Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you. Mary Lou Retton

I believe compassion to be one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives. Dalai Lama

Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. Abraham Lincoln

Being happy doesnt mean everything is perfect. It means youve decided to look beyond the imperfections. Unknown

"Be so happy that when others look at you, they become happy too." Unknown

RELATED: How To Totally Master The Art Of Being Happy In 6 Steps (Or Less!)

"Every day is a new day." Carrie Underwood

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life to be happy. It's all that matters." Audrey Hepburn

"The only thing that will make you happy is being happy with who you are." Goldie Hawn

"When it rains, look for rainbows. When its dark, look for stars." Unknown

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist." Oscar Wilde

RELATED: The Qualities All Happy Women Have In Common

"If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely." Roald Dahl

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Marcel Proust

"There's nothing like deep breaths after laughing that hard. Nothing in the world like a sore stomach for the right reasons." Stephen Chbosky, 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'

"You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness." Jonathan Safran Foer

"Happiness is a state of mind. It's just according to the way you look at things." Walt Disney

RELATED: 7 Things People Who Stay True To Themselves Have That Others Don't

"Happiness is not a goal...it's a by-product of a life well-lived." Eleanor Roosevelt

"The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer someone else up." Mark Twain

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

"If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway." Mother Teresa

"Being happy never goes out of style." Lily Pulitzer

RELATED: 10 Things You Can Start Doing Every Day To Almost Instantly Feel Happier

Jaycee Levin is a writer who covers pop culture, astrology, and relationship topics.

Read more:
25 Positive Quotes About Happiness That Will Put You In A Good Mood - YourTango

From the lap of luxury to chill-out spas weve rounded up the best short breaks between Christmas and the New Year

Twixmas a mini break between the madness of Christmas and excitement of new year has become quite the trend. A host of hotels have competitive deals and pampering options there for the taking.

And why not? Imagine no more turkey leftovers.

Ballynahinch has the Downton Abbey option.

This cosy, yet stylish Victorian country house and estate on its own stretch of river in the heart of Connemara oozes luxury, history, and tradition.

Expect simple pleasures here in the festive wind-down good food and good company.

There are professional guides on hand for walking tours of the trails, sitting on 700 acres of woodland. Or explore the greenway on free bikes.

One night with dinner costs 395 per couple. Available from December 27-30

Savour and extend that Christmas feeling in West Corks Inchydoney. Board games, festive movies, beach walks, and more are on tap from Dec 27-30.

Two-night stays are on offer with afternoon tea in the lounge. Plus theres access to the pool and spa. An oasis and a retreat from the city and the sales, perfect for recharging the batteries.

Get away from 350 per person sharing.

inchydoneyisland.com.

Its all about the kids at the Rose Hotel in Tralee. Junior guests can enjoy dinner at 5.30pm with festive games for afters gingerbread-men decorating, pin the red nose on Rudolph, and Christmas charades.

Meanwhile, the grown-ups can rest in Dotts bar or the serenity spa.

The best part of the package? A family pass to the Aquadome or the cinema.

Available for one night with breakfast and dinner for 231 for 2 adults and 2 kids from Dec 27-30. http://www.therosehotel.com.

http://www.rosehotel.com

Cosy up and chill out at the Ice House Hotel with their Christmas calm package, running from December 26-30,

Be their guest and be pampered after a busy Christmas Day.

This hotel is an eclectic mix of contemporary chic and traditional elegance. Think quirky details original artwork and goose down duvets. The ultimate indulgence after Christmas. Two nights B&B plus dinner on one evening from 335 per person

There may be 12 days of Christmas but how many of those days do you find yourself doing what you really want to do? Make the most of the festive season with a break in beautiful West Cork just after Christmas but before New Year.

Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff, West Cork is a destination wellness resort focused on old-world charm. Steeped in over 250 years of history, its guests have included WB Yeats, Maureen OHara, and George Bernard Shaw.

You can relax in style at by sampling the recently-opened Spa and Wellness experience, a total mind and body rejuvenation experience and the perfect tonic to recover from the hectic Christmas festivities.

You can experience all that the Eccles Hotel has to offer with an overnight stay from 119 per night. In the treatment suite youll have the ultimate selection of VOYA organic Irish seaweed- based therapies and wellness experiences at your fingertips, with a large outdoor thermal area in natural surrounds featuring a large sauna, seaweed baths, relaxation loungers, and two hot tubs that overlook the bay.

Meanwhile, the menu prepared by head chef Eddie Attwell is sourced locally from West Cork artisan food producers.

While youre in the area, explore the Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve and Gougane Barra or simply walking off the Christmas over-indulgence across the Beara Way.

Visit http://www.eccleshotel.com for more information or to book your stay now.

The five-star Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate in Galway is one of the countrys hidden treasures.

Savour a festive break away between Christmas and New Year relax in the comfort of your luxurious room or beside the cosy log fire in one of the elegant lounges. Take advantage of the wild westerly fresh air and enjoy a round of golf on the nine-hole course designed by Ryder Cup legend Christy OConnor Jnr. On the afternoon of your choice, take the time to indulge in a traditional cream tea.

For an extra special dining experience, savour a delicious meal on one evening aboard The Pullman Restaurant set in two original carriages of the aboard the Orient Express. Enjoy a delicious breakfast cooked to order in the River Room Restaurant overlooking Lough Atalia each morning. This package costs from 364 per person sharing and includes two nights of luxury accommodation, full Irish breakfast each morning, dinner on one evening, cream tea, round of golf.

See http://www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie for more information or to purchase vouchers online.

Now heres an affordable post-Christmas getaway. Escape to the city just after Christmas at the four-star Limerick Strand Hotel. Until December 30, they have rates that could see you get a night away for just 70 pps.

Retail therapy, a gourmet getaway or a night of festive frolics its there for the taking. The city is on your doorstep.

strandlimerick.ie.

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Thinking of a festive mini break? If so here's some Twixmas breaks that might suit! - Irish Examiner

I also wonder: In embracing miracles, dont we reject our own rationality? In my travels, Ive met all kinds of faith healers who claimed to make the lame walk or the blind see. I dont believe them and Id be even less likely to believe accounts that were written six decades after the fact by someone who had never met the healer (like the accounts in the Gospel of John). Why be skeptical of eyewitness accounts of U.F.O.s but not of Gospel accounts written decades later by people who werent even eyewitnesses?

Most scholars believe that eyewitnesses such as Matthew, Peter, John and Mary were major sources for the Gospels accounts. That said, I agree with your main point. Miracles are overrated as a basis for faith. Jesus disciples, who had seen miracles, all deserted him at his hour of greatest need. Jesus himself refused to perform miracles on demand, to impress the doubters. Most of them came about as a compassionate response to a needy person.

It seems strange to me that we keep wanting God to intervene in the material world. God is spirit, and all the great masters emphasize instead that we need to learn spiritual disciplines to commune with God.

You broke your neck once, and you recovered. Do you believe that was because of prayer? I accept that prayer provides a calm optimism that can promote physical healing, just as a placebo can. But can prayer cure cancer or, say, a broken neck?

I received a lot of prayer support after my broken neck, and it helped in just the way you suggest. Im grateful for the good outcome, but my case doesnt qualify as a miracle. I do have personal knowledge of a few very few apparently miraculous healings. Theyre not the norm, which is why we call them miracles, not ordinaries. Far more common are the gifts of healing that a community of faith can provide by surrounding those who are suffering. Doctors caution that stress, anxiety and fear can be impediments to recovery. If a community surrounds you with practical love, by providing meals, caring for your children and helping out with expenses, that can abet the bodys ability to heal.

Yes, I completely agree. But I note that people claim cases of miraculous cures where there is room for ambiguity, such as cancer going into remission. But prayer never seems to help an amputee grow back a limb.

George Bernard Shaw is said to have wryly observed that although he saw crutches and wheelchairs at shrines of healing, he saw no artificial limbs, glass eyes or toupees. Jesus did not come to earth to solve all our problems. In person, he affected only modest numbers of people in a remote corner of the Roman Empire. But he set loose a movement with the mission of bringing the good news of Gods love across the globe.

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Was the Virgin Mary a Virgin? Does It Matter? - The New York Times

TMI: It's not just applicable to the stuff your best friend posts online about their kidney stones. There's too much information in general, online and everywhere. Too many opinions, facts, strategies and stories - but that doesn't mean some of it isn't worth knowing.

That's likely why BookNotes is getting solid reviews on the App Store. Its mission is to take all those books you say you'll get around to reading and give you the gist in 15 minutes or less.

BookNotes' library of book summaries includes titles from Eckhart Tolle, John Gray, Tim Ferris and other heavy hitters in the business and self-help world. It's also got fiction classics like 1984 and The Great Gatsby. There's even a few original mini-books, plus summaries of top Netflix documentaries like Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates.

They're all distilled into tightly-organized snippets that give you the key ideas, plot summaries, and takeaways. And since they're also available on audio, you can soak up a great book on every daily commute.

You can access the app from any device, and a lifetime subscription is now a full 90% off the retail price. Get your own BookNotes account and start getting the information you need, when you need it.

A classic robotics video from Boston Dynamics in 2015. Think of how much more developed the robots are now! Yikes. [YouTube]

The US Navy has issued a policy banning the social media app TikTok from government-issued mobile devices, saying the China-owned video messaging service is a cybersecurity threat.

Google and Apple remove app

You know those cooking shows where you see chefs furiously stirring their broth or risotto? Thats the only time stirring has ever looked cool. For the rest of us, its an unbearable time-sink and a quick way to get sore arms especially if youre preparing thick foods like mashed potatoes. For that reason, we []

Wine is great, but wine poured with an aerator is even better. Its true that a jolt of oxygen does wonders for the flavor of a wine just before its poured. This Electric Wine Aerator & Dispenser makes sure that every pour gets its fair share of air, delivering oxygen over a wide surface area. []

How many times a day do you wipe your glasses clean? If you actually care about your specs, youre using a microfiber cloth and not your shirt. In which case, good for you. But even so, youre just removing the surface dust on those lenses not the grime and oil that accumulates on a []

See original here:
Get insights from the world's best business books in 15 minutes - Boing Boing

What are you reading right now?

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle and Cant Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds byNavy Seal David Goggins.

What is your favorite book youve written?

Why A Students Work for C Students. I was a terrible student, but I love to learn. I just didnt want to learn what they were teaching and how they were teaching it. Now, A students work for me!

What do you do for fun?

Make money! Life really can be like Monopoly. Its only a game!

Robert Kiyosaki on Failure

Ive lost hundreds of millions of dollars, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me because I got smarter and came back. You learn by falling, but our schools punish those who fall down. Sometimes I win and sometimes I lose millions, but a real winner is one who gets inspired losing. The average person avoids losing, so they never win. How can you win if youre afraid of losing?

On Job Security

People pay a high price for job security. In prison its called maximum security. I visited a prison in Australia and saw their version of the worst punishment. It was being locked in a room and I thought thats where most employees are. Theyre in maximum security. Its the worst punishment in the world. And unfortunately, thats what most kids come out of school looking for.

On Taxes

How do I make millions and not pay taxes? Invest in real estate! But, you have to understand the tax laws. Tax laws hurt small businesses and those with 401ks. I love passive income that is taxed at zero.

Read our December feature on Robert Kiyosaki.

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A Brief Query with Robert Kiyosaki - Think Realty

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --Clean Juice, the originalUSDA-certified organic juice bar franchise with more than 80stores open nationwide and another 60+ stores in development, announces the launch of its new catering menu and partnership with ezCater, a renowned online corporate catering platform for restaurants. With a focus on wellness and nutrition on-the-go, the Clean Juice catering program will offer businesses, organizations and groups nationwide a truly healthy, USDA-certified organic option with no hidden additives, artificial sweeteners, GMOs or preservatives.

"We decided to partner with market leader ezCater because of its robust online ordering platform, on-time ratings and reviews system and superior customer service," said Landon Eckles, co-founder and CEO of Clean Juice. "Now guests can enjoy our healthy, certified organic, plant-based foods at their upcoming work events, parties and gatherings."

Catering is available at Clean Juice locations nationwide for delivery or pick-up. The catering menu features Clean Juice's signature Greenoa bowls (greens and grains bowls), cold-pressed juices and best-selling full-sized 16 oz. aa bowls. It also includes two new items: 8 oz. aa bowls and fresh fruit cups. Guests can order:

As part of the new catering program, Clean Juice will also offer "Lunch & Learn" sessions in their markets to educate local companies about the benefits of organic eating. Franchisees are encouraged to partner with local nutritionists to offer area businesses a unique, wellness-based educational lunch. These sessions include catered lunch at discounted prices, a collaborative discussion on popular nutrition and wellness topics, healthy nutrition education and a one-on-one question and answer session.

"Catering meals doesn't have to be the 'same old, same old,' typically unhealthy menu options anymore! We're thrilled to offer catering nationwide so companies, families and friends can enjoy our fresh, organic food for all occasions," said Quick Chadwick, VP of marketing for Clean Juice. "From business meetings to birthday parties to any event, ordering through ezCater makes the process extremely easy for our guests."

Catering orders are available for 10 or more people. Minimum spend, quantities and delivery fees may apply. See participating stores for details.

To learn more about the new Clean Juice catering program, visitcleanjuice.com/cater. For information on franchising opportunities, visit http://www.cleanjuicefranchising.com.

About CleanJuice Realizing the importance of an organic, plant-based diet, co-founders Landon and Kat Eckles started Clean Juice in 2016 as the first and only USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise. Rooted in "healthy body and a strong spirit" (3 John 1-2) scripture, Clean Juice offers organic aa bowls, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, new greens and grains GreenoaTM Bowls and other healthy foods to on-the-go families in a warm and welcoming retail experience across the nation. For more information about Clean Juice, its leadership team and its core values, please visit http://www.cleanjuice.com.

***Click to view its menuand download nutrition guide.

SOURCE Clean Juice

http://www.cleanjuice.com

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Clean Juice Unveils Organic Catering Menu And National Partnership With ezCater - PRNewswire

Increase in organized multi-cuisine restaurants along with dual income households and rising aspirations of people have contributed to a tectonic shift in the Indian plate

December 23, 2019 4 min read

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

The year 2010 marked the fast-paced growth of fast food in India. From the beginning of online food aggregators, to growth and expansion of quick service restaurants, to ready to eat and growing demand for multi-cuisine food in the country, the decade witnessed multi-faceted growth in the Indian food industry.

The last five years witnessed the Indian food service sector evolve with changing consumer landscape. Increase in organized multi-cuisine restaurants along with dual income households and rising aspirations of people have contributed to a tectonic shift in the Indian plate.

The later part of the decade witnessed people moving towards mindful eating and becoming more health conscious. With growing awareness, people have become cautious of the harmful effects of chemicals and fertilizers, which have resulted in inclination towards organic farming.

The year 2020 is likely to witness a shift in the food trends in the country. The next decade will see more cognisant food eating habits among Indians across the country. There will be growing awareness about organic and healthy food eating, not just in the metro cities and among the urbanized Indians but the trend will see its percolation in the tier II and III cities in the country.

Here are five food trends which are expected to witness demand in 2020.

The importance of a good digestive system for the overall wellbeing of an individual cannot be ignored. And the impact of probiotic food for a good digestive system cannot be ignored. The impact of food such as yoghurt, curd, vinegar, kefir on the everyday life of people will see a rise in 2020. Due to their growing popularity, probiotics will find more space in restaurants, food marts and food shelves of retail chains.

Also Read: How India is A Favourable Market for The Category of Fitness Supplements

The organic market in India is witnessing a considerable growth and reports suggest that organic food is the future of Indian food industry. The market is growing at a lightning speed, supported by organic brands and organic farming. Added with the advocacy on health benefits on organic food by prominent people and public figures, there is an increasing consumption of organic food. Organic food restaurants are likely to be the next demanding industry in the Indian food market which will bring in a paradigm shift in the way food is prepared and consumed in food business.

Also Read: Here's How to Make Your Organic Food Business Grow

Also Read:5 Must-Have Skills For Organic Food Business

People are getting aware of the harmful effects of sugar, which is one of the contributors to lifestyle diseases in India. Even people with sweet tooth are moving towards sugar-free food, or food with less sugar. People are choosing to opt for a healthier lifestyle by cutting down or skipping sugary products, the trend of moving away from sugary food will only gain momentum in 2020. Also, syrupy reduction from fruit sources such as monk fruit, pomegranate, coconut and dates are likely to be used more instead of sugar.

The year 2020 is likely to bring in fruit and vegetable flour into the food market. There has been increasing consciousness towards maida and wheat of late. India also needs to learn about the art of making bajra, roti, raagi dosa, etc., from the rural zone of the country. While urban Indians are looking towards healthier options to replace a rice- and wheat-dominant diet, a lot of healthy alternate options are hidden in the traditional and rural kitchens of the country.

Adding to the growing demand for healthy and conscious eating among the millennials of the era, there will be a trend in preparing everything in house. This will ensure health, safety and freshness of the food prepared and served. Making every preparation with a touch of sustainability, local and starting from scratch is only a natural extension to the idea of healthy eating. Whether it is the breakfast basket, crisps, salsa or food prepared for house party, everything will be served fresh in 2020.

Read more from the original source:

Five Food Trends that Will Define 2020 - Entrepreneur

As the new year approaches, food is front and centerits stocked in our homes for gatherings with friends, offered at office holiday parties and constantly on our minds as we plan menus for family dinners or brainstorm next years healthy eating plan. Its a seasonable time to consider what happens to your food before it hits your plate. And for many consumers, thats something of a puzzle, particularly when it comes to understanding organic versus GMOsor genetically modified organisms.

Getty Images

Asking questions like Is organic non-GMO? and How do GMOs compare to organic food? can help you make better sense of what youre feeding yourself and your loved ones. Heres a helpful guide to boost your knowledge and inform your nutritional choices all year round.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines GMOs as organisms whose genetic materialor DNAhas been altered or modified in some way that does not occur naturally. In most cases, genetic engineering works by transferring individual genes from one organism to another. Most commonly found in crops such as soybeans, corn and canola, GMOs are designed to provide a higher nutritional value to food, as well as protect crops against pests.

Organic foods, on the other hand, do not contain any pesticides, fertilizers, solvents or additives. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), USDA-certified organic foods are grown and processed according to strict federal guidelines that cover everything from soil quality and pest control to animal raising practices. Similarly, organic livestock raised for meat, eggs and dairy products must be given organic feed, and cannot receive antibiotics, growth hormones or any animal by-products.

Is organic non-GMO?

Theres plenty of debate surrounding GMO and organic food, which can make grocery shopping around the holiday season a harrowing experience. Making a key distinction can go a long way.

For those looking to avoid the use of chemical pesticides, along with the high costs of organic food, non-GMO products are a viable alternative. Thats because non-GMO products dont contain any GMO ingredients. However, that doesnt mean they are grown organically.

Organic isand always has beennon-GMO, says Laura Batcha, CEO and executive director of the OTA. But non-GMO is not always organic.

Understanding the pros and cons of both options can also empower consumers. Heres how industry experts weigh in:

Why GMO?

Why organic?

A critical eye

So what are the shortcomings of GMOs and organic items? Common arguments against GMOs include the consumption of harmful bacteria and toxins, increased risk of allergic reaction and outcrossing, or the mixing of crops from conventional seeds with GM crops, which may have an indirect effect on food safety and food security, reports WHO.

Opponents of organic food argue that its significantly more expensive than GMO or non-GMO foods, has a shorter shelf life compared to GMO foods and may have higher bacteria levels due to limited pesticide and herbicide usage.

How to make the right choice for you and your family

Both categories of foodnon-GMO and organicare subject to strict regulatory guidelines and have gone through rigorous verification programs. That alone may provide consumers with the peace of mind theyre looking for when holiday grocery shopping.

If organic is the way you want to go, Batcha offers these tips to get the best bang for your buck:

Shop smart: Look for specials on organic products, and buy in bulk whenever you can to cut costs.

Prioritize: Think about what your family eats a lot of, and what your healthy eating priorities are.

Comparison shop: Organic fresh produce is sometimes sold at the same price as conventional, so check out organic produce aisles.

Pick and choose carefully: While conventional milk can be cheaper, recent research published by Cambridge University Press suggests that organic milk is free of pesticide and antibiotic residues. If your family drinks milk, its worth the extra cost to buy organic.

A little common sense goes a long way, too. Cookies, cakes and other sugar-laden treats, even if organic, are still not the healthiest option. And if you really want to know what youre eating, try cooking from scratcheven if it means incorporating some DIY cooking hacks. Understanding the differences between organic vs. GMO foods will allow you to provide your loved ones with the right nutritional options.

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Whats The Real Difference Between Organic And GMO? - Forbes

December 26, 2019 09:01 ET | Source: El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.

photo-release

El Pollo Loco expands better-for-you menu with three bowl variations (from top): Double Chicken & Avocado, Double Chicken & Queso Fresco, Double Chicken & Mango.

Includes chopped fire-grilled chicken breast, sliced avocado, organic spinach, made-from-scratch pico de gallo, queso fresco, lettuce, and red cabbage and carrot blend.

Includes chopped fire-grilled chicken breast, organic spinach, made-from-scratch pico de gallo, black beans, queso fresco, and lettuce and red cabbage blend.

Includes chopped fire-grilled chicken breast, organic spinach, fresh mango salsa, sliced avocado, and lettuce and red cabbage blend.

COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 26, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, Inc.(El Pollo Loco or Company) (Nasdaq: LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, expands its better-for-you menu with the addition of a new line of Pollo Fit Bowls, which are handcrafted to fit any lifestyle and available at all restaurant locations.

While 95 percent of Americans always or sometimes seek healthy food, only 25 percent say they have easy access to options1. El Pollo Loco is proud to further showcase its commitment to better-for-you offerings with the new Pollo Fit Bowls to make it easy and convenient for people who are Keto, Paleo or simply just looking to eat healthier.

The line includes three bowls two are Keto Certified and the other is Paleo Friendly. Each bowl starts with fresh organic spinach and is topped with an abundance of real, better-for-you ingredients and house-made citrus vinaigrette for flavorful taste and to help fuel an active lifestyle.

We know our customers are increasingly looking for varied approaches to healthy living, so it made sense to introduce a better-for-you culinary innovation in advance of the New Year that not only delivers on taste, freshness and high-quality ingredients but is also accessible to everyone, said Hector Muoz, Chief Marketing Officer at El Pollo Loco. This is only the beginning for our growing better-for-you menu and look forward to debuting additional offerings customized for varying lifestyles in 2020.

Please visit El Pollo Locos YouTube to view the supporting TV campaign. Additional information on the Pollo Fit Bowls is also available at http://www.elpolloloco.com.

Footnote: Food Labeling Survey, International Food Information Council Foundation and American Heart Association, January 2019.

About El Pollo Loco El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO) is the nations leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant with a mission to bring people together around food, family and culture in the communities it serves. El Pollo Loco is renowned for its handcrafted L.A. Mex food, an innovative blend of traditional Mexican cuisine and better-for-you eating, that Los Angeles is known for. Since 1980, El Pollo Loco has successfully opened and maintained more than 480 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Louisiana while remaining true to its Mexican-American heritage. El Pollo Loco continues to grow and evolve, nourishing connections to tradition, culture and one another through fire-grilled goodness that makes us feel like familia. For more information, visit us at http://www.elpolloloco.com.

Like:www.facebook.com/ElPolloLoco Follow on Twitter:@ElPolloLoco Follow on Instagram:@ElPolloLoco Subscribe:www.youtube.com/OfficialElPolloLoco Join Loco Rewards:www.elpolloloco.com/rewards Join our Team:www.elpolloloco.com/careers

MEDIA CONTACT: Hannah Gray Edible 323-202-1477 hannah.gray@edible-inc.com

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El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.

Costa Mesa, California, UNITED STATES

El Pollo Loco expands better-for-you menu with three bowl variations (from top): Double Chicken & Avocado, Double Chicken & Queso Fresco, Double Chicken & Mango.

Formats available:

Includes chopped fire-grilled chicken breast, sliced avocado, organic spinach, made-from-scratch pico de gallo, queso fresco, lettuce, and red cabbage and carrot blend.

Formats available:

Includes chopped fire-grilled chicken breast, organic spinach, made-from-scratch pico de gallo, black beans, queso fresco, and lettuce and red cabbage blend.

Formats available:

Includes chopped fire-grilled chicken breast, organic spinach, fresh mango salsa, sliced avocado, and lettuce and red cabbage blend.

Formats available:

Formats available:

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El Pollo Loco Improves Access to Better-For-You Food with New Pollo Fit Bowls - GlobeNewswire