Archive for February, 2009

Your health is the priority of many natural food retailers. Karen Falbo of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, and Peggy Ranger owner of Peggy’s Natural Foods, represent so many stores who sell healthier food and supplements. Listen to this show and you will see what goes through their minds when they make inventory decisions. Listen to how much they focus on your nutritional needs, solutions for your families, educating and reaching out to your community and you. Without question, they are sensitive to your budgets as well.

What may surprise those listening, is that Karen and Peggy encourage “back to cooking from scratch”, in quantities, in order to cut down on your food bills without sacrificing nutrient quality. Both have raised children while working and both scheduled some time into their busy week to makes delicious recipes in large amounts. They would then freeze them in needed serving sizes so they could simply thaw, warm through and serve healthy meals to their family during the week. It was not only suggested that a mom make a week’s meal plan, but to take this one step further and plan menus for a month. The benefit: saving money when buying ingredients in larger quantities. Great lunch box ideas were shared. Helpful tips are woven throughout this show. Take some time to listen!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

One stat says that two-thirds of Americans do not eat enough maganesium. Others place this percentage much higher. Most people consume very little, or no magnesium. It has been a lost player in our daily diet. Why does this matter? Magnesium is involved in over 300 chemical reactions in the body. It is a required member in your physical community. You bones house about 60 percent of your magnesium. A strong skeletal structure to hold together all your bodily tissues is essential for health. Magnesium is involved in energy production (hyperacitivity management), neural transmission (brain!), muscular contractions and relaxations (strength) and heart activity. Production of nucleic acid, proteins, enzymes, cellular energy, and your moods are influenced by magnesium. Sleep, blood sugar levels, headaches, aging, bronchial health and even kidneys are positively or negatively impacted by this mineral. Magnesium, its hard to live without it.

How many of you eat swiss chard, spinach, halibut, kelp, basil, seeds and nuts daily? Other sources of magnesium include avocados, bananas, beans, beet greens, broccoli, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgar, chickory, dark leafy greens, oats, okara, and shellfish. Do you regularly see these foods on your plates? You should. It is time to expand the palate of your family and you. Bring back one of your best friends into your home.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Cornell University has confirmed what we, and others, have been saying for years. Deep dark purple blueberries are the number one source for absorbable antioxidants – your immune building weapons that fight the bad guys and win. Plus, they are full of vitamins, minerals and even contain protein. You can buy frozen and dried berries throughout the year and when available buy them fresh. Organic is ideal and best, and, feel fine about the conventional if that is what you can afford. Serve and eat lots of blueberries. Put them in smoothies, on cereal, in baked goods, on salads, in yogurt – sprinkle them on plates when you serve meals – great presentation and everyone gobbles them up. Make blueberries a staple in your kitchen.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Zoe’s O’s cereal was a favorite of the Kid Kritics, and hence was awarded the Kid Kritics Approved seal. However something happened and it disappeared from the stores. The manufacturing plant had a fire. What we learned was that a plant, once rebuilt, even after passing all the inspections qualifications, can not open for business for 9 months. That’s a long time for a product to be put on hold. Tori Stuart, founder of Zoe Foods, turned this lemon situation into lemonade. She took advantage of this down time to reformulate Zoe’s Os . The nutrition value was maintained while she improved its taste and texture. “It has the right crunch.” June is the target relaunch date for this product. The Kid Kritics are excited about this and so are we.

Go to www.ZoeFoods.com and click on their new Shop Online store to receive discounted prices and great trial offers for all their natural and organic products: granolas, bars and soon to be Zoe’s Os …. I just love the sound of this brand – go ahead, say it out loud. You’ll get hooked!

.. for the health of families,
ellen

University of Rhode Island chemistry professors along with experts at SIRA Technologies, a food safety company, have invented a barcode system that will determine if perishable foods have become contaminated, or are still fresh, as they sit on your grocer’s shelves. The invisible ink will turn red when a food has gone bad. In addition, you will not be able to buy it as the red ink will prevent it from being scanned when are checking out. Thus if the store’s employees and you miss noticing the red barcode, the scanner won’t. This is a big step for insuring food safety. Hope that this shows up in your favorite stores sooner than later.

… for the health of families,
ellen