Coconut: "The Healthiest Oil on Earth"

Coconuts have been consumed as both food and medicine by populations around the world for generations and now the west seems to finally be catching on. Coconut has long been villainized here as being unhealthy because of it's high saturated fat content, but in fact it is now being hailed as the "healthiest oil on Earth." Unlike most saturated oils, coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, or MCFAs, which do not negatively effect cholesterol levels and can actually lower the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. The body actually readily uses the MCFA's as energy, rather than storing them within fat. Coconut oil is not only used internally, but can be used externally as a moisturizer for skin and hair, as well as, a medicinal salve. Coconut has been used traditionally around the world to treat a variety of health conditions including abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, edema, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds. Pacific Islanders refer to the coconut palm as the "Tree of Life." And now modern science has begun to unlock the secrets to the coconut's amazing healing powers. Studies published in medical journals have confirmed coconut's ability to help with a variety of health issues, below is a summarization courtesy of www.coconutresearchcenter.org:

• Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
• Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
• Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
• Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
• Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
• Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
• Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
• Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
• Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
• Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
• Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
• Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
• Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
• Helps protect against osteoporosis.
  Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
• Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
• Improves digestion and bowel function.
• Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Supports tissue healing and repair.
• Supports and aids immune system function.
• Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
• Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
• Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
• Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Functions as a protective antioxidant.
• Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
• Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
• Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
• Reduces epileptic seizures.
• Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
• Dissolves kidney stones.
• Helps prevent liver disease.
• Is lower in calories than all other fats.
• Supports thyroid function.
• Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
• Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
• Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
• Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
• Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
• Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
• Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
• Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
• Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
• Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
• Helps control dandruff.
• Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
• Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
• Is completely non-toxic to humans.

We currently have Garden of Life 16 oz. jars of Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil on sale for only $9.99!

Meatless Monday: Mango-Avocado Rolls

Ingredients

2/3 cup diced avocado
2 Tbs. lime juice
2 tsp. grated lime zest
2/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup vegan cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions (all parts)
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1 tsp. chile sauce, such as sriracha
8 81/2-inch Vietnamese rice paper wrappers
2 cups alfalfa sprouts
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced fresh mango

Directions

1. Combine avocado, lime juice, and lime zest in small bowl. Stir in bell pepper, cream cheese, green onions, cilantro, and chile sauce; set aside.
2. Fill large bowl (9-inch diameter) with warm water. Submerge 1 rice paper wrapper 10 seconds in water, or just until it becomes soft. Remove wrapper to flat work surface, and let rest 30 seconds; it will become more pliable.
3. Spoon scant 1/4 cup avocado mixture just below middle of rice paper wrapper, leaving 1-inch border on either side. Top with 1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts and 2 to 3 mango slices. Fold bottom of rice paper wrapper up over filling, pressing filling as you go. Fold both sides of rice paper inward. Gently press to seal. Roll up wrapper to top edge. Brush water on top edge, if necessary, to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers, avocado, sprouts, and mango.

Note: We currently have Mangos on sale, 5 for $5.00!

Source: vegetariantimes.com

Meatless Monday: Ginger Cabbage Salad

Ingredients

Salad
Raw Cabbage (50 gr.)
Mung Bean Sprouts (30 gr.)
1 carrot
1 red onion
1/2 broccoli (50 gr.)
Grated fresh ginger (10 gr.)

Dressing
Extra virgin olive oil
Soy Sauce
Salt

Directions

1. Cut the cabbage very thin and put it aside. Slice the onion very thin and place it in pan with oil, then add the mung bean sprouts, broccoli and carrots sliced very thin (with a potato peeler is very good) and saute them for 15 min. Add a bit of soy sauce and salt to taste.
2. Separately, roast the fresh grated ginger with a tablespoon of oil till golden brown.
3. Add to the base of the sauteed vegetables, raw cabbage and ginger.

Source: saladpride.blogspot.com

DIY: Jogging in a Jug

Jogging in a Jug is an old folk remedy that you may or may not have heard of. The concoction is sold commercially, however, it is super easy to make yourself and much more economical! The key ingredient is raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar which has been touted as a miracle cure for thousands of years. It aids in digestion, acts as a detoxifier, relieves symptoms of the common cold, aids in weight loss, removes plaque from arteries, keeps soft muscle tissue flexible, relieves headaches, boosts immunity, lowers cholesterol, rids the body of carcinogens, relieves constipations, helps control blood sugar levels and reduces joint pain. Plus you receive the health benefits of both apples and grapes! People who regularly drink Jogging in the Jug report looking and feeling years younger!

Ingredients

1 quart 100% Concord Grape Juice
1 quart 100% Apple Juice
1 cup Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar

Directions

Mix together and drink at least two ounces per day.

Meatless Monday: Hawaiian-Style Sweet'N'Sour Roasted Pineapple and Bell Peppers

Ingredients

3 cups cubed fresh pineapple
1 medium red bell pepper, cubed (1 1/2 cups)
1 medium red onion, cut into thin wedges (1 1/2 cups)
1 Tbs. toasted sesame oil
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 Tbs. dark or light brown sugar (can substitute maple syrup)
1 Tbs. sweetened coconut flakes
1 Tbs. lime juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange pineapple cubes, red bell pepper cubes, and red onion wedges on ungreased rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and vegetable oil, sprinkle with brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Toss to coat.
2. Roast pineapple mixture on center oven rack 30 minutes, or until lightly browned, turning once. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sweetened coconut flakes, then drizzle with lime juice. Remove to serving bowl and toss well to combine. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Tip: Great served over brown jasmine rice! Cashews can be added and roasted as a protein.

Source: vegetariantimes.com

 

5 Easy Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk

Eating healthy foods and drinking water at work is great, but if you're sitting sedentary all day long at your desk, your body is going to suffer. Sitting eight or more hours a day, year after year can cause weight gain, loss of muscle tone, poor posture and aches and pains, among other issues. Experts recommend at least thirty minutes of activity, five days a week, but most of us do not get anywhere close to that. Experts also say that any activity is better than none at all.  So, we have provided a list of five easy exercises that can be done right at your desk. Doing these regularly will increase your energy, decrease your neck, back and body pain and help you stay toned and fit.

1. Side Stretches - To help whittle your waist and keep your spine aligned and supple, side stretches are excellent exercises to do at your desk. With your arms raised over your head or akimbo with your hands on your hips, lean gently over to each side as far as you can safely go. Please use caution if your chair is unstable or if it is on wheels. You can do this a few times on each side at several times throughout the day.

2. Arm Raises - In order to help protect against carpal tunnel syndrome, poor circulation, and weight gain, you should do arm raises several times a day. There are different methods of doing these simple exercises: raising your arms straight over your head, raising them to the sides, or even behind you. Each method works a different set of muscles, and all will temporarily increase your heart rate, keeping your metabolism revving.

3. Butt Squeezes - The easiest exercise that you can do at your desk is butt squeezes. You can even do them while you are on the phone or typing up a report. Simply squeeze and release your buttocks muscles several times. This is the number one exercise that will help prevent "office chair spread" of your hindquarters.

4. Leg Lifts - Of course, these are not the type of leg lifts that have you lying down on the floor and swinging your legs around. At your desk, you can easily straighten your knees and lift your legs out in front of you. You can also march with your feet in place. This will exercise the large muscles in your legs. For easy calf exercises, you can raise your feet up on the toes and lower them. Be sure to use your muscles when you do these exercises for maximum effect.

5. Stress Relievers - Many of the exercises already described here will really help to relieve stress of your desk job. However, there are some other great stress relief exercises you can do at your desk. Gently stretching your neck, or rolling your head around, will reduce neck and upper back stress. Lifting your arms in front of you and bending your hands up and down at the wrist will help to relieve the stress of typing and help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

Source: associatedcontent.com

Longevity Weekend: 2 Days, A Lifetime of Health!

You won't want to miss this fantastic event with some of Charlotte's best health and wellness practitioners! With ten lectures covering a broad array of topics and food and drinks included for an incredibly low price, this promises to be one of our best events ever! Spread the word to family, friends and coworkers! Please call Carly Childs at 704.522.8123 to reserve your spot today!

Meatless Monday: Heart Shaped Veggie Pizza

Ingredients

For the Dough:
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 cup warm water

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1 tablespoon Honey

¼ teaspoon Salt

4 cups all purpose whole wheat flour

For the Sauce:
15 oz cans diced tomatos (drained)
3 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Oregano (dried)
½ teaspoon Basil
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to *425. Mix the yeast and water together in a small bowl, cover and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Mix together the oil, honey, salt, and yeast mixture in a large mixing bowl.  Then, 1 cup at a time, add flour into yeast mixture, mixing well between each addition, up to 3 cups of flour. If the dough is still sticky add more flour 1/4 cup at a time till the dough becomes, soft. Next, lay the dough onto a floured surface and knead dough till it becomes moderately stiff, and somewhat firm to the touch. (about 5-7 minutes). Lightly grease the pan you will be cooking the pizza on and then roll the pizza dough into heart shape and desired size. (You should have enough dough to make one 16-inch pizza, 2 12-inch pizzas, or 4 8-inch pizzas.)
2. Drain Diced tomato's and place them in a sifter and sift out all of the liquids with a spoon. Then place them in a food processor or blender and blend till smooth. Then mix in remaining ingredients. Spoon sauce onto pizza dough and smooth out to the edges. Place 1 1/2-2 cups grated mozzarella cheese over pizza and top with desired veggies. Bake for 20-30 minutes.

Source: Foodista.com

Valentine's Day Recipes, Green Gift Ideas + Wine and Cheese Tasting This Saturday at South End!

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, have you made any plans yet? Have you gotten your loved one(s) a little something to show you care (awww)? Whether you are celebrating the night with your significant other, as a family or even alone, a sumptuous meal prepared at home with love is the healthiest, cheapest and most intimate way to go. This month we have Wild Caught Shrimp, All Natural Black Forest Ham, Surf N' Turf kits, Gluten Free Tagliatelle Pasta, Organic Late July Crackers, Boursin Cheese, Organic Raspberries, Organic Russet Potatoes, Organic Yellow Onions, Organic Cashew Pieces and Organic Black Mission Figs on sale. Try out the following recipes using our sale items. With the money you save, there will be enough left over for some wine and tokens of affection!

Figs, Walnuts and Boursin Cheese on Crackers

Grilled Surf N' Turf with Herbed Butter

Tagliatelle with Zucchini and Shrimp

Potato Hash with Black Forest Ham

Raspberry Cashew Ice Cream

And now for those tokens of affection, we have a few ideas that are not only green, but won't break the bank! Crystal Journey Candles available in Romance four packs and Love and Seduction reiki charged pillars, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries prepared fresh by our Deli department, Clothing or accessories from Andes Gifts and Gypsy Rose (South End just got a fresh shipment), Paper Lanterns, Tapestries, Handcrafted Artisan Wooden Pens from local Cooper's Pens and Things, Mixed Nuts (they're on sale this month), Jewelery or Hair Pins from local SkyeTurtle Designs and of course we always have HHM gift cards!

We've made it easy for you to choose the perfect bottle of wine or bubbly. This Saturday at the South End location, we are holding our annual Wine and Cheese Tasting from 1 pm - 4 pm. And for the first time, our tasting will include beers! Plus, several types of Prosecco and coffee! You can expect to sample twenty to twenty-five different spirits from the following vendors.

Tryon Distributing, Empire Distributors, Millennium Beverage, World Premier Wines, Freedom Beverage Co., Country Vintner, WoodMill Winery, and Dionysis Wine Distributors. And don't forget to grab a tree-free wine bag made from stone by Earth Balance!

We will also have all local vendors sampling out various cheeses, Greenfield Farms Organic Meats, KW Collards, Bushelle Seasonings, Sadie's Carribean Fish Cakes, Pink Chocolate Vegan Cupcakes, The Sweetie Pie and Hearth Strings Foods. Plus, we will have various other samples throughout the store, fabric art from Ty Sherrer and live music by our friend Jeff Brown. See all of you lovers on Saturday!

Please also be sure to read this article on the importance of purchasing organic flowers only: Send an Organic Bouquet this Valentine's Day!

Note: Our stores do not all carry the same products. Please call ahead to make sure that your preferred location carries the item or items that you are looking for. If not, please ask about having your item(s) transferred.

Meatless Monday: Breakfast Burritos

Ingredients

Olive oil
1 small potato
1/4 large onion
3 large cloves garlic
Salt and Pepper
2 eggs
1/4 red bell pepper
1/4 green bell pepper
1 flour tortilla
1/4 cup mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Salsa
Sour Cream
Small tomatoes, diced in large chunks
Hot Sauce to taste (may be omitted)

Directions

1. Wash the vegetables and peel the onion. Dice the onion. Crush garlic cloves and dice. Leave the skins on the potato and dice it into 1/2 inch cubes.
2. Heat a skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat (medium for a gas range), with a good coating of olive oil. Combine the diced potato, diced onion, and crushed garlic in the pan and stir frequently. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Meanwhile, beat the eggs and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Dice the bell peppers.
4. The potatoes are done when they are soft in the center. Turn the heat down to medium. Pour the beaten eggs over the potatoes and stir rapidly, scrambling. They should start to thicken quickly. Push the potatoes and eggs over to one side of the pan (continuing to scramble), and add the green and red bell peppers to the other half, letting them cook lightly.
5. Warm the flour tortilla.
6. When the eggs are done, remove from heat. Scoop the potatoes and eggs into the flour tortilla, and add the diced bell peppers over top. Sprinkle lightly with grated cheese. Top with salsa, sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro and hot sauce.
7. Wrap the flour tortilla around the contents, tucking in one end, and serve. Enjoy!

A Healthy Super Bowl Party? Touchdown!

The countdown to Super Bowl XLV has begun! Will it be the Packers or the Steelers? Either way, we've got you covered when it comes to the party! It's not too late to order wings, BBQ or meat/cheese platters from our deli. If you prefer to make your own platters, we have Thumann's Black Forest Ham and American Cheese on sale this month. Plus, Wild Caught Shrimp, Boursin Cheese and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries. Super Bowl parties are traditionally laden with high fat, high calorie processed foods, but yours doesn't have to be. Best of all, you can still serve traditional game day foods that are healthy and full of flavor! These recipes are sure to score big!

Green Chili

Baked Buffalo Wings

Avocado and Yogurt Deviled Eggs

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Spicy Peel and Eat Shrimp

Creamy Spinach Dip

Garlic and Herb Pita Chips

Baked Kale Chips

Party eco-responsibly and go local! Try these beers, all brewed in North Carolina!

Catawba Valley Brewing Company

Highland Brewing Company

Craggie Brewing Company

Boone Brewing

Carolina Beer Company

Mother Earth Brewing

The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

Bigg Boss Brewing Company

Thomas Creek Brewery

French Broad Brewery

Kind Beers

For more tips on making your party healthy not only for your guests, but also for the environment, please check out this past blog Game Day Done the Green Way.

Meatless Monday: Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients

6 cups water
1 tablespoon vegan chicken base bouillon
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 medium leek, white and a little of the green part, sliced into 1/8″ rounds
2 medium carrots, sliced into 1/8″ rounds
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon granulated onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 7-ounce package Gardein chick’n filets, diced
2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
4 ounces dried whole wheat linguine noodles

Directions

1. Dissolve the bouillon in one cup of boiling water, set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and leeks, sauté until translucent. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Add the bouillon broth and the rest of the water, bay leaves, granulated onion and salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the veggie chicken pieces, parsley and the noodles broken into thirds. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaves before serving.

Note: Frontier's "Chicken" Flavored Broth Powder can be substituted for the boullion and Quorn (Non-Soy) "Chicken" Tenders can be substituted for the Gardein Chick'n.

Meatless Monday: Portabello Mushroom Burgers

Ingredients

4 portobello mushroom caps
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
4 (1 ounce) slices provolone cheese

Directions

1.Place the mushroom caps, smooth side up, in a shallow dish. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the mushrooms. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes or so, turning twice.
2.Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
3.Brush grate with oil. Place mushrooms on the grill, reserving marinade for basting. Grill for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, or until tender. Brush with marinade frequently. Top with cheese during the last 2 minutes of grilling.

Note: These are great topped with raw or sauteed onions, roasted red peppers, mixed greens and avocado. Also, if you don't have a grill or don't feel like braving the cold, these are just as good broiled in the oven or toaster oven. Enjoy!

Annual Health and Wellness Fair This Saturday at South End!

It's that time again! Every year, we here at Healthy Home Market, our customers and people within our community look forward to this event, our biggest of the year. This year is no different! The event begins at 1:00 pm this Saturday and runs until 4:00 pm. You can expect plenty of food samples, wine tasting, product demonstrations, product samples, practitioners, gift basket giveaways, a blood drive and a drawing for an Apple iPad! We are also excited to announce that we will be running event only specials!

We will have representatives from the following companies:

Vibranz Kombucha, Greenfield Farms, Dilworth Coffee, Barbara's Canin Cafe, MerryLiving IVPure, KW Collards, Bushelle Seasonings, Sadie's Caribbean Fish Cakes, Cara B Naturally, ZuZu Luxe Cosmetics, Nutraceuticals, Eclectic Institute, Renew Life, Jarrow Formulas, Flora, Green Magma, Gaia Herbs, Solgar, Nordic Naturals, King Bio, Ultima Replenisher, MyChelle Dermaceuticals, Barleans

We will also have the following practitioners on site:

Maximized Living Chiropractors, Scalar Wave Face Lifts w/ Susan Kotraba and Dr. Eap, Chair Massage w/ Barbara Brown, EPFX/SCIO Quick Peeks w/ Joy Fanning and Maeya Carr, Blood Pressure Screenings w/ Judy Viscount, ProHealth Dynamics Microscopist Dr. Jason Fowler, Applied Kinesiology w/ John Winstead, Rositer Massage w/ Clair Comber, Ionic Charge Machine w/ Marcia Swanberg, Soul Card Reading w/ Val DeLong, Migun Bed and Hand Machine w/ Carolanne, Acudetox w/ Marini, Crystal Healing w/ Kat, Hypnotherapy w/ Sherry Habib, Emotional Freedom Technique w/ Jan Luther's advanced students, Jin Shin Jyutsu w/ Jan Moeller, Tellington Touch for people w/ Christina Natichioni, Holistic Nail Care Services w/ Twila Adams, Avalon Light Effect Therapy w/ Carol Calvert, Reiki w/ Bill and Mae Yin

And you can look forward to tasting wines from the following:

Tryon Distributing, Empire Distributors, Millennium Beverage, World Premier Wines, Freedom Beverage Co., Country Vintner, WoodMill Winery, Dionysis Wine Distributors

Bring your friends and family! This will be our biggest Health and Wellness Fair yet! See you all Saturday!

Meatless Monday: Thai Basil Eggplant

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 eggplant, chopped

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tbsp soy sauce
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Saute the garlic in olive oil for about 2 minutes. Add eggplant, soy sauce and red pepper flakes and allow to cook for 3 to 5 more minutes.
Add the basil, stirring well, and cook for another minute, or until eggplant is done.
Serve over Jasmine Rice.

Getting Started on the Master Cleanse

It's a new year and a great time for a clean start! If your resolution is to get healthy or lose weight, you may consider starting with a whole body detox! The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Diet was created by Stanley Burroughs in 1941. This method has been used by many for years and has been steadily gaining in popularity. We have included the recipe below and we would be happy to put together a kit for you if you call ahead. Happy Cleansing!

Purpose
•To dissolve and eliminate toxins and congestion that has formed in any part of the body. •To cleanse the kidneys and the digestive system. •To purify the glands and cells throughout the entire body. •To eliminate all unusable waste and hardened material in the joints and muscles. •To relieve pressure and irritation in the nerves, arteries, and blood vessels. •To build a healthy blood stream. •To keep youth and elasticity regardless of our years.


When to Use It
•When sickness has developed - for all acute and chronic conditions •When the digestive system needs a rest and a cleansing. •When overweight has become a problem. •When better assimilation and building of body tissue is needed.


How Long and Often?
Follow the diet for a minimum of 10 days or more - up to 40 days and beyond may be safely followed for extremely serious cases. The diet has all the nutrition needed during this time. Three to four times a year will do wonders for keeping the body in a normal healthy condition. The diet may be undertaken more frequently for serious conditions.


How to Make Lemonade
•2 Tbsp lemon or lime juice (approx. 1/2 lemon) •2 Tbsp genuine maple syrup (not maple flavored sugar syrup) •1/10 Tsp cayenne pepper (red pepper) or to taste •Water, medium hot (spring or purified water) Combine the juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper in a 10 oz. glass and fill with medium hot water. (Cold water may be used if preferred.) Use fresh lemons or limes only, never canned lemon or lime juice nor frozen lemonade or frozen juice. Use organic lemons when possible.

Blend a part of the lemon skin and pulp with the lemonade in a blender for further cleansing and laxative effect. (Note: commercially procured lemons may have had their skins dyed with yellow coloring and may have been subjected to poisonous insect sprays - be sure to peel off the outer skin if you cannot get uncolored, organically grown lemons.) The properties in the lemon skin also act as a hemostatic to prevent excess bleeding and to prevent clotting internally should there be any such prevailing condition. (Don't worry - normal conditions will continue during the menstrual periods.) Adding the cayenne pepper is necessary as it breaks up mucus and increases warmth by building the blood for an additional lift. It also adds many of the B and C vitamins. Mint tea may be used occasionally during this diet as a pleasant change and to assist further in the cleansing. Its chlorophyll helps as a purifier, neutralizing many mouth and body odors that are released during the cleansing period. Read More

Stock Your Kitchen and Stick to Your Resolutions!

If you're like many, you may have resolved to eat healthy this year, lose weight and/or save money. A great way to do all of these things is to eat more meals at home. You will save bundles by not eating out and you will know exactly what is going into your body! The best way to get started is to have a well stocked kitchen. You may have the best intentions, but after a long day at work, it's easy to succumb to fast food temptation if preparing it yourself seems like too much work. If you always keep the staples and plenty of easy to prepare foods on hand, meals will be a breeze!  Guarantee better success and use Sundays to portion out your meals for the week. To make it easy on you, we have prepared a list of nutritious and reasonably priced foods to keep in your kitchen. Get creative, preparing meals can be fun and rewarding! There is nothing like the taste of a home cooked meal! Don't forget, if you work or go to school, you should be bringing your lunch as well! Please add in anything we missed in the comments.


Herbs and Spices
Salt and Pepper are a staple at almost every person's house, as they should be. Try Sea Salt and Peppercorns for the most nutrition and flavor. Other great spices to have on hand include Turmeric, Basil, Dried Chilis and/or Cayenne powder, Garlic powder, Celery Salt, Dill, Lemon Peel or Lemon Pepper, Paprika, Curry, Dry Mustard, Rosemary, Thyme, Cumin, Cinnamon and Ginger. In season, purchase fresh herbs, you can always dry any extra out for later use.


Oils and Vinegars
Always keep Extra Virgin Olive Oil on hand, it may seem expensive, but it actually breaks down to pennies per use. Avoid vegetables oils as they become rancid quickly and are highly processed, use Grapeseed Oil for sauteing. Coconut Oil is a great choice as it very healthy and shelf stable. For flavor try sesame or walnut oil. Balsamic Vinegar is extremely flavorful and great as a marinade or on salads. Apple Cider Vinegar is chock full of nutrients and can be used in numerous applications.


Grains
A must have in any kitchen is a stock of grains, buy them in bulk to save money and keep them in tightly sealed glass jars for maximum freshness. Brown rice is a must and Brown Basmati and Brown Jasmine rice are also good choices, along with the highly nutritious Quinoa, quick cooking Bulgar Wheat, Barley, Buckwheat, Whole Wheat Couscous and Steel Cut Oats for a hearty breakfast. Whole Wheat pastas cook quickly and leave lots of room for creativity.


Legumes
As with grains, buy beans and lentils in bulk and store appropriately. Legumes are inexpensive and an excellent source of protein, fiber and various vitamins and minerals. Lentils cook up quickly and Beans can be soaked overnight for quick cooking the following day. Both can be sprouted for added nutrition (research which can be eaten raw and which shouldn't)!


Nuts and Seeds
Again, buying in bulk is your best value. Nuts and seeds are also packed full of nutrients and healthy fats. Keep these on hand for snacking, add to salads, smoothies or breakfast grains. Flax Seeds are extremely popular and for good reason, they are full of heart and brain healthy Omegas and help with regularity! For best results, grind Flax just before usage.


Fruit
Keep lots of fruit on hand, dried, fresh and frozen! Keep fresh in-season fruits for easy snacking, juicing, smoothies, additions to breakfast grains, salads and desserts. Frozen fruits are good when your favorites are not in season and for quick smoothies making. Dried fruits have a long shelf life and can be used in many of the same ways as fresh fruit and are great added to nuts for a healthy snack. Bake fruit filled muffins and have breakfast all week long!


Vegetables
Staples to have on hand include Garlic, Onions, Potatoes, and Sweet Potatoes. Buy fresh in-season vegetables such as Mixed Greens, Kale, various kinds of Squash, Asparagus, Carrots, Celery and Green Beans. These veggies go a long way and can always be chopped and frozen for easy use later.


Proteins
Buy your meats and seafood once a week and use within the week or keep frozen. For vegetarians, it can be very handy to have frozen "beef" crumbles, "meatballs" and "chicken" strips on hand for various incarnations. A block of tofu or tempeh are also great additions.


Dairy
Eggs last a long time, cook quickly and provide lots of protein. Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan or Manchego, also last much longer than soft or shredded cheeses. Another important staple is Plain Yogurt, it contains the calcium and protein of dairy, but with the addition of probiotics or "friendly bacteria" which help with digestion and different types of infections. Plain yogurt can be used in place of sour cream, milk in some recipes and even frozen for a dessert-like treat! It's great anytime of the day!


Baking
If you enjoy baked goods, such as muffins, breads, cakes, etc, you should always keep Whole Wheat Flour, All Purpose Flour, Wheat Germ, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, raw Cacao powder, Vanilla Extract and Unrefined Sugar on hand. However, you can always substitute other natural sweeteners for sugar, such as Xylitol, Stevia, Molasses, Honey or Agave Nectar. Applesauce and Banana also make great sweetener substitutes!


Additional Staples
Hot Sauce, Nut Butters, Breadcrumbs, Jars of Sauces (Marinara, Pesto, Curries, Salsas etc.), Dried Mushrooms, Whole Grain Crackers, Olives, Broth (Veggie, Chicken, etc.), Low Sodium Tamari, Non-GMO Cornmeal, Cornstarch or Potato Starch, Whole Wheat Tortillas, Non-GMO popcorn kernels and frozen tortellini and/or ravioli.

Note: For those of you following a Gluten-Free Diet, we have an extensive selection of Gluten-Free items to replace any items above which may be restricted for you.

Meatless Monday: Winter Vegetable Hash

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small acorn squash, diced
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 cup chopped kale
4 sprigs fresh sage

Directions

1.Place oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter and mix in potatoes, mushrooms, pepper, squash, and shallot. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.

2.Mix kale and sage into skillet. Continue cooking 5 minutes, until kale is wilted. Serve and enjoy!