Thursday, March 22, 2007

Children Thriving on A Raw Diet

Much debate normally surrounds children and eating a raw food diet.

In my research and experience, children thrive. They rarely, if ever, get sick, they have more energy, they have more control of their minds and bodies and in turn are much more well behaved, and overall are happier.

In today's world of processed foods and junk food marketing aimed at children, it's a bit foreign to a child that isn't used to eating a raw food diet to eat that way. The best way I've found is to be a great example. Children, especially younger ones, look for direction and like to mimic their parents. If you're eating a raw diet, they'll slowly try what you are eating and want to learn more. Over time and trying different foods, they'll start integrating more raw foods into their diet, as long as the foods are available and they have a consistent example... you!

Here are two videos of children explaining their experience on a raw diet. Inspiring! Enjoy.

To your best health!

Mark



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Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Tropical Treats In Arizona

If you live in the Phoenix metro area, you're in for a tropical treat.

As we near the end of the citrus season here, other tropical fruits
are becoming available at local stores. I'm particular to organic
pineapple, and when I noticed it at my local Fry's, I stocked up.
The brand is the same one carried by our now defunct local
co-op, so I feel comfortable with the choice.

Our local Safeway as well as Sunflower Market also have an
abundant selection of organic bananas and mango... all reasonably
priced.

Enjoy these tropical treats!

Mark

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Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Support Your Local Co-Op's and Markets!

Recently, the only co-op in the Phoenix area, Gentle Strength, and a leader in locally grown, organic produce, went out of business.

Why?

Bottom line... not enough shoppers.

Sure there were probably a few other reasons, but the main one was lack of business.

It's funny, though, everyone I talk to in the area is disappointed and saddened by the closing (as I was). However, I believe there was too much talk and not enough action.

If we want to have better, fresher, organic and locally grown choices, we have to support those organizations. Support them with our shopping dollars and with our help in letting others know about the organizations.

Personally, I'll miss the co-op and the friends I've made there. They were the -only- central place to get fresh, locally grown greens and other produce. All the produce sold was organic and as much as possible was sourced locally. The only choices now are the national chains including Whole Foods and Wild Oats (now owned by Whole Foods), a few smaller chains and some traditional grocery chains that now carry some organic produce. I'm happy that they're all carrying more organic foods, although little, if any, is locally grown. Whole Foods advertises 'local' although a quick walk through shows just a few locally grown out of over 200 produce items.

Alternative sources include farmers markets and visiting farms directly. I've found a few farms and frequent farmers markets on weekends and can find some of the same items. Although not as convenient, it's a solution for now.

Find the local co-ops in your area and support them. It's a fact, traditional companies will continue to market non-organic products and source all over the world unless we 'vote' with our dollars. Using as much locally grown organic produce not only supports your community and the environment, the food is also more nutritious and benefits your health.

We can make a difference.. just do it!

To your best health!

Mark

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