We’re always talking about how much money you can save by choosing a healthier lifestyle.  This clip from Delish.com gives you some specific advice on how to do this.  Members will recognize much of this information from our January class. 

 While we don’t agree with their take on oils (they mention only two as acceptable and the Total Heatlh Makeover is more inclusive than that) the other information here is well worth viewing.   I suppose you might say that you could “take it to the bank.” 

Along with better tasting foods, more energy, a kinder approach to the environment, and spending less on over the counter meds and doctor visits, a healthy lifestyle saves you money at the check out line.  Immediate gratification.  What can YOU do with the money you save?

http://www.delish.com/recipes/cooking-recipes/taste-of-place/?v=45868766-b516-41ee-9f14-b7461f15f02d&from=en-us_msnhp

There have been some amazing stories in the spotlight lately about plant based diets and their healing properties.  Most notably President Clinton has shared the benefits of embracing veganism. 

You don’t need to jump in with both feet today to begin to experience these benefits.  But you COULD start taking some baby steps towards better health beginning right now. 

Take a few minutes to read these testimonials recently published in VegNews, and also citing one of our favorite organizations, The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)

http://vegnews.com/articles/page.do?pageId=4122&catId=7

If you’ve had success with a plant based diet in your own life we’d love to hear from YOU !

Have you been thinking about going meatless one day a week?  Would you like to join in on Meatless Mondays?

Here’s an interesting article discussing the trend…and giving a shout out to Marilu.com !!

http://www.vegancooking.com/random-stuff/are-meatless-mondays-for-you-2/

There’s some great information in there to help you make a decision about what’s right for you.

With the rise in coupon clipping, and the reality shows dedicated to the practice, those of us who purchase very few packaged goods can feel left out of the current trend.  And a little disappointed to miss out on the savings at check out.  This article will give you some insight (and websites) for saving on healthy purchases.  We especially love that when tip number 5 talks about “milk products” they’re referencing non dairy items !

Be sure to check this one out !

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/your-money-today/article.aspx?cp-documentid=31228944

In the interest of knowing what’s going into your food we’re sharing this article from Reuters.  Not everyone will be surprised by this information but everyone will be able to learn something from it.  This community is here to help people make the best choices.  We’re not about adhering to any principles 100% of the time.  The pursuit of perfection can be deadly.  But know all you can in order to make the best choices for you.

http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFS1E78B1YM20110912

Today is the last day of Jill’s class; Gluten Free 101.  For those of you who are visiting the site for the first time and have missed the class here’s an article that will give you some information on why living gluten free might be something for you to consider.

Current members, if you missed the class there’s time to go back and check out all of the information and recipes.  The class forum will remain at the top of the page until November 14th when HOT FOR THE HOLIDAYS begins!  After that it will be available in the archives. 

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/09/01/celiac-disease-on-rise-in-us/

Summer may be over but caring for your skin should still be on your to-do list.  For many people the harsher winter weather is just around the corner.  The right cleansers and moisturizers can only do so much. What you put IN your body has as much effect on your skin as what you put ON it.  If you think a skin care regimen has to be punishing, expensive or time consuming read this to find out how it can be incorporated into your meals to make skin care delicious.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/4Yedis/honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-market-bag

ANDI is the acronym for Aggregate Nutrient Density Index and it’s based on Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s (Eat to Live) nutrient density scoring system.  Whole Foods has recently adopted, and is promoting, this easy to use system to make it easier to choose whole foods according to their nutritional worth. 

Of course we all realize, as does Dr. Fuhrman, that eating strictly from the top of the list would deprive us of the healthy fats and calories that we need to sustain our active lifestyle.  File this under “knowledge is power” and you’ll find that a list can make for fascinating reading.  It can also make healthy choices easier to determine and meal planning less stressful.

You can pick up an easy to use index at Whole Foods or on line.  Check out these articles to learn more:

http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/article17.aspx

http://www.fooducate.com/blog/2010/01/28/whole-foods-market-adopts-andi-nutrition-rating-system/

Those of you enrolled in the members area can check out the class recipes for a great beet salad recipe.  If you’re not a member (yet) post your own favorite recipe on the public message boards .

Health benefits of beets

• Garden-beet is very low in calories (contain only 45 kcal/100 g) and fat; but is very rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals.

• The root is rich source of phytochemical compound Glycine betaine. Betaine has the property of lowering homocysteine levels in the blood.  Homocysteine, one of highly toxic metabolite, promotes platelet clot as well as atherosclerotic-plaque formation which is otherwise can be harmful to blood vessels.  High levels of homocystiene in the blood results in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and peripheral vascular diseases.
• Raw beets are an excellent source of folates; contains about 109 mcg/100 g ( Provides 27% of RDA). However, extensive cooking may significantly depletes its level in food. Folates are necessary for DNA synthesis in the cells. When given during peri-conception period folates can prevent neural tube defects in the baby.
• It contains significant amounts of vitamin-C, one of the powerful natural antioxidant which helps body scavenge deleterious free radicals one of the reasons for cancers development.
• Beet’s green leaves (tops) are an excellent source of carotenoids, flavonoid anti-oxidants and vitamin A; contain these compounds several times more than that of in the roots.Vitamin A is required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision. Consumption of natural vegetables rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
• The root is also rich source of Niacin (vit B-3), Pantothenic acid (vit.B-5), Pyridoxine (vit.B-6) and carotenoids, and minerals such as iron, manganese and magnesium.
• In addition, this root veggie indeed has very good levels of potassium. 100 g fresh root has 325 mg of potassium or 7% of daily requirements. Potassium lowers heart rate and regulates metabolism inside the cells by countering detrimental effects of sodium.

Summer may be coming to a close but there’s no need to move indoors just yet.  Check out these outdoor festivals with great music (FleetFoxes, Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie and more) and healthy vegetarian and vegan options on hand.   If you don’t happen to live near one of these events, create your own! 

http://www.vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=3596&catId=4