c's secret bliss

Whole Foods Under Scrutiny for High Prices and Low Quality (some say)… here’s what I say…

I loved watching this video! It reiterates that we need to ask questions to get to know where our food is coming from.

I think this makes for a good blog post ;) …. here are my initial thoughts. Please read on if you are interested.

A few ways you can make sure your food is Organic (Pesticide Free) and Local (if these 2 things are important to you):

Reading the labels is the easiest way to determine if your food is safe to eat. Produce labels will contain a series of numbers. These numbers will tell you everything you need to know when it comes to identifying whether or not it is organic.

If the number on the label begins with a 4, it is conventional produce. This produce has most likely been sprayed with pesticides. Genetically modified produce will start with the number 8, and it often is identified with a string of numbers consisting of 5 digits. Organic produce will be labeled with 5 digits also but will begin with the number 9. Always check the label twice, as it is sometimes hard to tell at first glance.

As far as other food products, it is also all told in the labeling.

If a product is labeled as organic, it may not be fully organic. FDA regulations and rules allow for products that are not 100% organic to be labeled organic. Look for labels indicating that the product is 100% organic. When a product contains this label, it is truly organic. This means that it also does not contain any genetically modified ingredients.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/030005_GMOs_foods.html#ixzz1oO85yaSa

Some people Wonder —-> Why Local? Well, It ensures you get the freshest food available. Often times foods are pumped with preservatives just so that they will stay fresh during their commute from the ground ——> to the farm ——-> to store ——> and then to your table. If you buy local (mostly from a farmers market or a CSA) you can go straight to farm to table. It’s the next best thing to growing kale, cantaloupe and having apple trees in your backyard ;) If you get to know the farmer you will be able to ask questions and may even get some good recipes!

The Take Away: Ask Questions + Build Relationships & Trust (w/ Local Farmer or Butcher)= Guaranteed Good Grubbin’ (if you choose the right guy! ;) OR the alternative ——> move to CA and start planting!

Thank you for sharing! If anyone has questions please email me directly. If I cannot answer them, I will find someone who can.

Love to all!
Ciara

ciara.marie.burton@gmail.com

** If you are interested in becoming a Health Coach and studying at Integrative Nutrition visit my website for a FREE copy of their book. I will also answer any questions that you have. Xo!

Posted March 6, 2012 at 5:26pm in Whole Foods Ciara Burton Ciara Lydon Burton Health Coach Organic Foods Local Farmers Markets IIN Integrative Nutrition

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The same ol’ salad can be boring…

Check out @wholefoods recent blog post called Winterize Your Salads to spice things up a bit. Literally!

Lately I have loved adding grilled veggies like zucchini and eggplant to my salads. To warm things up a bit try adding cooked quinoa and beans. Yum!

Posted December 5, 2011 at 9:13am in whole foods winter salads

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How to Survive the Holidays Stress-Free? Tip #1 Eat for Energy by Incorporating Whole Foods

Tip #1 Eat for energy by incorporating Whole Foods

Typically people’s nutritional routines are thrown off by the hectic holiday time. Most people eat out more (think Chipolte, Chinese or Pizza)… over indulging in sweets like painted sugar cookies & pumpkin pie…. or don’t even eat at all because they do not have time or food on-hand. And some will have those famous Starbuks pumpkin spice or egg nogg lates and call it a meal. Can anybody relate?

What does eating for energy mean?
What would your life be like if you had an abundance of energy? What would you do with it all?

Foods we eat can either increase or decrease our energy. Main foods that decrease our energy are: caffeine, coffee, soft drinks, alcohol, too much meat or not enough, processed chemicalized foods, tobacco, milk, sugar and artificial sweeteners, trans fats.

Stimulants, like caffeine and sugar, may seem to give an energy boost initially, but they actually deplete our bodies of nutrients which is why you have that crashing feeling afterward, which often times leaves you wanting more. For example: You go to Starbucks 2x/day… or one candy bar turns into two, and three and before you know it your whole system will be out of whack!!! Also, these substances are also highly addictive.

So I am a dark chocolate addict, and I can tell you this is true.

Do you have coffee or sugar at least once a day? Will you admit that you’re an addict too?

It can be helpful to reduce or eliminate several of these foods that you are dependant on. Which ones do you depend on? This is one reason why it is helpful to have a health counselor assist you in eliminating these cravings.

Foods that increase our energy are Whole Foods. Whole foods are grains, vegetables, fruits and beans. They are foods that have not been processed and therefore have all of their original nutrients like: fiber, vitamins and minerals. Processing removes these nutrients. Some of Americas favorite processed foods are chips, cookies, cheese dips etc.. these are NOT whole foods!

Whenever possible, focus on the highest quality whole foods that you can afford. I’m talking organic AND local foods!

*I put this mixture of loveliness over spaghetti squash, YUM!

So how can you incorporate more whole foods?

Shop only the perimeter of the grocery store
Keep healthy energy boosting snacks on-hand and in your over-sized purse (like an apple and natural peanut butter)
Preplan 2 healthy meals on Sunday so that you can shop once, cook once, and eat 2-3 times.

Do you know of 3 foods that you could be eating for energy, but aren’t?

What are your favorite foods to eat for energy?

……. Stay tuned for Tips 2-5…..

Happy Holidays!

Posted December 9, 2010 at 7:30am in whole foods surviving the holidays a stress free holiday pre planning meals How to grocery shop increase energy ciara lydon

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How to survive the holidays stress-free?

Stressful holiday

Have you ever felt stressed or overwhelmed by the holidays? Trust me, I have.
Last year I was still wrapping gifts 5 minutes before I was supposed to meet my boyfriends mother for church. I stumbled in 15 minutes late and was so embarrassed!!! Never again!

The holidays are a time for love, joy, relaxation, gift giving, and fun. They are NOT meant to bring on feelings of stress, anxiety or negativity. Do you agree? Ok good. Now lets get you armed & ready to take on the holidays stress-free….

Here are 5 tips that will help you stay more balanced and relaxed this year.
    1.    Eat for energy by incorporating whole foods
    2.    Increase Vitamin L by spending time with loved ones
    3.    Schedule time for self-care and take time for you
    4.    Exercise the mind and the body both physically and mentally
    5.    Rest and recharge by getting a peaceful nights sleep

I will go into detail on each one of these tips everyday this week- STAY TUNED…

XOXO

Ciara

Posted December 8, 2010 at 9:00am in stress free holiday exercise whole foods increase energy surviving the holiday reducing stress

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Raw Apple Crisp —- hmmm yum!

I found this recipe on Whole Foods dot com. If you want a healthy alternative to cakes and other baked sweets, try this Raw Apple Crisp. Incorporating raw and whole foods will help you to deconstruct your sugar cravings. Life is much sweeter when you’re feeling energized from the foods you eat!

Comment below if you try it out, let me know how you like it.

Happy Friday!

XoXo

Ciara

Posted October 1, 2010 at 12:32pm in No Cook Vegetarian Wheat Free Dairy Free Gluten Free Raw Apple Crisp Whole Foods