Holistic Twitter!

I have recently become a "twitter nut." Twitter is a networking site that is sweeping the world with its impressive semi-micro-blogging format. The amount of information one is able to get from just a glance at their twitter homepage is amazing and because of this it has swept me in.

Yesterday as I was searching holistic related contacts I came across HolisticTwitter. As i'm sure you can guess my interest was peaked. I started looking in to it and I have to say that I am impressed. If anyone is interested in not only a great networking opportunity, but also a wonderful way to satiate your thirst for health and wellness ideas and updates. You can upload and view pictures, videos, recipes, articles, and even write your own free blog!

Check out my profile at http://www.holistictwitter.com/profile/CCW_wellness
I'm choosing for now to keep my blogging status central to blogger but updates and more will definitely be posted at holistictwitter!

Holistic Twitter!

gfMeals: Gluten/Casein Free Meals delivered to your door!

As many of you have picked up on, our office caters to a lot of food allergy sufferers in our daily operation. A huge portion of this population are those people that have the unfortunate situation of suffering with a Gluten Allergy. In addition, many people that suffer with this allergy or sensitivity also have the added discomfort of dealing with a Casein allergy (casein is a protein found in dairy products). Staying on a GFCF (Gluten Free/Casein Free) diet helps these folks out tremendously. In addition, the GFCF diet is a powerful tool that many use to aid individuals in recovering from autism, ADHD and several chronic illnesses that mainly involve gastrointestinal disorders and autoimmune diseases. CCW is continually seeking out new resources for GFCF people in order to make life a little easier and a lot more tasty! One of our newest finds is gfMeals...an online GFCF delivery service: How To Get These Meals "To order GFCF entrees, sides and baked goods from gfMeals, go to our affiliate link or click the title of this post. About gfMeals "gfMeals is the gluten-free brand from Your Dinner Secret. All gfMeals entrees, sides and baked goods are gluten-free and casein-free. Many are also soy-free, egg-free and free of a variety of other allergens. In addition to a retail store in Woodland Hills, Calif., the gfMeals brand is available on the Internet. Food is shipped frozen and ready-to-cook, with simple cooking instructions, in coolers, with dry ice. Shipping is available anywhere in the United States. REMEMBER...its all about balance, and while we DO like a lot of the products that gfMeals distributes there are some ingredients that should ALWAYS be watched (soy products and preservatives for example). Thankfully all ingredients are listed with each menu item online at www.gfMeals.com so don't forget to look at the list before you order. In addition, we also reccomend trying out some of our healthy GF recipes which can be found at http://ccwwellness-recipes.blogspot.com or under the Gluten Allergy Assistance section on the side menu of this blog. Cooking your own meals is not only healthier, it is often times therapeutic and very rewarding! If you are looking for some help in the convenience department however, gfMeals is a great option when mixed in with other food preparation practices!

gfMeals: Gluten/Casein Free Meals delivered to your door!

Virtual Menu Mailer: Help for food allergies, diseases, and more.

My Food My Health is an online Menu Mailer that offers the following:

• Delicious meal plans tailored to support your health conditions and those of your family members
• Memorable recipes from renowned chefs and nutritionists based on simple, whole, natural ingredients
• Educational videos, articles, cooking and nutritional tips
• Health and nutritional information for specific health conditions

My Food My Health is dedicated to assisting those interested in adjusting their nutritional intake to increase their health from specific diseases and conditions such as:

• Acne
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Candidiasis
• Celiac
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Eczema
• Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue
• Gout
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Hyperthyroid
• I've Quit Drinking
• I've Quit Smoking
• Osteoporosis
• Pre and Post Surgery Chemotherapy
• Psoriasis

...as well as from food allergies such as:

• Wheat
• Gluten
• Lactose

All you have to do is
1. Create Your Personal Profile:

• Develop a personal profile tailored to your health conditions and lifestyle: Tell us about yourself and your health conditions.

• Include profiles for your whole family: Everyone is taken into account, whether you're cooking for one, two, or the whole family.

• Add food preferences and food allergies: These foods will be eliminated from your meal plans.

2. Get Tailored Weekly Meal Plans

• Our delicious, healthy meal plans: The system automatically fills out your weekly meal plan based on your profile. You can then modify your week's plan as you wish - you can add recipes (such as sides, desserts, salads and soup, etc..) or replace dishes with different recipes you have to choose from.
  

When you are done you can print off your menu, calendars, shopping lists and more! Its a great source!

See some sample recipes here: http://myfoodmyhealth.strateja-xl.com/HowItWorks/Sample-Recipes/index.php

Virtual Menu Mailer: Help for food allergies, diseases, and more.

Make Your Own Natural Face Mask

This article is taken from the "Food Matters" Newsletter. CCW will be showing the documentary that is the namesake of this site April 14th at 6pm.

These facemasks are not only amazingly cleansing and nourishing to the skin...they are also good enough to eat...literally:

"Facemasks are a good way to thoroughly cleanse and nourish the skin on a deep level. There are many skin care facemasks on the market, but what if you could easily make your own at home… and you will probably find that it is even more nutrient dense and chemical free than what you can buy in the shops. Follow this powerful facemask recipe to nurture and pamper your skin, making it smooth and vibrant. It is packed full of antioxidants and beautifying properties to ensure radiance.


Natural Skin Care Ingredient number 1…Cacoa

Cacoa, the raw material for chocolate has recently been rediscovered to be one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. Raw cacao in its purest form has the highest amount of cancer fighting, disease busting, premature age destroying antioxidants on the planet.

While chocolate used to be known to cause acne, it has since been recognized that the milk in chocolate (or a whole list of other ingredients that make up your average chocolate bar) is the cause of acne. In fact, it has recently been discovered that putting milk in powerful foods such as tea and chocolate keeps the antioxidants from being absorbed.

The Mayans and the Aztecs called chocolate the food of the Gods. In addition to its high levels of antioxidants, it contains ingredients that regulate mood, increase libido, and leave us feeling peaceful, relaxed, and full of love. If you can get raw cacoa powder, it is best. If you can't get it, simply use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder.

Natural Skin Care Ingredient Number 2…Avocado

Many anti-aging skin care products use avocado oil for its anti-aging properties that create youthful, glowing skin. It defends against carcinogens and other elements that can cause disharmony in our skin.

It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which is anti-inflammatory (inflammation is one of the biggest causes of aging) and is a potent moisturizer. Avocados increase the elasticity of the skin.

Natural Skin Care Ingredient Number 3… Green Tea

Green tea is consistently being hailed as a powerful antioxidant, and is one of the people of Okinawa Japan's secrets for longevity and vibrant health. Putting it on directly on the skin is equally potent.

Natural Skin Care Ingredient Number 4…Honey

Honey is a great anti-bacterial agent, will open up the pores, and will deeply cleanse and detoxify the skin leaving the skin baby smooth. Raw honey in its purest form is incredibly antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal. In many cultures it is used to treat ulcers and burns. It is an astounding natural preservative.

Unprocessed honey found in ancient tombs was determined to be used to preserve bodies. It keeps foods fresh and moist longer and prevents spoilage.
It is great for the consistency of the mask will make it sticky and smooth

Natural Skin Care Ingredient Number 5…Oatmeal

Oatmeal naturally exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells, leaving it soft and smooth. Oats are a good source of many nutrients including vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium. Oats are also a good source of protein. Oatmeal is also well known for its healing properties. In many cultures it is used topically to treat psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema.

Mix them all up

Mix one mashed avocado, 3 tablespoons of raw cocoa powder or cocoa powder, 2 dessert spoons of raw honey or honey, and 2 tablespoons of oatmeal flakes. Infuse green tea in a small cup of hot water and let it cool. Add a splash to the mixture, or enough to make it into a paste.

Treat Your Skin

Apply on the face, gently massaging it so that oatmeal can start exfoliating the dead skin cell layer. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and rinse off with luke warm water."

Make Your Own Natural Face Mask

North Raleigh Farmer's Market in the Works!

The Wake County Cooperative extension office is currently investigating support/eed for a FARMERS MARKET/Community Market in North Raleigh...and potentially at the Creedmoor and Norwood intersection!

This means FRESH, CONVENIENT, AFFORDABLE fruits, veggies, meats, flowers, dairy and more from LOCAL farms! This marke will be closer than the North Hills or the Main market downtown in Raleigh, a great reason to get out on Saturday mornings! More sustainable and organic options, a great place to take kids, just a good idea all around!

If you like this idea, please take a moment to participate in this quick and easy Survey

And please forward the link to your friends and neighbors.

North Raleigh Farmer's Market in the Works!

Mona Vie: Pyramid Scheme

Quick update...i'm in a rush but I want to get this topic on here before I forget!

If any of you have been introduced to the product Mona Vie please be wary. As the headline says, this product is part of a simple pyramid scheme. While it promises to be the answer to all your health woes, the reality is that it is chock full of refined sugar and preservatives, and it is highly synthetic and processed. While Acai berry, its main selling point, is the primary ingredient, there are better options than this product that do not contain synthetic substances and are not part of a pyramid scheme.

If you are interested in trying Acai Berry Juice then I suggest this product from Amazon Thunder, which is 100% Acai, and it is USDA Organic. Let me state, however, that while Acai berry is a great food, it is not the only option that gives you high levels of antioxidants. Many berries are full of antioxidants, and are more available to consumers. In general the best philosophy is maintaining a balanced diet of organic and local fruits, vegetables, salt water raised fish, free range beef and poultry and sprouted grains. Please be wary of marketers at your doorstep. Nature didn't intend for health to be distributed in a shiny, sugary, glass bottle...

Mona Vie: Pyramid Scheme

What Parents Need to Know About Nutrition

In honor of our upcoming lecture on Nourishing Our Children here is some information on what parents need to know about correct nutrition, and problems with conventional western wisdom.


A WAKE UP CALL!

• No Processed or Refined Foods

Dietary Wisdom: Top Ten things you may not know about your diet:

1. Butter is good for you
2. Eggs are healthy
3. Saturated fats and cholesterol are vital for optimum health
4. Foods from grass-fed animals are important for good health
5. Lean meat and low-fat milk should be avoided
6. Modern soy products are dangerous
7. Hydrogenated and liquid vegetable oils contribute to heart disease and many other health problems
8. A vegan diet leads to serious nutritional deficiencies
9. Not all "organic" foods are healthy
10. Breakfast cereal is a junk food

Got Real Milk?

• Pasteurized vs. Raw Milk: Is Raw Milk Safe?

What's Really in the Cereal Bowl?

• Studies show extruded cereal is toxic!

The Skinny on Fat

• Eat fat, Lose fat

The Ploy of Soy

• Myths About Isoflavones
• Traditional Versus Modern Soy Foods
• Problems with Soy Protein Isolate
• The Dangers of Soy Infant Formula

What You Don't Know About Your Energy Bar

• Do they actually give energy?

This outline is provided by www.nourishingourchildren.org To read more about each topic click on the highlighted text (links). Happy Healthy Reading!

What Parents Need to Know About Nutrition

Bisphenol A Re-appears

Salmonella in peanut butter, mercury in high fructose corn syrup, staph-resistant bacteria in pork, and now, "new and improved" bisphenol A (BPA), with longer staying power, in your very own body ~Naomi Starkman

A recent article from Organic Gardening Blog "La Vida Locavore" combines research findings from the journal Environmental Health Perspectives with media buzz about the prevalence of the potentially deadly organic compound BPA in our food, our environment, and NOW in our cells...

Read the article from La Vida Locovore by clicking here.
View the Research behind the article by clicking here.
Find another article on BPA in our bodies from Detroit Free Press here.

Sign the Kids Free Chemicals Act by clicking Here.

Bisphenol A Re-appears