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Archive for the ‘Health Food Stores’ Category

 

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Makes Stunning Announcement About GMOs – Food Revolution Network Blog.

 

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Fun for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, the Central Florida Veg Fest is a great place to learn more about healthy living, and local green businesses.  The Veg Fest offers live entertainment, cooking demonstrations by local vegan chefs, health and wellness exhibitions, and kids activities.  

The Veg Fest will be held October 22, 2011 at Loch Haven Park from 10am to 6pm.  Admission is free to this family friendly and smoke free event.  

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Do you use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)? Do you tell your doctor what you are using? If not, you could be at risk for dangerous interactions!

images-1What exactly is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

Complementary is defined as a treatment used in addition to conventional medicine.
Alternative is defined as a treatment used instead of conventional medicine.

What are some examples of CAM?

  • herbs and vitamin supplements
  • acupuncture
  • hypnosis
  • spiritual healing and prayer
  • massage
  • yoga
  • homeopathy
  • chiropractic
  • aromatherapy
  • special diets

Multiple studies have shown that the most common types of CAM used in the United States involve taking a vitamin, dietary supplement, or an herb (Cheung, Wyman, Halcon, 2007, p. 1003).

Who uses CAM?!

Lots of people! Some studies have indicated that as many as 75% of people have used some form of CAM over the last year.

What’s the big deal? If this is all natural stuff, how could this hurt me?

Great question!  Natural supplements and medicines definitely have their place in keeping us healthy and treating our ailments. BUT many patients don’t realize that their CAM use is significant to their conventional treatment they receive from their doctor, and unfortunately many doctors don’t think to ask what non-prescription items their patients are taking (Cheung, Wyman, & Halcon, 2007, p. 115).

Here are just a few examples of how taking natural products in conjunction with prescription treatment can hurt you:images

  • Some herbs can increase bleeding time, so taking a prescription anti-coagulant at the same time could case a life-threatening hemorrhage (Lindquist, Tracy, Savik, & Shigeaki, 2005, p. 63).
  • Licorice is sometimes used to settle an upset stomach, but if you have high blood pressure, beware! Licorice can also raise your blood pressure (Jonas, 2001, p. 211).
  • Many women use black cohosh to treat symptoms of menopause, but it also may “adversely affect hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast and ovarian cancers (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2005).
  • Anti-oxidants are fantastic, but they don’t mix with some cancer treatments! Radiation therapy is used to intentionally damage DNA in cancer cells, but if you use anti-oxidants at the same time, the necessary damage can’t happen (Vapiwala, Mick, Hampshire, Metz, & DeNittis, 2006, p. 472).

How can I find out if the medicines I take can be taken with my natural supplements, vitamins, herbs, and treatments?       images-2

Talk to your doctor! Every time you go to your doctor, you should update him/her on the substances that you are taking into your body (including what you rub onto your skin!). Unfortunately not all conventional doctors are aware of possible interactions, so you should also tell your pharmacist when you go to fill a prescription.

images-3

You can also do some homework yourself. Check out these great (and reputable!) sources of information about natural medicine alternatives and potential interactions with conventional drugs:

  • PDRHealth: search this database for information about drug interactions with herbs and supplements.
  • National Cancer Institute: search this database for information about the compatibility of CAM and cancer treatments.
  • Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: search this database for comprehensive information about natural medicine alternatives and potential interactions with conventional drugs.

Stay safe! Talk to your doctor and pharmacist and do your homework!

References

Cheung, C., Wyman, J., & Halcon, L. (2007, November). Use of complementary and alternative therapies in community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 13(9), 997-1006. Retrieved May 18, 2009, doi:10.1089/acm.2007.0527

Jonas, W. (2001, September). Advising patients on the use of complementary and alternative medicine. Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback, 26(3), 205-214. Retrieved June 1, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.

Lindquist, R., Tracy, M., Savik, K., & Watanuki, S. (2005, April). Regional use of complementary and alternative therapies by critical care nurses. Critical Care Nurse, 25(2), 63-75. Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition database.

Vapiwala, N., Mick, R., Hampshire, M., Metz, J., & Denittis, A. (2006, November). Patient initation of complementary and alternative medical therapies (CAM) following cancer diagnosis. Cancer Journal, 12 (6), 467-474. Retrieved May 14, 2009, from Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition database.




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I went down to get my produce and noticed the sale this weekend:

evolvesmalllogo

Last day of Evolve Store = Savings for you!
This Saturday – 11 am – 6 pm – One Day Only
622 N Thornton Ave, Orlando
407-595-3731

In light of the merger of the Evolve Store and the Homegrown Co-op, we will be leaving our building at 604 N Thornton Avenue.

We are happy to announce a ONE-DAY-ONLY clearance sale on SATURDAY JUNE 27 from 11 am – 6 pm. Select items will be discounted at a greatly reduced price.

evolvestore2

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Essential Health Market  (formally known as Economy Health) will be hosting its annual Customer Appreciation Days on Sunday, May 3rd and Monday, May 4th from 11 am – 5pm. There will be food samples and giveaways. They will also be offering blood pressure, blood analysis, glucose and cholesterol tests. All supplements are 10% off during this event! Essential Health can be found at
1035 Academy Drive
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
407-869-0000

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Hoover's Organic and Locally-Grown Produce

Hoover’s Organic and Locally-Grown Produce 

 © photo copyright Carrie Boyko 

More than a few of my neighbors in the Altamonte Springs area often whine about the lack of a larger health food market in our area. Yet, these residents of North Orange and West Seminole counties have a gem of a healthy market, tucked just off Highway 436 near its intersection with Highway 434. Hoover’s Essential Health Market, located at 1035 Academy Drive offers much that the larger organic markets do, on a smaller scale and with a personal touch.   

 

With an easy “in and out” at a traffic light, a freshly made, organic sandwich or wrap for lunch is only a few minutes’ stop at Hoover’s. While they make your sandwich, you’ll have a minute to pick up a beverage from their large selection, and add a piece of fruit, bag of snacks, nuts or other goodies to round out your day’s healthy energy sources. Herein lies the most unique offering of this hometown market.  

Hoover's Fresh Organic Sandwiches and Wraps 

Hoover’s Offers Fresh Organic

 Sandwiches and Wraps

 © copyright Carrie Boyko

 As a grocer, Hoover’s selection offers most of what I need to feed my family. While they do not carry fresh meats, their generously sized cooler and freezer sections stock natural hot dogs and sandwich meats, frozen fish options, along with plenty of vegetarian and vegan main dish choices. There is a noticeably wide assortment of frozen entrees for quick dinners or a hot lunch at the office. 

 

Add a fresh salad from their plentiful produce section and fresh bread from their bakery aisle and dinner’s ready soon after you arrive home. Local produce is clearly a priority, as it is always marked with a large tag, and greens are plentiful. Basic fruits are also available, mostly in-season, and often locally grown, such as apples, citrus fruits, lemons, and berries. Bananas are generally available, as well. 

 

A wide selection of frozen fruits and vegetables for cooking are available in the freezer section, which I’ve noticed is always well stocked. The store focuses on vitamins, health and personal care products, along with healthy food options such as fresh and frozen produce, a wide selection of dry and canned goods covering all the various food specialties such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher, to name just a few. Pet and household products also have a fairly strong presence, which I find quite helpful. 

 

You may be asking what else sets Hoover’s apart from its neighbor, Chamberlain’s. Aside from the deli, which is a big offering, their location is convenient for those who often travel Highway 436 to and from work. Special events such as blood testing, guest speakers, and new product sampling are frequent events, which add to their charm and encourage return visits. They do a good job of advertising upcoming events with signs and ads in their flyers, which most certainly enhances their business. As I arrived to take photos, a line had formed for entry into their meeting area, as a speaker was about to begin. Clearly, Hoover’s is communicating well with their target market. 

 

 

While their hours of operation are a bit unconventional, I have not found this to be a problem. Saturdays are for family, and I often avoid the grocers due to overcrowding. While Hoover’s is closed on Saturdays, they make up for this by being open Mondays-Thursdays 8 to 8, Fridays 8-5:00 p.m. (sunset), and Sundays 8 to 7, easily allowing for most customers to visit during their off-work hours. Thinking about this, it occurred to me, what a nice perk it must be to work in retail and have every Saturday off. Their employees are lucky, as are their customers who have discovered this gem.  

organically-grown-sign

 

 Carrie is a long time resident of Central Florida who enjoys dog activities, water sports, and writing about all things green and organic at her blog, Organic Journey Online. Married for 31 years, she has 3 grown children. She is also passionate about saving our dog parks in this economic crisis, and has founded Adopt a Dog Park, where you can visit to learn how to help save these sanctuaries for green family fun. 

 

 

 

 

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There’s a great coupon in the back of Moms Like Me magazine this month. (You may know this magazine as “Central FL Moms” since they recently changed the name.) The coupon is for $10 off a $40 purchase at the new Whole Foods Market on Turkey Lake Road.

You can pick this magazine up for free around town. Check their website for locations if you’re not familiar with it. Oh..wow! I just checked the main Whole Foods site and found a printable coupon that can be used at ANY location. Check it out here.

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Simon the puppy playing with his human brother!  Photo courtesy of Alexandra Holt.

Simon the puppy playing with his human brother! Photo courtesy of Alexandra Holt.

 When Simon the puppy became part of the family this year I knew that he’d join the kitties and the humans in eating a human grade whole foods diet.  I set off into the kitchen and whipped up my first batch of homemade dog food.  Simon loved it and I loved making it for him, but I wondered if I should be feeding him a raw food diet.  After all, in the wild, dogs certainly don’t cook their food! But my food, and Simon’s too, comes from the grocery store.  What if the chicken or beef I was buying him was contaminated with some sort of bacteria or parasite?  I just didn’t have enough control over the ingredients to ensure that Simon was going to avoid illness, so I cooked it and reassured myself that he was eating a fabulous diet that most dogs could only dream of.  Then I heard about The Honest Kitchen and discovered the answer to my raw food conundrum!  I really can offer Simon a safe raw food diet without moving to a farm!

About The Honest Kitchen

     The Honest Kitchen is a private, family owned company located in San Diego, California.  Lucy Postins started cooking for her Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy back in 2000.  By 2001 she had developed a recipe using all human grade raw ingredients that used dehydration as the method to preserve the food safely without removing any of the nutritional value.  In 2002, The Honest Kitchen was officially born after they located a human food manufacturer who could produce their food on a large scale.  They are a company committed to quality canine and feline nutrition.

whole dog journal - 2007 editors choice

Whole Dog Journal - 2007 Editor

  • All products and ingredients are 100% human food grade.
  • All products are produced in an FDA approved human food producing facility.
  • All meats are hormone and antibiotic free.
  • All fruits and vegetables are GMO free.
  • All grains are certified organic.
  • No chemical preservatives, no by-products, no added salt or sugar, no chemical preservatives, no artificial colors.
  • Great for dogs and cats with allergies – no beet pulp, rice, wheat, corn or soy (common allergens that cause dry, itchy skin, hair loss/dullness, lack of energy, chronic ear problems, chewing at feet, etc.).
  • The Honest Kitchen  knows that eating the exact same meal day after day isn’t good for people and it isn’t good for our pets either.  They offer a wide range of products with quality, nutritious, human quality foods.  It is easy to incorporate these products as a base for homemade whole pet food diets or BARF (biologically appropriate raw food) diets, or the product can be used as a stand alone meal (with the exception of the Preference product – you have to add your own protein).

About The Honest Kitchen’s Dehydration Process

     Dehydration is simply the process where water is removed from a substance.  When you dehydrate a food, all of the nutrients of the food remains behind.  All that is missing is the water!
  • Fruits and vegetables are dried at temperatures below 104*F and are still considered raw.
  • Meat and eggs are dried at temperatures above 120*F – high enough to kill bacteria without destroying the nutrients.  This drying method makes the meat/eggs safe enough for human consumption and allows products to be made in the human food manufacturing facility used by The Honest Kitchen.
Taking water out prevents:
  • enzymatic activity (which could cause food to decompose (rot!))
  • growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds
Taking water out does NOT destroy or kill food enzymes.  It simply suspends their activity until the food is rehydrated.
The dehydration process allows The Honest Kitchen to provide human grade raw pet foods with all of the natural nutrients present.  There is no high heat processing or extrusion used and is therefore very highly concentrated nutrition.  This process also makes the product safe for all dogs and cats at all stages of life and all stages of health.  Even an immunocompromised pet can enjoy this product!

About the Honest Kitchen Products

     Getting your first box of The Honest Kitchen product is a unique sensory experience!  The first thing you’ll notice is that it comes in a box.  The box is made from 100% American recycled, biodegradable paper and is printed with soy-based inks.  The oval cut out in the front of the box allows you a sneak peak of the food inside.  You’ll be surprised to feel how light the box is!  Removing the water from the product during the dehydration process allows The Honest Kitchen to package 17 pounds of food (once rehydrated) into a 4 pound box!  No more heavy bags of food to lug into the house!
     Time to open the box and check out this product!  Open the lid and you’ll see that the food is further packaged in partially post-consumer recycled plastic to help keep the product fresh.  Puncture the plastic and a burst of fresh spinach, kelp, parsley, and rosemary scents flood your nose.  I glanced again at the ingredients, and sure enough, those were all in the list along with dehydrated chicken, sweet potatoes, and organic quinoa.  Simon perked up at the great smells and came to join me in the kitchen.  He waited patiently at my feet as I followed the very easy to read directions on the back of the box of Thrive.
  1. “Mix 1 cup food with 1-1.5 cups of warm water.
  2. Stir well and let hydrate 5-10 minutes.
  3. Mix in your pet’s choice of vegetables, fruit, raw or cooked meats or raw meaty bones – or serve just as it is!”
     Add the water into the food and it turns into a soup like consistency.  The clock ticked closer to 5 minutes and I could visibly see that the food was rehydrating and thickening.  After 5 minutes, I could no longer fend off Simon’s begging and gave him his bowl, serving it “just as it is.”  He dove into the food with great gusto and licked the bowl clean.  

About the Honest Kitchen Culture

     
    Not sure how much of your own ingredients to add?  Not sure which product to pick?  Give them a call!  Lucy Postins, the company founder, was happy to talk with me by phone to discuss Simon’s particular nutritional needs.  Talking with Lucy gave me an insight into the corporate culture at The Honest Kitchen.
  •   Pawlanthropy is The Honest Kitchen’s philanthropic program.  In 2007, The Honest Kitchen donated 25% of their net profits to a number of animal-welfare, humanitarian and environmental charitable causes.  
  • The Honest Kitchen sincerely believe in doing their part to protect and preserve the planet by using recycled materials and the best quality products possible in their foods.  
  • This company of 11 human and 7 canine employees seem to really enjoy their pet friendly work environment and are devoted to making “pets lives better everywhere.”
Simon definitely loved this high quality, nutrient dense, human grade, dehydrated raw food meal and I loved being able to serve him this simple to prepare food from this extraordinary company.   The Honest Kitchen products can be found in the Orlando/Central Florida area at The Pet Pantry and Louise’s Pet Connection or can be ordered directly from The Honest Kitchen.   

Dog food products   

Preference: Foundation-Mix for Homemade, Grain-Free Dog Food – Just add meat!

  • Thrive:  Natural, Gluten-free Dehydrated Raw Dog Food
  • Force:  Dehydrated Raw, Grain-Free Dog Food, wheat and gluten free
  • Embark:  Dehydrated Raw, Low-Carb Dog Food
  • Verve:  Dehydrated Raw, Organic Beef and grains

Cat food products

  • Prowl:  Dehydrated raw cat food
Dog and Cat Supplements and Treats also available!

Check out these other articles for more on natural pet food diets!

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Muggs, the bull terrier, shows off The Pet Pantry\'s delivery van!  Photo courtesy of Alexandra Holt

Muggs, the bull terrier, shows off The Pet Pantry delivery van! Photo courtesy of Alexandra Holt.

Here’s welcome relief for skyrocketing gas prices – a home delivery service that brings high quality pet supplies right to your door!  The Pet Pantry has been in business for the past 4 years making home deliveries to 6 central Florida counties.  Locally owned and operated by sister-in-laws Ginny Blurton and Inga Mueller, The Pet Pantry offers human quality pet foods at a variety of price points, making it affordable and convenient to feed your furry friends a safe, healthy, and nutritious diet.  You don’t even need to worry about being home when they stop by.  They’ll weather protect your order and leave it at your front door!

 

 

The Pet Pantry strives to be environmentally and socially responsible in their business practices: 

  • Their employees are able to telecommute and live within 3 miles of their Longwood warehouse.  
  • They make 40-50 deliveries a day in their delivery van.  Carefully planned out routes help them drive and work smart – typically they drive less than 3 1/2 miles between stops.  Their customers save on gas expenses and reduce the impact on the environment by having only one vehicle on the road instead of 40-50 customers driving individual cars out to a pet food store.  
  • The Pet Pantry makes regular contributions of both money and food to many area animal rescue groups:

Greyhound Pets of America
Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid FL
Gold Coast Greyhounds
Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue
SPCA of Central Florida
Boston Terrier Rescue of FL
Pug Rescue of Florida
Central Florida Pug Rescue
Lab Retriever Rescue of Florida
Compassionate Canines
Greyhound Ranch
Cavalier Rescue USA
Candy’s Cats
Coastal Poodle Rescue
Orlando Pug Rescue & Adoption

 

Some of the product lines offered:

 

The Pet Pantry\'s Longwood Warehouse.  Photo courtesy of Alexandra Holt

The Pet Pantry

Ark Naturals  
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
Diamond Pet Foods
Eagle Pack
Holistic Select
Evanger’s
The Honest Kitchen
Innova
Merrick
Natural Balance
Nutro
Old Mother Hubbard
Orijen
Prism
Premium Edge
Snack 21
Solid Gold
Wellness
Wysong
Zuke’s

Most of the products carried by The Pet Pantry are listed on Whole Dog Journal’s Top Dog Food list!

The Pet Pantry also carries pet litter, toys, treats, grooming supplies, flea control and supplements! If you don’t see an item that you need, let them know! Special requests aren’t a problem!

“Our vision for the Pet Pantry is to someday offer daily delivery in Central Florida – to be a one-stop shop for all your pet’s needs, providing quality products- next-day delivery to your door.” Ginny Blurton, The Pet Pantry

 

Cost of delivery:

Free for orders over $25 within their regular delivery area.  $5 charge applies to orders under $25

Where they deliver:

All of Orange, Seminole, Brevard counties, most of Lake, Osceola, and Volusia counties.

When they deliver:

Each area is geographically divided by zip codes – check out their zip code delivery schedule online or call to find out when they’ll be in your area.

Want to stop by and pick up your supplies instead?

Be sure to give them a call before you head over to their Longwood warehouse – they’re happy to arrange to meet up with you. The phone number is 407-331-7387.

They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, free samples, and they don’t require a contract! Simply place a standing order for regular delivery or place an order by 2:00 pm the day before your area’s scheduled delivery day.

Want another reason to have your pet supplies delivered by The Pet Pantry? You’ll love their Join the Pack Program! Refer a friend and both of you will get 10% off of your next order!

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On the way home the other day, we stopped at Debbie’s Health Foods to get some organic eggs since we were out.  We drove up to find a large sign saying that it had moved to the other end of the shopping center.  I was pleasantly surprised when we got to the new location!  Debbie’s Health Foods is no longer a small health food store; it’s on its way to becoming a fully stocked grocery store with just about everything the health food enthusiast could need or want! 

In addition to natural remedies and supplements, they’ve got dry goods, organic produce, frozen foods, and all natural personal care and cleaning products.  I noticed that they have a pretty good selection of natural pet food as well!  I commented on the new location and was told they’re adding new items and products everyday!

Debbie\'s Health Foods of Orange City

Debbie’s Health Foods is a great option for those of us who live in or around Orange City.  I was only there for a few minutes, so I can’t comment on the prices.  I’ll add to this review if I get to visit sometime in the near future.  I hope to check it out again on the first Tuesday of the month since that’s when everything in the store is 20% off! 

Are you a regular customer?  Please take a moment to comment so others can benefit from your experience!

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