Milton moms get healthy grocery savvy at Real Canadian Superstore
"Let food be thy medicine"-Hippocrates
Kristen Owens, a mother of 3, a Holistic Nutritionist & BioEnergetics Practitioner Holistic of 6 years, met with momstown Milton moms for a fun and interactive healthy food options session at the Real Canadian Superstore in Milton.
After the moms did their weigh-in, it was time for Kristen to tutor the eager student mamas on food choices. We entered the produce section and were reminded that "fresh is best". The Canada Food Guide recommends 12-20 servings of fruits/vegetables. Kristen suggests that this number should actually be doubled. Our fruits/vegetables are not the same as those produced 50 years ago. With soil erosion and the impact of pesticides, eating a peach today, for example, does not provide the same nutritional value as it once did in the past.
When shopping, it is recommended to buy organic produce, if possible, as your budget allows. With non-organic produce, the pesticides go right through the skin of a fruit, for instance. So with an apple, even if you were to remove the skin, you're still consuming the pesticides as the skin does not act as a barrier against the pesticides. A good tip to remember when washing produce: use 10 parts water to 1 part vinegar. With packaged salads that indicate "pre-washed", it's recommended to wash them again. There are theories that suggest that these salads are washed in chlorine.
As we moved into the pre-made dips aisle, we were told hummus is an excellent snack choice. The bread aisle was beside the pre-made dips and so Kristen recommended that we choose probiotic multi-grain bread. She reminded us to keep in mind that whole wheat still has white flour. Stone ground is a better option, look for such as stone ground rye. Also, unbleached flour doesn't necessarily make the bread healthier.
In the deli section, Kristen explained that deli meats contain nitrates which are used to preserve the meat and this wreaks havoc on the stomach/gut and is especially harmful for children. Do your research and look for nitrate-free deli meats. With meats in general, such as chicken, remember that hormones and steroids are often used. Source out, if possible, organic meats.
Moving into the Natural Foods aisle, we were educated on the importance of essential fatty acids. We need Omega 3,6,9. We tend to be deficient in Omega 3 and get more of Omega 6 (olive oil, for example). These essential fatty acids are beneficial for our hair, skin and nails. (When buying oils look for dark containers to minimize the oxidation effect).
Another thing to watch out for is the high toxins that can be in certain foods such as cheese and milk. You could buy raw milk and/or organic milk. If you're looking for milk alternatives, consider: almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, hemp milk, and coconut milk.
Kristen warned us that the word organic on packaged food does not automatically mean it's a better food option. There could be tons of sugar even in organic labelled foods. Instead of white organic rice, look for husky long grain brown rice or quinoa.
As we concluded the grocery store tour, we were cautioned to be cognizant of the toxins in food that could result in poor intestinal health.
A healthy salad dressing that you can make at home!
Mix together:
Agave
Honey
Balsamic Vinegar
Flax Oil
Herbs
Plain Yogurt
Breakfast or snack: warm toast spread with coconut oil, honey and/or almond butter
Real Canadian Superstore - Natural Foods; Organic Produce
Rowe Farms
Organic Garage
Reference Material:
Dirty Dozen
Honest Food Guide
Food Inc (documentary film)
Food Matters (documentary film)
Never Be Sick Again by Raymond Francis
Never be Fat Again by Raymond Francis
When shopping, it is recommended to buy organic produce, if possible, as your budget allows. With non-organic produce, the pesticides go right through the skin of a fruit, for instance. So with an apple, even if you were to remove the skin, you're still consuming the pesticides as the skin does not act as a barrier against the pesticides. A good tip to remember when washing produce: use 10 parts water to 1 part vinegar. With packaged salads that indicate "pre-washed", it's recommended to wash them again. There are theories that suggest that these salads are washed in chlorine.
As we moved into the pre-made dips aisle, we were told hummus is an excellent snack choice. The bread aisle was beside the pre-made dips and so Kristen recommended that we choose probiotic multi-grain bread. She reminded us to keep in mind that whole wheat still has white flour. Stone ground is a better option, look for such as stone ground rye. Also, unbleached flour doesn't necessarily make the bread healthier.
In the deli section, Kristen explained that deli meats contain nitrates which are used to preserve the meat and this wreaks havoc on the stomach/gut and is especially harmful for children. Do your research and look for nitrate-free deli meats. With meats in general, such as chicken, remember that hormones and steroids are often used. Source out, if possible, organic meats.
Moving into the Natural Foods aisle, we were educated on the importance of essential fatty acids. We need Omega 3,6,9. We tend to be deficient in Omega 3 and get more of Omega 6 (olive oil, for example). These essential fatty acids are beneficial for our hair, skin and nails. (When buying oils look for dark containers to minimize the oxidation effect).
Another thing to watch out for is the high toxins that can be in certain foods such as cheese and milk. You could buy raw milk and/or organic milk. If you're looking for milk alternatives, consider: almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, hemp milk, and coconut milk.
Kristen warned us that the word organic on packaged food does not automatically mean it's a better food option. There could be tons of sugar even in organic labelled foods. Instead of white organic rice, look for husky long grain brown rice or quinoa.
As we concluded the grocery store tour, we were cautioned to be cognizant of the toxins in food that could result in poor intestinal health.
QUICK AND EASY RECIPES:
A healthy salad dressing that you can make at home!
Mix together:
Agave
Honey
Balsamic Vinegar
Flax Oil
Herbs
Plain Yogurt
Breakfast or snack: warm toast spread with coconut oil, honey and/or almond butter
***
Shopping Suggestions: Real Canadian Superstore - Natural Foods; Organic Produce
Rowe Farms
Organic Garage
Reference Material:
Dirty Dozen
Honest Food Guide
Food Inc (documentary film)
Food Matters (documentary film)
Never Be Sick Again by Raymond Francis
Never be Fat Again by Raymond Francis
Written by Liz Marques, a momstown Milton member, and mother of 2 girls. You can check out her blog at www.orchidaforever.blogspot.ca
