Healthy Gift Basket

I bought baskets and filled them with healthy food items as Christmas gifts: organic red wine, almond milk, healthy pet snacks, quinoa, purple potatoes, dried cranberries, Celestial Seasoning Holiday tea and more. I had plans to buy product (organic/natural) at the Farmers Market (Wigwam Resort) last Sunday but it was raining when I got there and everyone was closing up early so... I went to Sprouts tonight (Christmas Eve eve is not a good time to shop. Duh.) I was going to go to Trader Joe's but the crowds were too much and I have to leave early in the morning for California.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all and to all a GOOD NIGHT!

Is it Possible to be Merry, Happy and Healthy?

YES! The Holidays don't have to become a time for over-eating and weight gain. You can avoid packing on an extra pound or two, undoing your hard work all year to maintain your fitness. A healthy balance of fun, food, and activity should do the trick. See links below for suggestions.

Livestrong
Community Health Resource Center
Mayo Clinic
The Marshall Independent
Health Discovery
Tosca Reno video interview ABC
Eating Well (Menus and Recipes)

Chia--More Than a Pet

Chia seed is the richest non-marine whole food source of Omega-3 and dietary fiber currently known to man and nutritionally superior to flax and soy. (Who knew?)
Chia seed promotes cardiovascular health, assists joint function & mobility, improves digestion & natural detoxification, and supports healthy weight loss:


getchia.com
nutsonline.com
naturalnews.com
Dr. Weil

Farmers Markets

UPDATE: Yesterday (1-8-12) we went to the Wigwam Farmer's Market. Some of the same great vendors (Avondale Farmer's Market-see below) were there. I have added some new ones and will add more (Hours: Sundays, 8:30-12:30 through April)


Poppa Maize - Gourmet Popcorn
Claudine's Kitchen - Fresh pita, hummus, tabouli, and taziki
Dust - Natural Seasonings and Rubs, Glazed Nuts and Muesli
Duncan Family Farms - Certified Organic Lettuces, Greens, and Vegetables
Crow's Dairy - Goat Cheese

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My sister and I went to the farmers market in Avondale (AZ) today (12-10-11). Though there weren't a lot of vendors, I was totally impressed with the selection and quality of the natural/organic products offered. I have listed my favorite links. Most of these vendors offer product online.

The Avondale Farmers Market

VENDORS:
Terra Verde Farms Fresh Artisan Food with Old-Fashioned Taste
Salsa Ildi "Love it After One Taste"
Decio Pasta Elegant, Handmade Pasta
Raimondo's. Great Italian Food. Farmers Market samplings (natural ingredients) were delicious.
Olar Bees (All natural Arizona Honey) Information: Olarbianca@aol.com (no website or Facebook page)
Cindi's Goatique.com Specializing in fresh bath and body products, handmade from the finest goat’s milk, natural butters, oils, scents and colors.

Super Foods!

Gleaning...gleaning...gleaning...

WebMD
Lifestyle Schizophrenia
Food Matters
Oprah.com
Super Foods RX
CNN
Natural News
Optimally Organic

Healthy Holiday Cookie Exchange Recipes

Yes, you can. You can do it! Put aside your traditional fat/sugar/calorie-laden cookie recipes (just for this year) and check out these links for healthier alternatives.


The Healthy Advocate
Eating Well
Delish
Prevention