Nasopure—“The Nicer Neti!”May 15, 2012

Filed under: Natural Living - greenacres @ 1:35 PM

You may have heard of a neti pot, a small ceramic or plastic “pitcher with a spout” that is used with a saline solution to clear nasal passages.  Well, Nasopure, a company whose product is carried in our GreenAcres stores in Wichita and Kansas City, has pioneered a most effective way to maintain sinus health.  Nasopure offers a nasal wash that when demonstrated and explained promises to become a weekly, if not daily, regimen to personal hygiene and health. 

On deck to help explain the benefits of this unique way of irrigating, cleansing and moisturizing the nasal passages is Dr. Hana Solomon, creator of Nasopure and author of Clearing the Air One Nose at a Time.  She will discuss the benefits of nasal washes this Saturday, May 19 on the Healthy Half Hour from 9-9:30 a.m. on B98-FM radio.  Tune in to hear Dr. Solomon on B98, or “like” us on Facebook (there’s a page for both GreenAcres Market and the Healthy Half Hour) and listen live.  She has some interesting things to tell us about relieving sinus infections, nasal dryness and allergies.

Everyone probably knows someone with the “chronic sniffles,” or someone who continually clears his throat, yet apparently doesn’t have a cold or flu. Nasopure might be just the thing the doctor orders.  It washes nasal passages, clearing away the tiny cilia irritants that collect in the sinuses from exposure to smoke, pollutants and allergens.

The nice thing about the Nasopure system, with its saline solution and patented apparatus, YOU direct the flow through one nostril, into the sinus cavity and out the other.  It might sound difficult, but once you’ve managed the technique, you’ll “go with the flow.”

Athletes, singers, seniors, firefighters, construction workers, farmers—all are big fans of the Nasopure system.  We are, too!  Join us on the Healthy Half Hour on Saturday, May 19, and let Dr. Solomon and our GreenAcres gurus tell you more.

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The “Cliff Notes” on Why our All Natural Local Grass Fed Beef is…The BEST!May 10, 2012

Filed under: Local Vendors, Natural Living - greenacres @ 5:23 PM

Have you noticed GreenAcres meat just tastes better?  Ground buffalo, ordered fresh from Yoder meats, is all-natural, grass-fed and promises to be moist and delicious even on the grill.  In fact, we serve our famous buffalo burgers every Tuesday and Saturday afternoon right up to the Fall, and anytime we gear up for a celebration—like our Gluten Free Festival or our yearly Anniversary Party.  This year, we’ve added two more burgers to our menu: Greek lamb burgers, and for the vegetarian in all of us: Portobello mushroom burgers.  You haven’t lived till you’ve tried our burgers! 

You don’t have to wait until we fire up the grill to enjoy good, natural, hormone and antibiotic-free meat.  Stop by and take home some of our Lucky Star Beef and see if you can taste the difference.  It’s kind of like the old adage, “good in, good out.”  That’s how we feel about all natural, free-range, grass fed cattle.  It’s the purest beef you can get. 

But just for a little education, 100% all natural beef means there is nothing in that package of beef--but beef.  No additives or other substances.  Organic, grass fed means the cattle have never grazed on grasses treated with pesticides from birth to processing.  Nor have the cattle been fattened unnaturally through the use of hormones or been treated with harmful antibiotics. No grains ever have been fed to all natural, organic, grass-fed cattle.  All natural beef where the cows roam free and feed on grasses grown without dangerous pesticides has less bad fat, more good fat (omega 3s,) and that’s a good thing. The beef’s natural marbling comes from cattle which feed on pure, natural grasses and have not been fed grain during the last few months before processing.  It’s the grain that becomes harmful to humans, breaking down the livers in cattle and thus becoming toxic to us.

Certified, Angus beef only has to have 55% Angus genetic material to qualify as certified.  Lucky Star has 85% Angus material which defines what is known in the industry as “heritage breed,” kind of like what heirloom tomatoes are to produce.  It means the genetic line of beef is purer, bred for domestic purposes and is the best of the best.

So that gives you a capsulated version of what to look for when you’re buying beef or buffalo.  Later on, we’ll discuss poultry and what to look for in all natural, free-range chickens who are allowed to feed in their natural environment.  Besides being much better for you, free range, organic poultry just tastes better.

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Tropical Magnesium—It’s Essential!May 07, 2012

Filed under: Supplements - greenacres @ 3:29 PM

“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.”–Hippocrates (Father of Modern Medicine 2,500 years ago.)

With the current state of the standard diet, the fact that our food supply travels hundreds of miles from its source, and with busy, working families stressed to the max, it’s no wonder we see a proliferation of junk, processed and refined foods.  Combining healthy food choices with dietary supplements makes sense in this day and age.  That’s where GreenAcres Market comes in.  We make helping you choose the right dietary plan and necessary supplements painless--and we cut straight to the essentials.  Magnesium, is a biggie where glucose metabolism is concerned.  There’s a huge rise in diabetes in our country, so keeping blood sugars within range helps keep chronic disease at bay.  You might be surprised there are several ways to absorb this vital mineral. 

• Intravenous drips
• Foot soaks
• Bathtub soak
• Topical applications (on the skin)
• Oral intake (this method takes one-three years to raise Magnesium levels in the cells, and it unfortunately has laxative properties which might result in a life-long dependency on laxatives.  We don’t want that.)

Topical Magnesium may seem odd, but it’s actually based on age-old principles, with a little bit of new age science thrown in.  Stop by GreenAcres Market and ask our knowledgeable staff about this essential mineral.  You might discover it’s as easy as soaking in a hot bath

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Listen up!May 04, 2012

Filed under: - greenacres @ 4:22 PM

Back by popular demand, Shannon and Matt have teamed up with Wichita on-air personality, Brett Harris, from B98-FM to bring you the Healthy Half Hour every Saturday morning from 9-9:30.  It’s a fast-paced radio show that brings together some amazing, nationally-recognized experts and authors; gives you the skinny on local health news, GreenAcres Market happenings; and it’s a whole lot of fun to boot.  Do you like contests?  There are special one-day offerings on best-selling products that will knock your socks off!  Plus, we have a Facebook community of supporters you can communicate with to share ideas and thoughts.  Just type Healthy Half Hour into your Facebook search bar and like us to find out what’s going on with Shannon, Matt, Brett and their special guest of the week.  Tune into your local radio station or find the Healthy Half Hour online directly from the B98-FM homepage on Iheart.com.  One thing for sure, you will learn something every week, and you will stay in touch with your GreenAcres store in your area.  Tune us in.  We want to know what you think!

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SAY CHEESE (!)May 04, 2012

Filed under: Gluten Free - greenacres @ 2:37 PM

It's time to haul out the BBQ grill...but have you thought about actually grilling CHEESE?  In Greece, restaurants take pride in a goat cheese appetizer that's presented at table on a silver platter, drizzled with absinthe liquor and lighted on fire.  Spectacular to see--and to eat!  GreenAcres Market--both in KC and Wichita--carries the cheese that stands up to grilling: Halloumi Goat Cheese.  Our cooks have cubed and fried it and served it in bowls with our all-natural olives.  You might have noticed the abundant selection of mozzarella we have in our cheese bin this spring.  One of our favorites is a smooth and mellow buffalo mozzarella from Italy.  Sliced, with fresh basil (growing in our herb garden just around the corner from our cheeses), placed in between big, beefy slices of our Cheney Lake tomatoes, sprinkled with EVOO and a little kosher salt and pepper, you've got yourself a feast.  You can actually try some of these great cheeses at our Gluten Free Festival tomorrow from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. in both stores. And, need you ask?  Our cheese samples will be presented on gluten free crackers.  Come celebrate Cinco de Mayor at GreenAcres.  We want to introduce you to some fabulous cheeses, and a whole lot more!

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Kansas-and-Missouri-grown Farmer’s Market Kicks Off Thursday!April 30, 2012

Filed under: Classes & Events, Farmers Market - greenacres @ 9:47 AM

Come on down to the GreenAcres weekly Farmers Market!  We’re kicking off the spring season and firing up the grill in the Briarcliff parking lot this coming Thursday from 3-7p.m.  On the menu this year, in addition to our much-in-demand buffalo burgers, will be grilled all-natural Greek lamb burgers.  And, for our Vegetarian friends, moist and succulent Portobello mushroom burgers.  Missouri and Kansas farmers will be out in full force presenting their 100 percent organic produce in addition to the yummiest jams, jellies and homemade baked goods. 

You’re sure to hear us before you actually see us--we’ll have live music on the sidewalk.  Park where you can and make your rounds to sample some of the best home-grown products anywhere.  Of course, we’re prejudice, but we love our farmer-vendors.  There’s a woman who cans her own mustards; a man who makes homemade pastas; a berry vendor who has fresh blueberries, blackberries and strawberries.  Like a little spice in your life?  Check out the authentic Mexican tamales and salsas--yummm.  We can never forget man’s best friend.  Furry Friend’s dog treats will have something special you can take home to Fido!  Oh, and Jerry’s Furniture will once again have handcrafted furniture for sale.

When you’re tired of all the seeing, visiting and buying outside, step inside GreenAcres for some samplings of our own products: cheese and crackers, organic chips and dips…and to wash it all down, tastings from our wine collection.  There will be other product demonstrations, and as always, the GreenAcres knowledgeable staff will be on deck to answer any and all questions about wholesome, healthy living.  Welcome to spring!

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Sparkling Probiotic Drink to Your Health!April 26, 2012

Filed under: Savings, Supplements - greenacres @ 11:00 AM

Probiotics is the buzz word these days.  Live strains of probiotics can promote health and aid digestion.  Green Acres is a big promoter of healthy immune systems through the use of natural probiotic drinks and yogurts.  If you’re the least bit iffy about intestinal symptoms and want balance and harmony in your digestive system, you’ll want to ask our knowledgeable staff which strength of probiotic drinks might be good for you.  Kevita is a product that can give you the same benefits as yogurt, but with coconut water instead of dairy.  Probiotics inhibit harmful pathogens and toxins from producing bacteria which upset your body’s natural immune system.  Probiotic drinks and yogurt cultures can alleviate chronic intestinal inflammatory disease and aid in the prevention of pathogen-induced diarrhea and urinary tract infections.  At Green Acres we carry a variety of probiotic products that are tasty and no-fat, and have the potential to alleviate digestive diseases. Probiotic drinks such as Kevita contain no sugar, and they’re caffeine free.  Low sodium and zero fat, Kevita is a lovely way to introduce your family and friends to healthy living.

Visit Green Acres by the end of April to take advantage of Kevita products on sale: $2.59 a bottle.

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Roasted Rhubarb Salad—Celebrate Spring!April 23, 2012

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 8:47 AM

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.

2. Toss rhubarb with sugar in a medium bowl until well coated; let stand, stirring once or twice, for about 10 minutes. Spread in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until just beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, oil, shallot, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add greens; toss to coat with the dressing. Divide the greens among 4 plates. Top with the rhubarb, goat cheese (or feta), walnuts and raisins.

recipe from EatingWell.com

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Mark Your Calendars for Earth Day—April 22ndApril 20, 2012

Filed under: Natural Living - greenacres @ 11:58 AM

Top 5 ways to celebrate Earth Day:

It’s a Sunday!  Stretch your legs.—Since most of us don’t have work on Sundays, try riding your bicycle or walking wherever you want to go this Earth Day.  You might even find you’re supporting local businesses closer to home.  If you enjoy it, try doing it every Sunday; then add another day that works for your schedule.  Before you know it, you’ll be buying less gas, and getting more exercise during your week.

Go Organic—Plan a fresh feast for your Earth Day using only organic ingredients. You might be surprised at the quality and even the flavor.  Many people find that switching over to organic in some of the fruit, veggie, and meat varieties they love offers more taste, greater freshness, and little difference to their pocketbooks.

Leave it!—If you’re planning to mow your lawn this Sunday, leave the clippings right where they drop!  They act as a fertilizer to your lawn, and save another trash bag going to the landfill.  You might also find that leaving your clippings means you use less water on your yard!

Unplug.—This is the oldest one in the book.  But we’re not just talking about turning off your lights when you leave the room.  Try one full day without electronics…and if you’re brave, try it without appliances.  That means no TV, computer, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, stove…and the list goes on.  Can you use your grill for meats and try raw, fresh veggies?  You just might find out how natural and healthful it feels to eat and live without our modern-day crutches.  Try it and see for yourself.  It’s just one day!  If you like it, try it once a month, once a week, or carve out a section out of every day to “unplug!”

Paper or Plastic?  Neither, please.—This is one that is near and dear to our hearts here at GreenAcres: using reusable cloth bags.  They’re not just for the beach anymore.  Cloth bags can be used for all your purchases, from groceries to sandals; from lunch on the go to that necklace you’ve been eyeing in the window.  Twelve million barrels of oil were used to make the 88.5 billion plastic bags consumed in the United States last year.  That’s a lot of oil!  You can help reduce that number with your own reusable bags…get a collapsible one for your purse or pocket, keep a few in the car, and hang a couple by the door.  Each shopping trip can make a difference!

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Feel Alive! —and register to win a FREE Kindle FireApril 16, 2012

Filed under: Savings, Supplements - greenacres @ 9:05 AM

With all this horrible Kansas weather, we should all feel lucky to be alive!  Embrace it with Nature’s Way “Alive” family of products.  From Ultra Shakes to everyday multi’s for every age range, you’ll find just the vitamin supplement you’re looking for.  You can even find adult gummy vitamins for those of us embracing our inner child! 

Alive vitamins promise 26 or more fruits and vegetables per serving, so you know you’re getting what your body needs, from whole food sources.  Gummies are made sans gelatin with no artificial flavors or preservatives, and all Alive products are gluten free and vegetarian.  

Choose from Children’s multi’s—chewables and gummies—adult multi’s for men, women, men 50+, and women 50+, or Whole Food Energizers with added Iron.  No matter what your nutritional needs are, these multivitamins are up to the challenge!  Stop by the store thru April 30^th to pick up any of these incredible products 40% off the entire month—and register to win a FREE Kindle fire while you’re here!  You won’t want to miss this incredible savings!

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Mushrooms: Not Just in Super Mario Brothers?April 12, 2012

Filed under: Natural Living, Recipes - greenacres @ 11:25 AM

When most people think of mushrooms, they probably think of the Mario Brothers games or stuffed mushroom appetizers.  But how often do you think of mushrooms as superfood?  Did you know that mushrooms can help your body to fight off viruses, kill unwanted bacteria in your system, and even lower cholesterol and control blood pressure?  It’s true!

Mushrooms have been valued as medicinal foods by the Chinese for centuries.  People even today will pay hundreds, even thousands, of dollars per ounce for certain rare and desirable mushrooms.  Mushrooms are special fungi that are low in calories, but high in nutritive value.  They are comprised of 80-90% water, with very low sodium and fat, with 8-10% of the dry weight in dietary fiber.  They’re ideal for those wanting to help their bodies shed unwanted fat or watch their cholesterol count.

Mushrooms are also an excellent source of potassium.  Potassium is a mineral that can support your body in its effort to lower elevated blood pressure, and can even reduce the risk of stroke.  One medium-sized Portobello mushroom cap contains even more potassium that a banana or a  glass of orange juice.  One serving of mushrooms also provides about 20-40% of the daily value of copper, a mineral that has cardio-protective properties. 

We’re all looking to eat foods that are healthier for our bodies, but at the end of the day, they have to taste good, or we’ll buy them, eat them once, and let them spoil in our kitchen cabinets.  Not so with mushrooms.  They’re rich in umami—the uniquely savory fifth taste—without the sodium or MSG. And with around 14,000 varieties, you’re bound to find one that fits your palette.  Add a couple mushrooms to your salad, throw them in a soup for a rich, delicious savory-ness, try that Portobello burger you’ve been passing up at your local burger joint, or put them in a sauce to top lean proteins like chicken and fish.  There are so many ways to incorporate this delicious superfood into your everyday diet—start today and feel the difference!

A Quick and Easy Recipe to Get You Started on Your Mushroom Trail:

Mushroom and Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

12 Italian bread slices, grilled.
6 lettuce leaves.
1 medium avocado.
1 lb white mushrooms.
12 oz red bell pepper, diced.
12 oz green bell pepper, diced.
½ cup of sherry wine vinegar.
½ cup of basil leaves, chopped.
¼ cup of whole grain mustard.
1/8 cup of olive oil.

Directions:

In a suitably sized bowl, mix the mustard, vinegar, basil, bell peppers and olive oil, then set aside.

Wash and slice the white mushrooms. Add the mushrooms to the dressing and marinate for 15 minutes.

Place each salad portion on a lettuce leaf.  Slice the avocado and place on top.

Serve with two slices of grilled Italian bread.

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April Bonus Buys, Continued!April 09, 2012

Filed under: Savings, Supplements - greenacres @ 1:03 PM

Organic Sea Buckthorn--Sea Buckthorn is a natural super-food found originally in Asia, where it’s been used medicinally for hundreds of years both internally and externally.  We in the West are just now learning the amazing benefits of this hardy shrub.  It is used to provide nutritive support for healing serious skin ailments such as eczema and radiation burns, and helps to fight fatigue and boost energy.  It also boosts immune functions and cardiovascular health, and is a known anti-oxidant.   Try Solaray’s 16 oz. liquid version this month for just $11.99.  That’s a 40% savings!

Astaxanthin-- Astaxanthin is classified as a xanthophyll, which is a carotenoid pigment found in fish and algae.  It helps to provide the natural color in these organisms.  Astaxanthin is a super antioxidant whose unique structure allows it to exist in both lipid and aqueous environments, enabling it to be active throughout the body.  It helps to fight free radicals in the skin so as to maintain a natural, healthy glow, and can decrease the effects of inflammation that can make us sluggish and fatigued.

GOL Raw Protein--Are you getting enough protein in your diet? Protein is vital for your health. It provides building blocks for muscles, skin, blood, hair, nails as well as your internal organs, including your heart and brain. Our hormones need them, our immune system needs them and our general energy and vitality requires adequate protein. Garden of Life has a winning formula, Raw Protein, which is made from thirteen raw sprouts providing 18 grams of protein fortified with fat-soluble nutrients – Vitamins A, E, D and K plus enzymes and probiotics to support digestive health! If you have food sensitivities, are vegan or vegetarian, don’t want soy or whey protein – Garden of Life Raw Protein could be the ticket for you!

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Easter is Sunday: Dye Your Eggs the Natural Way!April 05, 2012

Filed under: Natural Living, Recipes - greenacres @ 11:35 AM

Spring has officially sprung!  We’re starting to cut our lawns, buds are morphing into leaves, and Easter is just around the corner…  If you’re thinking of dying some hard boiled eggs this year, why not take the all natural route?  All natural ingredients straight from Mother Earth can offer an endless variety of colors for your celebrations.  With a little patience and creativity, you can have a beautiful, elegant display this Easter that will “wow!” your guests at your traditional brunch.

Supplies:

Mordant: Alum, cream of tartar, or white vinegar will help the colors penetrate the eggshell.  These aren’t absolutely necessary, but you’ll usually get better results if you use one of the above.

Pots: Enamel or glass for soaking (aluminum is not recommended)

Water: Use distilled or filtered water

Eggs: White eggs will display the subtle, natural colors better than brown or green eggs; but these colorful variations can be fun all by themselves

Dyestuff: Try any herb or spice that looks like a good candidate (especially those that provide a pop of color).  The more eggs you’re dyeing, the more dyestuff you’ll need.

Recipe:

These are just guidelines!  The beauty of the natural method is its flexibility.  Try your own proportions and adjust as necessary!

4 cups water

Dyestuff (about 2-4 Tablespoons of ground herbs and spices, or 1 cup of whole or cut and sifted ingredients)

1 tablespoon mordant (alum, cream of tartar, or white vinegar)

4-6 hard boiled eggs, washed to remove any coating (use raw for hot bath, or hard boiled for cold)

A few tried and true methods:

Hot Bath:

The hot back method takes a bit less time that the cold bath, and can create a more pigmented dye, depending on the material.  You’ll find out best by trial and error with small batches of “dyestuff” and water.

Bring water, dyestuff, and mordant to a boil.  Add raw eggs and reduce heat to simmer.  Cook for about 15 minutes, removing from heat.  Cover and let sit another 15 minutes or more, until desired color is reached (the longer the eggs sit in the dye, the deeper the color will be).  Remove eggs, gently rinse in lukewarm water, and let air dry.

Cold Bath:

Make a dyebath by bringing water, dyestuff, and mordant to a boil.  Simmer the dyestuff until the water is deeply colored, anywhere from half an hour to a couple of hours.  Strain the liquid and cool.  Add hard-boiled eggs to the dye, and let soak until desired color is reached (overnight in the refrigerator if desired).

A few color tips to get you started:

Reddish Blue/Lavender: Hibiscus flowers

Deep Gold:  Turmeric Root Powder

Pale Yellow:  Safflower petals

Pale Orange: Curry Powder

Reddish Brown:  Chili Powder

Orange:  Paprika

Soft Brown:  Dill Seed

Tannish Yellow:  Yarrow

Purple/Reddish:  Red Cabbage Leaves

Pink/Red:  Beet Juice or Beet Powder

Good luck!  And most of all, have fun with it!  Happy Easter!

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Great Buys on Your Favorite Supplements!April 02, 2012

Filed under: Savings, Supplements - greenacres @ 4:37 PM

NightRest  from Source Natural combines the powerfully calming properties of melatonin and GABA with key amino acids and soothing herbs. GABA, an amino acid, inhibits nerve transmission in the brain, calming nervous activity and acting as a natural tranquilizer for your body.

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is produced from the world’s highest quality all natural materials. Unlike synthetic CoQ10, the all-natural form is identical to the body's own coenzyme Q10 for maximum bioavailability and superior effectiveness. Coenzyme Q10, also called Co Q10 or Ubiquinone, is a natural substance essential to cellular energy production. It is also an antioxidant which scavenges free radicals throughout the body. Co Q10 works well with Vitamin E and other antioxidants to support a healthy cardiovascular system.

Enzymatic Therapy Acidophilus Pearls are one of our best-selling probiotics.  Probiotics support digestive, immune, and skin health by delivering key healthy bacteria to your gut.  They can help relieve occasional gas, and inconsistencies with your bowels.  They are also great for those with sensitive stomachs or certain food intolerances.  Probiotics ensure that your body is not weighed down by toxins, leaving your body free to maintain its health from the inside out.

Biotin, aka Vitamin H or Vitamin B2, plays a major role in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and sugars.  It is essential for healthy cell growth, and is recommended for the healthy maintenance of hair, scalp, skin and muscles.

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Fool Your Family This April Fools!March 29, 2012

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 10:02 AM

April Fool’s Meatloaf Cake – No Joking Here!

Sure to become a family, year-round favorite!

Meat Loaf:

2 lb lean organic or grass-fed ground beef

3 large eggs

1 C gluten free bread crumbs

2/3 C sliced green onions

1/2 C milk

1/2 C chopped fresh parsley

3 large garlic cloves, minced

2 T Worcestershire sauce

1 t salt

1/4 t black pepper

“Frosting”

3 1/2 C hot mashed potatoes

8 cherry tomatoes, stems removed, halved, or drizzled ketchup

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs (use Glutino or substitute for a gluten free cake!), green onions, milk, parsley, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, just until blended. Divide mixture between two 8-inch round cake pans, patting to cover pans evenly and make level. Bake 45-60 minutes in center of oven.

Pour off juices from pans. Invert 1 meat loaf onto a flat serving plate. Spoon mashed potatoes on top of the first layer and smooth with a rubber spatula.  Invert second meat loaf on top of frosted first layer. Using a spatula, spread 2 1/2 cups mashed potatoes over top and sides of meat loaf. Spoon remaining potatoes into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe swirls around top edges of cake. Pipe stars around bottom of cake.  Place cherry tomato halves, in a ring around top of meat loaf “cake” to resemble cherries. Cut meat loaf into wedges; serve April Fool’s Meat Loaf Cake immediately.

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Naturtint—The Natural Approach to Hair ColorMarch 26, 2012

Filed under: Savings - greenacres @ 2:12 PM

Our lives are full of harmful chemicals.  It’s basically impossible to escape them.  They are infused in the very chairs we’re sitting in, in the sheetrock that surrounds us, in the plastics in our computer.  And then there are the more obvious chemicals that we use habitually.  The most troublesome of these commonplace chemicals for many women is hair dye and the intense odors and sensations associated with traditional ammonia-based varieties.  Naturtint takes the worry out of dying your hair, especially as a regular user.  Naturtint formulates their dyes with completely plant-based materials, and no harsh chemicals to treat, protect, and of course tint your hair to match the color you love. 

• Naturtint's active plant-based ingredients protect and regenerate hair fibers, restoring lost vitality and shine, even in hair previously damaged by aggressive coloring processes and treatments. 
• Naturtint is ammonia free and paraben free and does NOT contain, resorcinol, silicones, paraffin, mineral oils, heavy metals, artificial fragrances, SLS or formaldehyde derivatives. 
• Wheat proteins substantially reduce hair breakage. Hair fibers appear smooth and soft, bringing back the healthy shine of young, natural hair. 
• Sunflower extract provides increased protection against the elements, so your new hair color maintains its rich color for up to 5 weeks.
• Ultra-concentrated micro-pigments penetrate to the deepest layers of your hair, giving it an intense and vibrant color that won't fade with washing.
• Naturtint's revolutionary healthy and effective hair coloring formula provides permanent hair color and complete coverage from the first application, even for gray hair.

And the best part is, with all these natural benefits, you still get the color spectrum that you need and want!  See below for all the colors that Naturtint provides to match the perfect shade you have in mind!

Plus, catch them on sale for the rest of March for just $10.69.  That’s a 40% savings.  Wow!  Hurry in while supplies last!

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Start Your Seedlings Now for a Great Summer Crop!March 22, 2012

Filed under: Natural Living - greenacres @ 4:32 PM

With all this unexpectedly warm weather and the absolute deluge of rain we’ve had in the last few days, we’re all itching to get out and do some digging in the garden.  What better way to set up your veggie garden for big things this season than seeding inside during this wet spell?  Choose from tons of seeds in the store from Seeds of Change.   Starting your own seedlings will give you a far greater variety than buying them from a nursery.  There are a huge variety of edible plants available in seed packets that you simply can’t find as seedlings in a nursery.  Try something new this year!  It just might be your favorite variety of ___ yet!

Here are a few simple tips to starting your in-home seedling operation.  It’s deceptively easy and incredibly rewarding!

1. Assemble your equipment.  You’ll need seed-starting containers (I like egg cartons or old seedling cups from nurseries collected over the years), starting medium or soil mix, watering can, and your seeds!
2. Plant 2-3 seeds in each well/pot.  Cover the seeds to a depth of three times their thickness by carefully sprinkling them with light, dry potting soil or seed-starting medium.
3. Note: be sure you label which container has which plants.  It’s easy to confuse some plants when they’re so young, and varieties can be impossible to decipher even once they’re grown.
4. Set the flats or pots in shallow containers of water and let them soak until the surface of the planting medium looks moist. You can also gently mist the mix with a fine-topped watering can nozzle so as not to displace the seeds.
5. Cover the container using clear plastic or a floating row cover for seeds that need light, or black plastic, damp newspaper, or burlap for those that prefer the dark.  Your seed packet will tell you what is recommended for that variety.
6. You’re done!  Just place your seedling containers in a warm place (in light if needed for germination) and monitor them daily for moistness, light exposure, warmth, etc.

Here’s to the vegetable garden of your wildest dreams this summer!  Don’t forget to share the bounty of your crop with neighbors, and, of course, brag about your prize tomatoes to everyone you meet.  Happy gardening!

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Spring is Springing!March 19, 2012

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 1:28 PM

As the old adage goes, April showers bring May flowers…

We seem to be a month ahead of schedule!  All this warm weather and these rainy days make it easy to believe that tomorrow is the first day of spring.  The trees are in bloom, daffodils and tulips are shooting up, and the sun is bringing everything to life.  And of course, the onset of spring means so many wonderful foods that have been imported or unavailable throughout the winter are now available closer to home, and fresher!  Look for in-season veggies like asparagus, artichokes, and celery root in the produce section.  As the warm weather continues we’ll be getting more and more veggies that are fresher and more local than we’ve seen them throughout this winter.  You can’t get it any fresher than buying your produce straight from the farmer.  Stay tuned for a start date for our seasonal Farmer’s Market on the website and the blog!

In the meantime, try this incredible, fresh spring recipe for a dose of Mother Nature’s spring treat, and a twist on everyone’s favorite, classic potato salad!  This recipe is brought to you by Judy L. Young, cookbook author and produce expert extraordinaire!  Sign up to receive her emails, and get more great fresh produce tips and recipes here.  Judy partners with our parent store in Wichita, KS, but you can order her book at her website, and sign up to receive helpful hint e-mails!

Grandma’s NO-Potato Salad

•  3 c. Celery Root, small diced, cooked
•  2 hard-boiled eggs, diced
•  ¼ c. green onion, finely sliced
•  ½ c. bell pepper, any color, diced small
•  ¼ c. regular table celery, diced small
•  ¼ c. dill pickle relish (no sugar)
•  ¼ c. real mayonnaise
•  2 T. mustard
•  1 pinch coarse ground pepper

To prepare the Celery Root:

Choose heavy bulbs, as they are freshest. This plant is not grown for the green celery tops but rather simply for the large meaty root bulb. You can use the tops, if available, to make veggie broth.

You'll need a stiff veggie brush to clean it. Immerse it in cold water in your sink and scrub the dickens out of it to loosen the sand embedded in the hairy roots. Place in a deep saucepan, add 2" of water, cover and steam for 20-30 min, until tender or a knife point enters the side of the bulb easily. Allow to cool, and the skin will slide right off like paper. You can refrigerate the cooked bulbs for several days before preparing the salad or you can dice it up and store in the freezer for a couple of months. Buy them when they are in season, cook and freeze for future use. Be sure to package in serving sizes that fit your needs.

Directions:

Place all ingredients into a large glass salad bowl, except the mayo and mustard. Add them last, squirt the mustard on top of the mayo being sure not to get the mustard on the other ingredients. Mix the mustard into the mayo then stir both into the salad, mixing well.  Enjoy!

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Everyone Needs Magnesium!—Learn more Thursday 3/22, 7pmMarch 15, 2012

Filed under: Classes & Events - greenacres @ 1:46 PM

Did you know that magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, and is essential to your good health?  Virtually every organ and system of your body needs magnesium to function at its peak. 

Magnesium therapy is the most efficient way to deliver this vital nutrient. When used topically, magnesium oil is rapidly absorbed -- quickly boosting magnesium levels in your body. This effect can not only restore healthy levels of magnesium to muscles (and ultimately to cells throughout the body) but also provide your body with all the benefits associated with high levels of magnesium. Magnesium is a natural muscle nourisher and relaxant.  Benefits may include the relief of aches and pains, increased energy and cardiovascular support.  It also supports the detoxification processes, brain function and healthy skin, improves mood and reduces tension-related stress, and numerous other health benefits.

You can already see all the important roles that magnesium plays in your body!

Join Brandon Amalani as he helps you discover:

• Why we can get deficient in magnesium, and what signs to look out for.
• How the foods and drinks (including energy drinks) that we consume can actually be leaching magnesium from our bodies.
• Why it’s difficult to get magnesium from food, and even from most magnesium supplements.
• Magnesium’s role in energy production and restful sleep.

Call the store at 816-746-0010 for further class details or to register.  We look forward to seeing you for this important class!

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Celebrate the Luck ‘O the Irish with Us!March 12, 2012

Filed under: - greenacres @ 5:00 PM

Are you Irish or are you “Irish for a Day”?  No matter your answer, this Saturday will be YOUR day to party as we all celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.  GreenAcres Market will be celebrating with you by “wearing the green”!

You can find St. Pat’s celebration items throughout our store.  Be sure to check out shamrock-shaped cookies from McTavish Shortbread and Gianna’s Homemade Baked Goods.  We’ll also be the stop for all your party needs, including artisan cheese & crackers and chips & dips.

Keep on the lookout for a special savings coupon on the weekly e-newsletter later this week.  To receive our weekly emails with store specials and great health news, sign up here.

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Vitamin D, the New Vitamin C…?March 08, 2012

Filed under: Natural Living, Supplements - greenacres @ 2:20 PM

You may have heard about Vitamin D in the news recently.  Maybe you watch Dr. Oz, or Oprah, or subscribe to a health news blog.  Lots of folks are talking about it, and they all seem to be saying more or less the same thing:  the U.S. has a major problem with Vitamin D deficiency.  Research shows that 40% of the U.S. population is Vitamin D deficient.  But what does that mean for our health?  This is where some research differs, but the jury has weighed in, and it’s not good.

“Vitamin D3 deficiency can result in Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Depression, Psoriasis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Kidney Stones, Osteoporosis, & Neuro-degenerative disease including Alzheimer’s Disease. Eventually, Vitamin D deficiency may even lead to Cancer (especially breast, prostate, and colon cancers),” says Nurse Practitioner and Diabetes Educator Pamela Egan.  ‘Vitamin D3 is believed to play a role in controlling the immune system (possibly reducing one’s risk of cancer and autoimmune diseases), increasing neuro-muscular function and decreasing falls, improving mood, protecting the brain against toxic chemicals, and potentially reducing pain.  Vitamin D3 is both a vitamin and a hormone. It acts as a vitamin when it binds with calcium for proper absorption. Humans cannot digest calcium without adequate amounts of Vitamin D3.”

You’re probably starting to see all the important roles that Vitamin D3 plays in our bodies.  Proper levels can help us to stave off infections, prevent certain types of cancer, keep dangerous chronic conditions at bay, and more. 

Studies from the Vitamin D Council suggest that there is no easy way to tell who is Vitamin D deficient and who is not: “Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency could be described as chronic pain, weak bones, frequent infections, depression, etc., but the same will not be true for everyone who is deficient. Because the possible effects of vitamin D deficiency are wide-ranging and can manifest in the body in any number of ways, there are no specific associated symptoms.” 

So how do you know if you are Vitamin D deficient?  There are some correlations between certain variables and an individual’s likelihood for deficiency.  For instance, seniors and those with darker colored skin are more likely to be Vitamin D deficient due to the skin’s lack of responsiveness to sunlight.  Of course, if you’re not seeing enough sun (you work indoors all day, and stay indoors in your evenings) you’re likely not getting enough sunlight for your body to keep up with manufacturing proper levels of Vitamin D. 

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should also be mindful of their Vitamin D intake.  Studies show that up to 76% of pregnant mothers are severely vitamin D deficient.  Deficiency can be passed onto the child if the mother is not producing or in-taking proper levels of Vitamin D.  This can cause widespread vitamin D deficiencies in their unborn children, which predisposes them to type 1 diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia later in life. 81% of the children born to these mothers were deficient.

So what can you do?  Getting more sunlight and spending more time outdoors is an option for some, but not all.  A high-quality Vitamin D supplement is recommended to ensure the body’s absorption, and that proper levels are maintained in the body.  We have many Vitamin D options available at GreenAcres.  Check out this month’s Country Life Vitamin D3 Bonus Buy…45% off thru March!

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Great Bonus Buys for March!!March 05, 2012

Filed under: Natural Living, Savings, Supplements - greenacres @ 1:48 PM

Did you see our newsletter for March?  We’re featuring 8 products and even 1 entire line throughout March, so you can find the supplements you love, and your body needs...at a great value.   Now who can argue with that?  Stop by and see for yourself the top-quality dietary supplements that we’re featuring!  We work tirelessly behind the scenes to get great deals from our vendors, and to pass on that savings to you, our customer.  Not sure what all those things are?  Find a short synopsis of each one below, and enjoy the savings!

Methylcobalamin—Now that’s a mouthful!  This tongue-twister is a particular form of B₁₂ vitamin that is useful in treating conditions that arise from a lack of B₁₂, like pernicious anemia.  It can also be helpful in managing neurological disorders associated with diabetes.  Get the Solgar brand and receive 40% off the original price!

Vitamin D3—Have you heard about Vitamin D yet?  Just this morning I was talking to a local producer who said that “Vitamin D is the new Vitamin C!”  It changed her life around when she started taking it, and it could do just the same for you.  Research shows that 40% of the U.S. population is Vitamin D deficient.  Wow!  That’s a big problem.  Did you know that Vitamin D deficiency can be one of the root causes associated with obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and more?   Find out more about the amazing effects of Vitamin D Thursday on our blog.

“Perfect” Multi’s—New Chapter has come out with a new line of targeted Multi-Vitamins, specifically formulated to assist each individual in the area they need the most.  This month find Perfect Energy, Perfect Immune, and Perfect Calm Buy One Get One Free!  These multivitamins are whole-food complexes of vitamins, herbs, roots, and other whole foods that absorb most effectively in our bodies for maximum impact, and maximum healing.  Learn more at these links: Perfect Calm, Perfect Energy, Perfect Immune

Magnesium Malate—Source Naturals Magnesium Malate is a compound of magnesium and malic acid.  Magnesium plays an important role in over 300 enzymatic reactions that play a part in your body’s metabolism (and is a great boon to your heart health!), while malic acid is a natural fruit acid present in most cells in the body.  It, too, is a key ingredient in enzymatic processes, and an important component of efficient energy production.  It’s 40% off now thru the 31^st.

5-HTP—A natural little amino acid with a big job!  At least one of my co-workers here at GreenAcres swears by 5-HTP to keep her calm when she’s stressed—and with two young boys, that happens pretty often!   5-HTP is used as an antidepressant, appetite suppressant, and sleep aid.  Ever heard of that chemical, tryptophan, that’s in your Thanksgiving turkey?  It’s the one that makes us sleepy after that big feat.  5-HTP is its mild, calming cousin.  Try the Natural Factors brand 45% off thru March.

B Complex 100—B Vitamins are little miracle workers, especially when they are all combined into one convenient package.  They are thought to increase the rate of metabolism, maintain healthy skin, hair, and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function, and more.  They are even thought to reduce the risk of some types of cancers.  Get the Solaray version at 45% off this month!

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March is National Nutrition Month!March 01, 2012

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 1:16 PM

March is National Nutrition Month!  National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign is designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.  For more about National Nutrition Month, visit the webpage.  In honor of this month, we're bringing you loads of helpful hints, new and useful products, and more to help you feel healthier in your own skin!  Keep checking back on our blog for recipes, tips, product features, and more!

Everyone wants to feel healthy in their bodies.  That means making all the little choices correctly; and for most of us, that is easier said than done.  It seems so much easier to throw together a pizza than a salad, or to watch our favorite TV program than take a stroll around the block.  But part of living a healthier life is finding the simple solutions that work for you.  Don’t try to take a lot of time on a busy weeknight making an elaborate meal for yourself or your family.  Throw together something quick. Stock the things that make it easy on you, and make it part of your routine. 

Below you’ll find two healthy recipes that take almost no preparation: use pre-cut filets for the salmon (remember to get at least 2 servings of fish per week!), jarred minced garlic, and real bottled lemon juice (not from concentrate!) as super easy substitutes that save you time and still give you the taste and the nutrition you want and need.  For the salad, stock pre-cut, pre-washed baby spinach, pre-shredded Romano, and ready-made salad dressings from all natural companies like Newman’s and Annie’s.  This is a dinner you can easily be making once or twice a week, substituting a chicken breast or a handful of shrimp for the salmon, and tweaking the salad toppings to match your taste and lifestyle.  Go Greek and do feta cheese, canned artichoke hearts, your favorite olives, and roasted red peppers with grilled or baked chicken breasts; try it Cali-style and go with turkey, avocados, tomatoes, red onions, and toasted slivered almonds. There are so many variations on this theme…make it yours!  And start your wellness journey today!

Baked Salmon

Ingredients

2 cloves garlic, minced

6 tablespoons light olive oil

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

2 (6 ounce) fillets salmon

Directions

In a medium glass bowl, prepare marinade by mixing garlic, light olive oil, basil, salt, pepper, lemon juice and parsley. Place salmon fillets in a medium glass baking dish, and cover with the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator about 1 hour, turning occasionally.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Place fillets in aluminum foil, cover with marinade, and seal. Place sealed salmon in the glass dish, and bake 25 to 35 minutes, until easily flaked with a fork.

Simple Spinach Salad

Ingredients

1 (6 ounce) package fresh spinach

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1/3 cup raspberry walnut vinaigrette

1 tablespoon finely shredded Romano cheese 

Directions

Combine the spinach, cranberries, walnuts, vinaigrette, and Romano cheese in a large bowl; toss until spinach is evenly coated. Serve immediately.

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Broccoli Rabe. Alias: Rapini.  Known Health Food.  Armed with Nutrients and Dangerously Healthy.February 27, 2012

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 9:04 AM

Broccoli Rabe, Raab, Broccoletti, Rob, Rapini...this little green plant has many names, and chances are most of us wouldn't know what it was if it bit us.  It's a mysterious veggie.  No one is sure if it originates from the Mediterranean or from China.  To see it you would think it was a hybrid between Chinese broccoli (a.k.a. broccolini) and mustard greens.  And you wouldn't be too far off.  Broccoli Rabe comes from the turnip family, or the brassica genus.  Its relations include cabbage, kale, cauliflower and mustard.  You're probably starting to get an idea of the taste already.  Like most greens and other brassicas (think brussels sprouts and kale) it has the potential for serious bitterness.  But if you get them on the young side of the peak of their season, they're sweet, earthy, nutty, and absolutely delicious!

Rapini is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, calcium, and iron.  Like many hearty greens, it's a powerhouse of good fuel and vital nutrients for your body!  Broccoli rabe is best prepared sauteed or boiled.  In the Mediterranean it is traditionally prepared with garlic, chili pepper, and flavorful pork dishes like sausage, pork ribs, or porchetta.  As a safety precaution from any potential bitterness, many chefs suggest blanching the cooked greens in ice water.

Try this delicious classic sauteed Raab recipe...with a sweet twist!  For a complete meal, try it served with your favorite bratwurst and quinoa boiled in chicken stock.

Sauteed Broccoli Rabe

Ingredients

• 4 bunches (12 to 16 ounces each) broccoli rabe (rapini), stems trimmed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup raisins (regular or golden)
• Salt
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Directions

Working in batches, cook the broccoli rabe in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp tender, about 1 minute per bunch. Transfer the broccoli rabe to a large bowl of ice water to cool. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. Strain the cooled broccoli rabe and set aside.

Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and saute until the garlic is golden, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the broccoli rabe and toss to coat. Add the reserved cooking water, the raisins, and cook until the broccoli rabe is heated through and the stems are tender, about 4 minutes. Season with salt, to taste. Just before serving, toss the mixture with the pine nuts.

Recipe courtesy foodnetwork.com

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Avocados—Preventing Bad Cholesterol 1 Tablesponn at a TimeFebruary 23, 2012

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 3:00 PM

Across the years the avocado (sometimes called the "butter pear") has travelled a roller coaster in popular opinion.  It used to be that nutritionists told their clients to avoid avocados because of their high fat, and thus high calorie content.  But after a 1996 study at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social in Mexico (Archives of Medical Research, Winter 1996), many health experts began to change their tune.

"The 45 volunteers [in the study] who ate avocados every day for a week experienced an average 17% drop in total blood cholesterol. Their cholesterol ratio also changed in a healthy way: Their levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or "bad fat") and triglycerides, both associated with heart disease, went down. Their HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or "good fat") levels, which tend to lower the risk of heart disease, climbed." (from a WebMD article; check it out here)

Now it's back!  The avocado is once again in vogue among foodies, natural foodies, and their doctors.  But of course they have to be enjoyed with restraint.  Even though it's good fat, too much of a good thing can be, well, let's say sub-optimal.  Enjoy them as a meal accompaniment, not as a meal!

Check out this delicious meatless-main-dish salad featuring porotein-packed lentils and hearty healthy artichokes.  Yum! 

Lentil, Avocado, and Artichoke Salad

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Omega 3’s Have Never Tasted So Good!February 20, 2012

Filed under: Savings, Supplements - greenacres @ 5:26 PM

Remember those Omega-3’s we were talking about on the blog last week (if not, see below!)?  Now it’s easier and more delicious than ever to get your ALA’s without the oily taste and texture of normal Omega Oil Supplements, and without the hassle of swallowing those giant pills!  GreenAcres carries two lines of products that are sure to be a new favorite for the whole family!  Simply mix these fruity Omega Blends in with some yogurt or your morning smoothie, or eat them straight…they’re that good!  Serving size depends on the brand and variety, but most only require about 1 tablespoon per day to boost your Omega levels and get you on your way to wellness!

1. Barlean’s Organic Oils Omega Swirls—Barlean’s was the first to introduce this new concept in Omega supplementation.  They have 4 unique flavors and blends according to your personal taste and lifestyle: Fish Oil (Lemon Zest), Flax Oil (Strawberry Banana), Complete 3-6-9 (Orange Cream), and Vegan Omegas (Pomegranate Blueberry).  Everyone will find their favorite flavor and combo!  And of course they’re made with all the purest and freshest ingredients!  Barlean’s Swirls are naturally sweetened with Xylitol.
2. Spectrum Essentials Chia Twisters—These are all natural, creamy Omega blends available in Luscious Lemon Meringue or Tropical Coconut…yum!  Both formulations use Chia and Flax Oils to provide you with 188% of the Daily Value of Omega-3 ALA per serving.  Spectrum Twisters are naturally sweetened with evaporated can juice.

Find these amazing products in the refrigerated case of our supplements department!  And of course if you’re looking for anything else to boost your Omega levels, ask!  We’re more than happy to help you design your wellness regimen around your lifestyle!

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Get Your Omega-3’s…Your Heart Will Thank You!February 16, 2012

Filed under: Supplements - greenacres @ 5:41 PM

You may have heard about the recent hype surrounding fish oil.  It’s not just a supplement for athletes or health nuts anymore.  Even Wal-Mart, Target, and Walgreen’s are carrying their own brands of fish oil.  But what is for?  Who should take it?  How do you choose which brand to buy?  Doesn’t it taste like fish?  We want to answer some of these questions for you, and help you on your way to wellness.

Consuming fish oil has been used in many folkloric scenarios.  Some people take it for depression, dyslexia, menstrual pain, diabetes, or arthritis. It seems there is no condition that people aren’t treating with fish oil.  But though it may not be effective for all of these conditions, there are many conditions with which fish oil has a proven track record of aiding.  They may have been on to something! 

What is it?  Omega-3 Fatty acids are found in 3 main types:  EPA, DHA, and ALA.  Consuming a balance of these components has been found to improve overall health benefits dramatically!  The World Health Organization recommends at least 2 grams of Omega-3 oils per day. Because the body does not produce these beneficial fats, the only way to get them is through diet or supplementation.

What does it do?  Omega-3 fatty acids(found in fatty fish like salmon) and alpha-linolenic fatty acids [ALA] (found in plant foods like walnuts) help boost the immune system, reduce blood clots, and protect against heart attacks. They increase good [HDL] cholesterol levels.  They can lower trygliceride levels [when you think of fat developing and being stored in your hips or belly, you're thinking of triglycerides].  They protect arteries from plaque buildup, are anti-inflammatories, and lower blood pressure.  That’s great news for your heart whether you’re 25 or 95!  And it’s never too early to begin a heart healthy regimen that incorporates Omega-3’s into a balanced, fruit-and-veggie based diet to help your heart help you live a better, longer life. 

But doesn’t it taste like fish?  Sometimes…but it shouldn’t!  If it does, you know it has gone bad, or worse it wasn’t good in the first place.  It is absolutely critical that you buy a high-quality fish oil, independently tested for purity.  You don’t want to skimp here!  If you’re buying a cheap, box-store-variety fish oil, you may be getting a low quality product that gives you fewer benefits, and may even have unpleasant side effects…like fish burps!  Yuck!  And it’s not just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous.  Environmental advocates in California recently filed a lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court against Omega-3 supplement manufacturers following the release of test results showing that several products tested did not meet California PCB and Dioxin standards. 

We carry many types of Omega-3’s and fish oils at GreenAcres, and we hand-pick them to ensure that the companies creating these products are using only the highest quality goods with the highest safety standards in the industry.  Here are just a few brands that we recommend:

• Nordic Naturals
• ReNew Life
• Enzymatic Therapy
• New Chapter
• and more!

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Quick Roast Chicken & Root VegetablesFebruary 13, 2012

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 5:54 PM

February is heart health month!  Look back on our blog, and sign up to receive our free e-newsletter, for great heart-healthy tips and recipe all month long!  For a great heart-healthy option try this easy roasted chicken  dish...ready in just 45 minutes!  This technique of starting bone-in chicken breasts on the stovetop and finishing them in a hot oven with vegetables gets a hearty dinner on the table in a hurry. While everything roasts, you still have time to make a quick pan sauce with shallot and dijon mustard. Serve with a spinach salad for a great iron boost!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound turnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 1 pound baby potatoes, quartered
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram or 
• 1 teaspoon dried
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 bone-in chicken breasts (12 ounces each), skin and fat removed, cut in half crosswise 
• 1 large shallot, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons red- or white-wine vinegar

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 500°F.

Toss turnips, potatoes, 1 tablespoon oil, marjoram, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together in a medium bowl. Spread in an even layer on a large baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, place flour in a shallow dish. Transfer 2 teaspoons of the flour to a small bowl and whisk in broth; set aside. Season chicken with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off excess. (Discard any leftover flour.)

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, skinned-side down, and cook until well browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

After the vegetables have been roasting for 15 minutes, stir them and place one piece of chicken, skinned-side up, in each corner of the baking sheet. (Set the skillet aside.) Return the vegetables and chicken to the oven and roast until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes more.

When the chicken and vegetables have about 10 minutes left, return the skillet to medium heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk the reserved broth mixture again, add to the pan and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half, about 8 minutes. Stir in mustard and vinegar. Serve the chicken and vegetables with the sauce.

Serve and enjoy!

recipe and photo from eatingwell.com

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Sweet Treats for Your Sweetheart!February 09, 2012

Filed under: - greenacres @ 4:32 PM

Looking for that perfect indulgence for your sweetheart this Valentine's Day?  Look no further!  We've hand picked the best chocolates, caramels, bonbons, cookies, chocolate pops, toffees, and much more!  You'll find a tempting array of truffles from Lake Champlain Chocolates of  Vermont.  For something a bit more playful, check out a beautifully engraved chocolate heart pop.  Or bring home a box of made-from-scratch Valentine's cookies from our deli!  In the mood for some nuts?  Try local Tallgrass Toffee Company milk or dark chocolate tofees!  No matter what delicacy you choose, you're sure to love the taste!

Don't forget the card!  Pick out that note that says the perfect "I Love You!" for your special someone. 

Hurry in before all the goodies are gone!

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Kefir—The Natural Super-Powered ProbioticFebruary 06, 2012

Filed under: Natural Living - greenacres @ 4:23 PM

Like yogurt?  Heard of kefir?  If you love the way your tummy feels after a nice cup of tangy yogurt, you’ve got to try kefir!  This runnier, tangier version of the yogurt we all know and love packs a huge probiotic punch for your digestive system.  It’s cultured with little crystals known as kefir grains that contain yeast and live bacteria.  These little probiotic gems give kefir a slight effervescence, sort of like sparkling water or soda. 

So what’s so great about that?  Consuming probiotics—i.e., the good bacteria that live in our stomachs—is one of the best things you can do for your body!  Providing our delicate intestinal systems with all of the enzymes and bacteria that they need helps them to do their jobs better—to digest our food, maintain regularity, promote healthy immune response, and more.  There have even been studies that correlate certain strains of probiotics common in kefir and dietary supplements to successful management of blood pressure and cholesterol.  Not too shabby, eh?

If you feel inspired to try it, check out some of the great deals this month on kefir.  Nancy’s kefirs are a great start!  They’re small, just a 99¢ investment to try something new, and flavored and sweetened to mask some of the intensity of the probiotics.  If you’re new to probiotics, start with just a few ounces a day.  For some people’s bodies, the sudden onslaught of all that good-for-you bacteria can cause intestinal upset.  Don’t be afraid to start out small and increase gradually—your body will love the little doses of probiotics it’s getting, while becoming accustomed to the extra help. 

If you’ve been taking probiotics, drinking kombucha, or eating your yogurt faithfully, you might be ready for Lifeway’s new Bio-Kefir shots.  Containing more than 20 billion units of probiotic activity in each bottle, it’s twice as potent as normal kefir.  These neat new shots are also available with targeted probiotic strains:  Pomegranate/Blueberry and Kiwi/Passion Fruit are designed to offer the best immune support; Blackberry and Cherry are targeted for heart health; and Vanilla is specifically formulated to give you the most digestive aid.

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Avoid Taking a Hit at Your Waistline on Game DayFebruary 02, 2012

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 4:31 PM

It's just 1 week into February, and hopefully our New Year's Resolutions are still hanging in there by the skin of their teeth.  If you're trying not to ruin your diet in one night, consider giving a healthy boost to your game-day snacks.  You can still enjoy your favorites without compromising your diet...or taste!  Here are a couple ideas to get your started on the healthy path for this Sunday's munchies:

Salsa-Mole

What is a super bowl party without the guacamole?  Even though this delicious classic already contains good-for-you fats, it can also be made with too much sodium and bad-fat-boosting additives like mayo.  Try this healthier bent on the original,

and you might just find a new family favorite!

Ingredients

• 2 avocados, diced (if you don't know how to do this without the mess, check out this video!)
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 2 T. fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 t. garlic salt
• 1 t. apple cider vinegar

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a bowl...and enjoy!  Try it on veggies--carrots, bell peppers, or stuffed inside cocktail tomatoes--for an even healthier twist!

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

This deliciously crunchy, spicy little snack fills the craving for chips without all the fat, plus they give your body the protein and fiber it wants.  Tip:  Make sure the chickpeas are completely dry after draining and rinsing them. Otherwise they'll end up chewy and soggy.

Ingredients

• 1 15 oz. can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons of spice mixture (a curry, Morrocan, or Mexican spice mixture work well)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.  Drain and rinse chickpeas in a colander. Pat completely dry.  Toss chickpeas in a medium sized bowl with olive oil, sea salt, and spices.  Arrange chickpeas on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until crispy. While baking, shake pan or stir chickpeas to avoid burning.  Transfer to a serving bowl.  If desired, sprinkle and toss with more spices.

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One Delicious Drink!January 30, 2012

Filed under: - greenacres @ 5:53 PM

Have you spied the Svelte protein drinks on the shelves?  Ever wondered if they’re any good?  Well, they are!  After a taste testing at GreenAcres, Svelte got the two-thumbs-up seal of approval!  But don’t take our word for it…try it for yourself!  With 16g of organic protein from fresh organic soymilk, along with organic complex carbohydrates, you’ll get an energy boost that just keeps going.  Because this drink is full of complex carbs and not the refined and processed sugars in sodas, juices, and other conventional drinks you might find in a normal supermarket, Svelte avoids the blood sugar spike and ensuing fall.  Instead, it provides your body with the nutrients it needs, in a form that your body breaks down gradually, giving you more energy for longer.  Svelte is tested to be low-glycemic…so it’s a good options for diabetics looking for a healthy and sustaining pick-me-up!  Plus, it has only 9 grams of sugar per full bottle. It’s also a good source of fiber…the essential starter to successful weight loss or maintenance.  Plus, it’s gluten free AND dairy free!  Is there any group that can’t enjoy this awesome protein drink?!

Hurry in…it’s 40% off thru Tuesday!

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Healthy Snacks—For Kids and AdultsJanuary 26, 2012

Filed under: Natural Living, Organic, Savings - greenacres @ 5:59 PM

We at GreenAcres know it’s hard to keep up with healthy eating when you lead such a busy and active life.  All the pressures that are pushing and pulling us from this direction and that can mean that we often forget to take care of ourselves, and we even forget that we should be doing it.  But if you want to commit yourself to more healthy habits, it just takes a few healthy changes to start making a difference.  Changing just  one habit a week is not so daunting as a sudden lifestyle shift, and many people find it to be a more manageable path to wellness.  That’s why we bring you great values on the products that are easiest to incorporate into your healthy habits as you continue on your wellness journey.  Below are just a few great items featured in our Newsletter this month that could be just the right change for you and your family!

Change Your Chip! 

January’s Monthly Newsletter features 2 great potato-chip-alternatives.  The first, Nut Chips, are brought to you by the same folks who made those nutty crackers we all know and love by now, Nut Thins!  They are made from whole-grain brown rice and almonds—so you’re not getting all those saturated fats that are the antagonists to our diets.  Plus, whole grain rather than processed, refined white flours found in many crackers or chips, absorb more slowly into your body, so they won’t leave you with that dramatic spike and drop in your blood sugar levels…leaving you full longer, and allowing your body the time it needs to digest your food, naturally.  The second chip alternatives, Beanitos, are made from whole beans and whole grain rice.  They are high in fiber (a must for proper digestion and fat burning!), contain Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids, and absolutely no corn!  Both these chips are great for aiding in your healthy diet, and are completely gluten free.  Try them today!

Eat Your Veggies

You may have seen the salad by this same name in our deli cold case.  It’s packed with all that good-for-you organic stuff that your body craves!  Try this salad, make your own, or eat them plain…it doesn’t matter how you eat ‘em, just eat ‘em!  Self-contained fruit like apples, bananas, and oranges are all perfect options for on-the-go snacking.  Baby carrots offer a satisfying crunch and are so much better for you than crackers!  Add broccoli to your noodles, tomatoes and spinach to your sandwich, mushrooms and peppers to your pizza.  Every time you turn around you’ll start seeing more opportunities for more veggies…just open your mind!

Moo More

Okay, you might get funny looks if you actually start mooing at your desk or in traffic, but studies show that even one 8-oz. glass of a milk a day can have a significant impact on overall health.  Why?  Well, milk is one of those “superfoods” that you hear about in health magazines.  It’s no coincidence that cultures around the world have been drinking milk daily for centuries!  It contains a whole laundry list of good-for-you nutrients:  Calcium, Protein, Potassium, Phosphorous, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin A, just to name a few.  According to some well-quoted research out of Cardiff University, drinking milk can lessen the chances of dying from illnesses such as coronary heart disease and stroke by up to 15 to 20 percent.  Wow.  I’d say it’s time to get our “moo” on!

Watch for more healthy snack replacements to come!  And don’t forget to come in before February 31^st to take advantage of these great values!

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Weight Loss Ideas to Boost You to Your New Year’s Goals!January 23, 2012

Filed under: Savings - greenacres @ 5:32 PM

It’s probably about 3 or 4 weeks in to your New Year’s Resolution Diet.  That means you might be losing less weight than you were at the beginning.  And when you don’t see the changes in your body that your efforts are producing, it’s easy to get down-trodden.  But don’t give up!  Here are a few easy ways to boost your weight loss and reach your goal!

Zevia Soda—0 CALORIES!  Zevia is sweetened naturally with all natural Stevia, a little green plant from the sunflower family, and originally native to South America.  That means that it doesn’t increase your blood sugar level, so it can be a great tool for both diabetics and those trying to lose weight!  But if it’s supposed to be a substitute for normal soda, will it give me energy? Well, we all need a little boost, now don’t we? That’s why 3 of Zevia’s flavors, the ones that you would most expect, are made with caffeine. Zevia Cola, Dr. Zevia and Mountain Zevia all contain caffeine naturally derived from coffee.  Safe and natural.—Plus it’s on sale thru January for 35% off!

Tea—Most everyone has heard of the antioxidant properties of green tea.  But did you know that a regimen of drinking green tea, or taking green tea extract, can actually boost your potential for serious weight loss (mostly in that pesky tummy fat!)?  Studies have shown that in conjunction with a steady exercise program and concentrated healthy eating, the addition of green tea or its extract can boost your weight loss during your normal diet.  In addition to the digestion-boost that green tea’s antioxidants give, the catechins in green tea can actually help our bodies burn calories faster, as well as promoting fat oxidation (i.e., fat-burning!).  That’s just one more thing you can add to your New Year’s Resolution that will have you feeling healthier and happier…faster!  Try Tazo Tea 20-bag boxes for just $3.49 thru January!

Kind Fruit & Nut Bars—This is one of the healthiest hunger-pain punchers in the store!  Made of all-natural mixed nuts and  dried fruits, it’s just what the doctor ordered for satiating your belly, and tricking your mind into thinking it’s eating more than it is!  The high good-for-you fat and fiber content of nuts gives you energy throughout the day, and helps to clean out your digestive system…a must for boosting metabolism!  Kind bars are also on sale thru January 4 for $5.00.  WOW!

Stop by the store to take advantage of these great deals, and for more ideas on how to give your diet a little push!

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Trim Toniq—Re-Think the Diet Drink!January 19, 2012

Filed under: - greenacres @ 9:01 AM

In the past, you may have associated “Diet” drinks with diet sodas sweetened with chemicals like Aspartame, Splenda, NutraSweet, and Equal.  But most of us have woken up to how dangerous and unhealthy these sweeteners can be for our bodies.  They don’t work for our diets, and there is some evidence that they’re actually leading to more complications than solutions.  That’s why Trim Toniq is pleased to offer a satisfying soda-like drink that doesn’t just claim to have a net-zero effect on your diet, but can actually help you to lose more toward your weight loss goals.

Trim Toniq recognizes what most nutritionists and natural foods experts have been screaming from the roof-tops:  the key to weight management is volume control.  Most of the tens of millions of Americans struggling with weight have fallen into a chronic habit of over-consumption—in their meals, drinks, and snacks—put simply, consuming more than is being used.  It doesn’t take a Nobel scholar to see how that over-consumption can add up…in a day, a week, a month, a year. 

That’s why Trim Toniq utilizes a blend of herbs and supplements that have been correlated with appetite suppression. This drink is the world's first true botanical-based non-caffeinated, non-stimulant appetite suppressant beverage. It is unique because it uses no caffeine, no hoodia, and no artificial anythings (including sweeteners) to get its effect.

Try it today and see what Trim Toniq can do for your weight loss goals!

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Are You Healthy Enough for the New Year?January 16, 2012

Filed under: Classes & Events, Supplements - greenacres @ 11:52 AM

Wednesday, January 18th at 7:00pm

The low-down on this week's seminar:

The new year is a time to begin anew and “clean up your act.”  You are constantly exposed to toxins from your diet, your environment and from your own metabolism.  There are a multitude of symptoms that can indicate a toxic overload within your body.  Unlike your automobile, there are no warning lights like on your dashboard to tell you to stop and fix something, but there are warning signs that you might be carrying a toxic overload.  If you’re feeling increasingly tired or sluggish, regularly fatigued during the day, anxious, stressed, or struggle with your weight, your body may be crying for a cleanse; consider these your “warning lights” telling you to stop and perform some much-needed body maintenance.

Cleansing and detoxification can be just the way to manage these pesky, often chronic symptoms.  If you’re like many people, though, the thought of “cleansing” brings up connotations of maple syrup with cayenne pepper, starvation, and bathroom breaks.  But you may not know that the body naturally detoxifies every day. Detoxification is a normal bodily process.  The liver and colon, to name two big players in your body’s cleansing world, work to eliminate or neutralize toxins day in and day out. 

But sometimes your body needs a little push when the toxic load gets to be too much for your body to control on its own.  Healthy and balanced whole-body detox uses your body’s natural cleansers to their fullest potential, and aids them in their detox efforts.  A whole body cleansing regimen adds fresh, healthy, home-made foods to your diet, cuts out the offenders we know we shouldn’t be eating—and that make us feel sluggish in the first place—and gives us a sense of mental clarity and body wellness, without the crutches of caffeine and sugar.

So how can you get started?  There’s a lot to learn about this purification process, and each person should choose the cleanse that is right for their body.  Thankfully, you don’t have to go it alone. Dr. Gaetano Morello will be holding a free seminar, Wednesday, January 18^th at GreenAcres Market on healthy whole-body cleansing.  Dr. Gaetano Morello is a naturopathic physician practicing in West Vancouver, Canada.  For the past 17 years, Dr. Morello has been training and educating physicians, pharmacists and health experts on the scientific use of natural medicines in the fields of cardiology, immunology, gastroenterology, anti-aging and detoxification. He is lecturer and regular contributor to a number of magazines, journals and publications, and has hosted and appeared on numerous television and radio shows discussing the power of natural medicine. This is your chance to hear one of the nation’s leading experts!

All attendees will receive a free copy of Morello’s book, Whole Body Cleansing: Transform Your Health Through Gentle Purification and Effective Detoxification.  Dr. Morello will walk us through where toxins come from, what they do to our bodies, and what we can do to eliminate them from our bodies.  In addition to highlighting intensive detox, he will also teach us how we can incorporate detox into our daily lives through a natural and healthy lifestyle.  You won’t want to miss this informative evening.  This is your chance to make a significant impact on your health!

(Appearing 1/17/2012 in The Wichita Eagle, Health Chat section)

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PGX—Meet the Guinea Pigs!January 12, 2012

Filed under: Natural Living, Supplements - greenacres @ 3:29 PM

This month we are featuring PGX as one of our most popular and most effective weight loss aids.  In order to make this a little more fun for all of us, and give you a real-time sense of what PGX can do for you, we've chosen a guinea pig at each location that is trying the PGX diet and letting us know how it works for them.  But first, a bit  about what PGX is, and how it works:

PGX is a proprietary blend of water-soluble plant fibers.  That doesn't sound too complex, right?  So how could it possibly work?  Well, it is the simplicity of PGX that makes it most powerful.  The key to using PGX for weight loss or weight management is what it does to regulate blood sugar levels in your body.  Becuase of its slow viscosity rate, the fiber, mixed with your food intake, and digestive acids and enzymes, stay in your digestive tract longer, giving your body the impression of a greater volume of food, and limiting your drop in blood sugar as well as pesky cravings.  If you take PGX before a meal, you'll feel more satiated, and want to eat less; and your meal will last longer and make you less prone to hunger pangs and food cravings. 

PGX comes in a softgel that you take 20-40 minutes before meals, or in granules that you simply mix in with your food.

That's it, in a nutshell.  To learn more about PGX straight from the horse's mouth, visit their webpage.

Or view a short video of GreenAcres Wichita manager Matt Murray on Facebook!

So let's get to our guinea pigs.  Kansas City's guinea pig is Annie.  Read her first couple of journal entries on how PGX is treating her so far:

Day 1—Okay, the holidays are officially over and today I am starting on PGX. Had it mixed in with yogurt this morning with berries and granola. Don’t really notice it. Tried it in a drink around noon, but is too grainy. Really much better over food. Does seem to make me feel fuller. My emphasis with this is definitely weight loss. But am faced with a really big challenge of taking it while on a cruise in a week. We’ll see how that goes.

Day 4—Weighed myself this morning and am 2 lbs down!!!! Woo-hoo. Do feel much fuller throughout the day, but not uncomfortable. If I start to feel a bit bloated, I know that I need to drink more water. But I normally drink water throughout the day, so no big deal. Leaving tomorrow for my week-long cruise. Hope my experience doesn’t give PGX a “bad name!!!!” J

Thanks, Annie!  Good luck!  We can't wait to see what the next chapter will be in your weight loss story!

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We Want You!January 09, 2012

Filed under: - greenacres @ 2:55 PM

At this time of New Year’s Resolutions, after a week of striving to keep up with them, many of us lose drive and confidence, even with our best-laid plans.  That’s why we’re asking people like you to step up with your own weight loss success stories, commiserations, questions, and words of encouragement.  This is just another way that we’d like to bring our community together around health, and help each other help ourselves!  Whether you’ve struggled for years to lose weight, you’re trying to regain your pre-holidays figure without that tummy, or you’re just striving to build a healthier body and lifestyle, we want to provide you with the tools to do just that!  That’s why throughout the month of January we’ll be posting on this blog, and on our Facebook page (link), on great ways to move forward in 2012 with health.  We’ll be talking about all kinds of great foods, supplements, habits, recipes, and more…from our most effective weight loss supplements to broccoli.  Good health doesn’t come in a pill; it’s a holistic endeavor that takes knowledge and education, inner drive, the tools to help you along the way, and most of all encouragement. 

To help us bring this message of health to Wichita one person at a time, please comment on our blog, submit an email from our “Contact” page, comment on our Facebook page, or drop by the store and tell us your story. We appreciate all the feedback we can get! 

And for those of you in the throes of your diet right now: “Keep it up!  Those little changes in your body that you feel will get more and more dramatic the longer you keep up your good habits.  You’ll thank yourself when you’ve reached your goal; and you’ll have something incredible to be truly proud.  Go get ‘em!”

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Healthy HabitsJanuary 05, 2012

Filed under: - greenacres @ 3:12 PM

There’s a lot of talk out there at this time of year about the newest miracle drug, the most effective weight loss methods, and how to get fit in 1 week.  Some of them may be gimmicks, and some of them may have real solutions, but the best way to feel healthy in the new year doesn’t take a miracle pill or an extreme diet.  The most effective and long-term solution for your health is to arm yourself with knowledge: how to eat right and stay active, in a way that fits with your lifestyle.

Eat Your Veggies (etc.)  It’s hard to balance your meal times when you’ve got a full-time job and children to get to soccer practice and music lessons, but healthy snacking doesn’t have to be one of your stressors.  Thankfully, nature, and our modern grocery industry, have come up with some pretty handy solutions.

• Apples—it just takes a bit of tap water to make your apple ready to munch!  One medium-sized apple gives you just enough of a calorie kick to fight away cravings, and aid in healthy digestion.  Keep a few at your desk to keep away the temptation of unhealthy afternoon snacking.
• Baby Carrots—a classic of healthy snacking, these are perfect on-the-go, accompanying a sandwich, or steamed with any well-balanced dinner for fast prep!
• Dried Fruits—like raisins, apricots, cranberries, or mangoes, don’t have to be refrigerated to taste great, and make some of the tastiest hassle-free snacks!  Try them on top of salads, in your breakfast cereal, with a few nuts, or toss them in with some veggies to sweeten up your savory sides at dinner!

Supplement Your Diet – Even if you’re not looking to take a miracle drug, there are some nutritional supplements that are all natural that can give your body the boost it needs to reach its optimum health potential.  Everyone is different and you should consult your doctor before beginning a regimen, but here’s a list of some common supplements that are almost universally safe and effective.

• Probiotics—choosing a good broad-spectrum probiotic helps to support all the good bacteria throughout your digestive system: from your stomach to your colon, these little microscopic warriors are helping us to break down our food and absorb it into our system to our greatest benefit.
• Multi-Vitamin—most everyone out there will tell you take a good multi-vitamin is a must when you’re looking at how you should be supplementing your diet.  Luckily, we have multi’s tailored to men, women, and children of all ages and dietary needs.  Stop in to consult someone in our Supplements department to find out which one might be best for you!
• Essential Fatty Acids—New studies are indicating that one of the best indicators of future health is your blood sugar level and stability.  And these are directly related to your balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that you consume. Most Americans consume far more Omega 6 than Omega 3, but our bodies need the reverse to be true.  Incorporating more fish into your diet is extremely helpful, but especially for those of us in a land-locked state, it can be hard to find good, fresh, inexpensive seafood options.  So it doesn’t hurt to try an Omega 3 supplement.  These can be taken in pill form, as easy-to-eat chews, or as straight oil to add to juices and smoothies.  A word of caution:  make sure to get a pure, high quality oil, otherwise you could be burping fish all day.  All of the Fish Oil supplements at GreenAcres have been hand-picked by our supplement experts for their freshness and safety.

Stay Active – You don’t have to have an elaborate plan or an all-access membership to an expensive gym to help yourself get in shape.  There are many ways to increase your activity during the day that will leave you feeling slimmer and stronger bit by bit.

• Walk, Walk, Walk. –For most people this is the easiest, and one of the most effective, ways to get more exercise in during the day.  We’ve all heard the admonitions to park further away from stores or from the office, take the stairs, and take a lap around the block.  But it can be hard to get in the habit.  Add just 1 habit per week, and you’ll soon find yourself successfully reaching all your exercise goals.
• Chair Yoga—OK, it might sound silly at first, but simple stretches that you can do your chair at work can go a long way toward working out the kinks.  Many experts find that once we experience an initial sense of well-being, we are more likely to continue on a path toward wellness and fitness.  Sometimes all it takes to reach that feeling is a few stretches every couple of hours.  Follow this link to check out some simple stretches that can help free your spine from pressure and increases tone and flexibility.

However you decide to improve your life and your health in the new year, we want to help!  Next time you come in, don’t hesitate to ask us what we can do—whether it’s picking out a tea that helps balance blood sugar, or pointing you in the direction of the almond butter, we’re up to the challenge!  And stay tuned to our Blog and our Facebook page as we chronicle some ways to stay healthy and stick to your New Year’s diet throughout the month.

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Try Protein Shakes to Start the New Year Right!January 03, 2012

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 2:21 PM

Start with this basic recipe and expand it from there!  You can substitute different fruits, nuts, juices, and protein powder flavors for different twists.  And of course don't be afraid to try some add-ins:  Chia Seeds give these shakes a banana'like flavor; flax meal or flax oil is great for the skin and aids healthy digestion; and Omega Oils can help balance that oh-so-important Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio!

• 1 cup raspberries (frozen)
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk, water, or juice
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 2 scoops Vanilla Whey Protein

Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender.  Process until smooth, adding ice cubes until shake reaches desired consistency.  Enjoy!

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Deliciously Pop-Able New Year’s Treats!December 29, 2011

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 4:29 PM

The breaded and deep-fried version of this dish is a nutritional nightmare, but this version, with spicy pepper flavor and generous amounts of cheese, has only 84 calories per popper. Try swapping out the Parmesan for cheddar, jack, or your favorite smooth-melting cheese for a whole new taste.

Grilled Pepper Poppers

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) soft goat cheese
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) fat-free cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped seeded tomato
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 16 jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

Prepare grill to medium-high heat.  Combine first 7 ingredients in a bowl, stirring well. Spoon about 2 teaspoons cheese mixture into each pepper half. Place pepper halves, cheese side up, on grill rack coated with cooking spray. Grill peppers 5 minutes or until bottoms of peppers are charred and cheese mixture is lightly browned. Carefully place peppers on a serving platter. Sprinkle with cilantro.

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Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers for Any Skill Level!December 26, 2011

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 4:06 PM

If you're lucky enough to be both clever AND organized, this is just the app for you. Assemble and freeze these up to two weeks in advance (a good weekend project), then pop them into the oven and add seven minutes to the cook time (no need to thaw). The savory mushroom filling and the feathery phyllo will impress all your holiday guests.

Creamy Mushroom Phyllo Triangles

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup dried porcini mushrooms (about 3/4 ounce)
• 1 pound button mushrooms
• 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 8 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 6 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 24 (18 x 14-inch) sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
• Olive oil-flavored cooking spray

Preparation

1. Cover porcini mushrooms with boiling water in a bowl. Let stand 1 hour. Drain well; chop.
2. Place half of button mushrooms in a food processor; pulse 8 times or until finely chopped. Remove from processor. Repeat procedure with remaining button mushrooms. Add onion to processor; pulse 8 times or until finely chopped.
3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion; sauté 5 minutes. Add button mushrooms; cook until mushrooms are tender and liquid evaporates (about 10 minutes). Stir in porcini mushrooms, oregano, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add cheese; stir until cheese melts. Stir in parsley.
4. Preheat oven to 375°.
5. Place 1 phyllo sheet on a large cutting board or work surface (cover remaining phyllo to prevent drying). Cut sheet in half lengthwise; lightly coat with cooking spray. Fold each phyllo piece in half lengthwise to form a (3 1/2-inch-wide) strip. Spoon a level tablespoon of mushroom mixture onto 1 short end of each strip, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold 1 corner of edge with 1-inch border over mixture, forming a triangle; continue folding back and forth into a triangle to end of strip. Repeat procedure with remaining phyllo, cooking spray, and mushroom mixture. Place triangles, seam side down, on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Lightly coat tops with cooking spray.
6. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.

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ChocoLOVE—The Key to Your Heart, AND Your Taste BudsDecember 22, 2011

Filed under: - greenacres @ 4:20 PM

Discover Chocolove premium Belgian chocolate bars.  Chocolove makes it easy for anyone to experience premium chocolate at an affordable price. With over 20 decadent flavors to choose from - from 33% milk chocolate to 77% extra strong dark, even organic chocolate -- they have something for everyone.  Try OCherries & Almonds in Dark Chocolate, Almonds & Sea Salt, and many classically decadent variations of the plain jane chocolate bar.  My personal favorite?  65% Dark Chocolate bar.  Yummy!

But Chocolove puts a unique spin on your average premium chocolate bar.  Tied to chocolate's natural counterpart, love, each bar resembles a love letter. You'll find an image of a stamp in the upper right corner, and a tantalizing little love poem inside each and every bar.

Chocolove bars are made in small batches and shipped around the country, delivering a little bit of “chocolate–love” to discerning chocolate lovers everywhere, including right here at GreenAcres!  And just when you thought it couldn't get more fun:  for the rest of December they're selling for 35% OFF!  What a perfect opportunity for last-minute stocking stuffers, decadent munchies at your holiday get-together, or a surprise gift to your loved ones, just to say "I love you!"

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Spicy maple-Cashew Popcorn—A Light, Fun Treat for All-Day Holiday Munching!December 20, 2011

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 10:52 AM

For a more kid-friendly version, omit the ground red pepper. Store in an airtight container for up to two days.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/4 cup unpopped popcorn kernels (about 6 cups popped)
• 1/4 cup dry-roasted cashews
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

Preparation

1. Heat canola oil in a medium heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. While saucepan heats, line a jelly-roll pan with parchment paper; set prepared pan aside. Add popcorn to oil in saucepan; cover and cook 2 minutes or until kernels begin to pop, shaking pan frequently. Continue cooking 2 minutes, shaking pan constantly. When popping slows down, remove pan from heat. Let stand 1 minute or until all popping stops. Stir in cashews.
2. Combine sugar and remaining ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool 1 minute.
3. Pour hot syrup mixture over popcorn mixture; toss well to coat. Immediately spread popcorn mixture out onto prepared jelly-roll pan. Cool 3 minutes.

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Fran’s Chocolates—The Perfect Holiday IndulgenceDecember 15, 2011

Filed under: - greenacres @ 10:34 AM

With a name like Fran’s Chocolates, you’ve got to wonder about the woman behind the chocolate.  Fran, by all accounts, is an artist, a chocolate maker, and wave-maker:  “A visit to Paris inspired her European-like passion for pure flavors and simple, yet exquisite ingredients. She opened her first patisserie and chocolate shop twenty-five years ago to share that philosophy of joie-de-vivre. Many confections later, she has been credited for sparking the artisan chocolate renaissance in the United States, and is considered one of the best chocolatiers in the nation.”  Talk about an endorsement!

And it’s not just us and Fran’s who think so!  Fran’s treats have been touted as the “the President’s [Obama’s] favorite from the campaign trail.”  It’s also said to be TV chef Ina Garten’s “candy of choice, dark-chocolate-covered caramels with sea salt from Fran’s Chocolates.”  And it’s no wonder they’re getting all this attention.  Fran’s maintains the flavor and quality of their chocolates through small batch production and by selecting all natural, and when possible, organic ingredients, including organic sugar and almonds.  They partner with local Washington State and Oregon farms for many ingredients including organic cream and butter. 

Now you can try this darling of the center stage right here at GreenAcres!  Try Fran’s Gold Bars and GoldBites™:  made with soft, slow-cooked caramel and roasted nuts, then drenched in dark chocolate.  Try them in Almond or in Macadamia!  These delectable delights make decadent stocking stuffers, are a star at intimate holiday gatherings, or the perfect way to just say ‘Happy Holidays!” to the people you love…and don’t forget some for yourself!

COMING SOON…

Look for their legendary Gray Salt and Smoked Salt Caramels…arriving in January!

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Fun & Fruity Entertaining Idea!December 12, 2011

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 3:16 PM

Pear & Apple Salsa with Cinnamon Chips

Try this different and delicious fruit salsa with home-made cinnamon trotillas chips for what is sure to become your classic party go-to.  Everyone will go ga-ga over this simply sweet dish that can be served as appetizer or dessert!

Ingredients

• 6 flour, spelt, or Gluten Free tortillas (8 inches)
• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 cups finely chopped tart apples (about 2 medium)
• 1 cup finely chopped ripe pear
• 1/2 cup quartered seedless red grapes
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
• 2 teaspoons grated orange peel

Directions

• Coat both sides of each tortilla with al natural cooking spray. Combine the 3 T. coconut sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over both sides of tortillas.
• Cut each into eight wedges. Place on baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 4-5 minutes or until crisp, flipping as needed.
• Meanwhile, for salsa, in a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Serve with the cinnamon chips.

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Pamela’s Tasty, Gluten Free Solution for the HolidaysDecember 08, 2011

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 2:29 PM

Are you going gluten free?  Whether it’s for medical reasons or as a diet option, the holidays can be a tough time to fit your dietary needs into your busy schedule.  That’s where Pamela’s steps in to help!

Pamela’s Products has been creating gluten free products for 23 years.  Pamela founded her independent company on the premise that wheat-free and gluten-free foods can taste great and that everyone should have food delicious enough to celebrate. Her company continues to lead the industry with award winning decadent and delicious gluten-free foods.   Says Pamela, “I love what I do and everyone I’ve met along the way. I continue to take pleasure in finding new flavor combinations and creating tasty new products to celebrate with friends. I hope you enjoy my products too!”

 We here at GreenAcres swear by Pamela’s gluten free products, especially her carefully-crafted baking mixes, which are used almost exclusively in all the gluten free baked goods that come out of our amazing bakery.  The featured mix we’d like to bring you today is her versatile and delicious Chocolate Brownie Mix.  This mix is for all chocolate lovers who are passionate about dessert! Creates rich and moist brownies, chocolate waffles, and decadent cookies…

Try their recipe for quick and easy gluten free brownies, as featured right on the package!  Serve these delicious treats for your kids, family, friends, or bring it to a get-together at a neighbor’s house.  They’re perfect for any occasion!

Pamela’s Irresistible Chocolate Brownies

Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free, Non-Dairy

• 1 bag of Pamela’s Brownie Mix
• 1 egg, large
• ½ c. oil
• ¼ c. water

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Lightly grease 9” or 8” square pan.  Slowly combine all ingredients enough to incorporate, batter will thicken.  Pour into pan, smoothing evenly out the edges.  Bake for 18 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out with slight crumbs.  Enjoy!

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An Elegant Centerpiece for Your Party Appetizers!December 05, 2011

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 10:21 AM

Date, Walnut & Blue Cheese Ball

Bring some sophistication to your holiday cheese ball with this sweet and savory twist on the original!  Prepare this retro-chic snack up to two days ahead, and serve with crackers, bread, or veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tablespoon nonfat buttermilk
• 5 ounces fat-free cream cheese, softened
• 3 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons minced pitted Medjool dates (2 to 3 dates)
• 1 tablespoon minced shallots
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts, toasted

Directions:

• Place first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed 2 minutes or until smooth and creamy. Add dates, shallots, lemon rind, salt, and pepper; beat at medium speed until well blended, scraping sides of bowl as necessary.
• Spoon cheese mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Form into a ball, using a rubber spatula. Wrap cheese ball in plastic wrap; chill overnight.
• Combine parsley and walnuts in a shallow dish. Unwrap cheese ball; gently roll in nut mixture, coating well. Place on a serving plate. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Shopping List

• Blue Cheese, at least 4 oz.
• Buttermilk
• cream cheese; 1 block reg.; 1 block 1/3 less fat
• 2-3 dates
• Shallots
• 1 Lemon
• Sea Salt
• Black Pepper
• flat leaf parsley, at least 1/4 c.
• walnuts

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Let Us Work for You—Made-To-Order Trays From Our Deli!December 01, 2011

Filed under: Deli - greenacres @ 1:01 PM

'Tis the season for holiday parties.  And usually that means stress...and a nice big mess for your kitchen.  But it doesn't have to!  Let our deli work for you.  We have all kinds of pre-order catering options available, including our Holiday Dinners--a fully prepared turkey dinner with all the trimmings!--catering trays, and more!

Check out our regular catering trays offered below, but don't feel wed to them.  We'd be more than happy to make equivalent substitutions to make your special event to your taste and to your guests'.  So don't wait, call us up today and find out how you can take advantage of all our incredible special order options!

24 Hours’ noAdditional fees apply for delivery orders.  Substitutions may be made according to product availability.

Baked goods are also available for catering orders.  You can either call the deli at (816) 746-0010, or print out the order form and fax it to the number provided.  Additional notice is appreciated for all bakery special orders.

• Good Morning! - A breakfast “trifle”: layers of yogurt, granola, fresh fruit and/or berries surrounded by mini-muffins and breakfast breads

• Fruit Tray - Fresh seasonal fruits surrounding a brown sugar-yogurt dipping sauce.  Cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, and grapes.

• Veggies & Dip - A fresh mixture of raw veggies: carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers.  Choice of dipping sauce: Buttermilk Ranch, Spicy Peanut or Feta Cheese.

• Cubes & Curds - Sharp Cheddar, Smoked Gouda and Creamy Havarti Cubes and three flavors of Locally-Produced Cheese Curds.

• Meat & Cheese Tray - All Natural Sliced Meats and Fine Cheeses: Oven-Roasted Turkey, Ham and Roast Beef plus any three of the following cheeses: Swiss, Cheddar, Provolone, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella.  Includes lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and condiments.  Served with local artisan breads.
• Specialty Cheese Platter - A selection of beautiful domestic and imported cheeses surrounded by fresh and dried fruits, nuts and crackers.  May have a combination of Brie with cranberry-orange relish, Point Reyes Blue, Beamster, Windsor Red, Sage Derby, and Goat Cheese encrusted with pistachios.

• Baby Buns - Small artisan rolls filled with any three of the following:
  • Salads: All Natural Chicken, Albacore Tuna & White Bean, Wild-Caught Salmon, Tofu No-Egg, or All-Natural Curried Chicken Salad
  • Grilled Vegetables: Portobello Mushrooms & Goat Cheese with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, Eggplant & Goat Cheese with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, or Red Peppers and Mozzarella with Basil Pesto

• Salads - Wonderful Salads to accompany any tray, available by the pound: Pharaoh Salad, Potato Salad, Sweet and Sour Cole Slaw

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Try Our Custom Gift Baskets—The Perfect Catch-All Holiday Gift!November 29, 2011

Filed under: - greenacres @ 5:38 PM

It's that time of year again!  ...time to make your list and check it twice.  And how many of those people on your list are tricky to buy for?  We understand completely!  Why not order a custom gift basket suited to their taste and the number of people you're buying for!  Our design team can build a basket to suit any taste...sweet and decadent, elegant gourmet, savory snacks, health food junkie, and so much more!  And of course if we they have dietary requirements to plan around, we've got you covered!  Our special diet baskets include gluten free, low fat, low glycemic, vegan or raw.

Call the store today to place an order, or drop and fill out a form with out team.  You'll be glad you decided to...and so will your lucky friend!

24 hours' notice is required, but 48 is appreciated.  Local delivery and shipping are available with advance notice.

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More Thanksgiving Inspiration!November 21, 2011

Filed under: - greenacres @ 3:53 PM

What would Thanksgiving be without good 'ole cranberry salad?  Try out this sweet and sophisticated twist on the classic.  You can even add some cloves, cinnamon, and/or ginger to add an autumnal aroma and a slightly savory twinge to this holiday classic.

Cranberry, Orange, and Red Wine Marmalade

Ingredients

• 2 large thick-skinned navel oranges
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 12-ounce package cranberries

Directions

Using vegetable peeler, remove peel (orange part only) in long strips from oranges. Cut orange peel into matchstick-size strips. Cut white pith from oranges. Working over bowl to catch juices, cut between membranes to release segments. Cut segments into 1/2-inch pieces.

Bring orange juice, wine and sugar to simmer in heavy medium saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer 10 minutes. Add cranberries, half of orange peel and half of orange pieces and simmer until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Add remaining orange peel and orange pieces and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool, cover and refrigerate (marmalade will thicken).

Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.

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To-Die-For Stuffing:  Fennel, Sausage, and Caramelized ApplesNovember 17, 2011

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 5:47 PM

Fennel, Suasage, and Caramelized Onion Apple Stuffing

Ingredients

• 12 ounces sourdough bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• Cooking spray
• 9 ounces Italian sausage
• 5 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 cups chopped onion
• 1 1/4 cups sliced fennel bulb
• 1 1/4 cups chopped carrot
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 3 cups chopped Golden Delicious apple
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/2 cups fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• 2 large eggs

Preparation

• 1. Preheat oven to 400°.
• 2. Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 16 minutes or until golden, stirring after 8 minutes. Place in a large bowl.
• 3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove casings from sausage. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add sausage to pan; cook 8 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. Add sausage to bread.
• 4. Return pan to medium-high heat. Add 3 teaspoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add onion and next 5 ingredients (through garlic). Add 1/4 teaspoon pepper; sauté 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Add vegetables to sausage mixture.
• 5. Return pan to medium-high heat. Add remaining 2 teaspoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add apple and sugar; sauté 5 minutes or until apple caramelizes, stirring occasionally. Add to the sausage mixture.
• 6. Combine broth and eggs in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add broth mixture and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper to sausage mixture; toss well to combine.
• 7. Spoon sausage mixture into a 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover with foil. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes. Uncover dish; bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until browned and crisp.

Recipe from Cooking Light Magazine, Nov. 2011.

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Seventh Generation—Saving the World!November 07, 2011

Filed under: Natural Living - greenacres @ 11:27 AM

Earlier on this blog we brought you news about what we’re doing, and what you can do, to help reduce our impact on Mother Nature, and reign in some of the detrimental practices that have damaged our planet.  But we’re not the only ones at GreenAcres doing our part.  We’re proud to support companies that have our planet at heart when it comes to producing, packing, and transporting their items.  We support them by carrying their products and promoting them on our shelves…and you can, too, by doing the same on your end!  When you know of a great company with a great product and an earth-friendly outlook, pledge your agreement by pledging your consumer dollars to that company’s mission.  Together we can ensure that more businesses in more places are dedicated to fulfilling their environmental responsibilities.

That is why GreenAcres is proud to carry the Seventh Generation line of products.  Seventh Generation is a company that started years ago, and that saw its way into the mainstream market before many other sustainable-living companies were even a twinkle in the founders’ eyes.  And that’s why they’ve been a sort of flagship in the natural living world for what we can do in our own homes to support more sustainable and less impactful methods of daily consumption—by using recycled tissues and toilet paper, chlorine and chemical free diapers and wipes, safe cleaning solutions, and so much more. 

Among all the conventional, industrial cleaners on the shelf, Seventh Generation differs for so many reasons!  One of those reasons is that they offer the consumer a choice between fragranced and non-fragranced products. Many companies use chemicals that offer a fragrance to their cleaning products, but they are only required to list “fragrance” or “parfum” with the ingredients…so there’s no telling what they may use to scent their product!  Seventh Generation’s scented products are fragranced with 100% whole essential oils or botanical extracts, not synthetic chemicals. They use fragrances that come from sustainable or organic plant-based resources using environmentally friendly extraction processes.  Seventh Generation’s “Free and Clear” line of products can be found on GreenAcres shelves, and are formulated to leave no odor and no fumes in your home.

Seventh Generation is also active in their community.  As a company that uses ingredients that come from plants, not petroleum, it is only natural that they would have close ties to their local farming community. The Intervale, a fertile strip of land along the banks of the Winooski River, just 2 miles from their office in Burlington, VT, is home to more than a dozen locally owned and operated farms. Intervale farmers grow organic produce found in many local restaurants, schools, and business cafeterias. Local families, including several Seventh Generation employees, enjoy weekly deliveries of produce from the farmers there. It's truly is a model of what community supported agricultural can be…and they support the Intervale strip by purchasing their food products for use in their business offices.

These are just a few reasons why we’re glad to carry Seventh Generation products on our shelves. From production, to manufacture, to corporate responsibility, they are truly doing their part to make our world a safer, more chemical-free place.  Thank you for supporting our planet and our future!

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Susatainable Seafood Leaving a LegacyNovember 03, 2011

Filed under: Natural Living, Organic - greenacres @ 3:43 PM

We’re all concerned with the safety of our oceans and the marine wildlife that call them home!  That’s why responsible seafood harvesters have chosen to adhere to certain rules and regulations that will ensure the fish-ability of our oceans for generations to come…preserving all of the health and nutritional benefits that come out of wild caught fish.  That’s why the Marine Stewardship Council has developed a program of certification to recognize and reward sustainable fishing the world over.  They are a global organization working with fisheries, seafood companies, scientists, conservation groups and the public to promote the best environmental choice in seafood.  And that’s why GreenAcres is proud to carry a slew of MSC certified seafood options. 

• Crown Prince—Alaskan Pink Salmon and Skinless & Boneless Pacific Pink Salmon       

• Henry & Lisa’s—Canned and Frozen Wild Alaskan Salmon—fillets, burgers, nuggets…you name it!     

• Wild Planet—Wild Pink Shrimp           

• Natural Sea—Canned Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon           

We also carry many varieties of seafood that, although they have not been MSC certified, they do maintain sustainable practices that keep our marine environments safe.  They have not been certified either due to lack of time on the part of a reviewing body or lack of a unified group of stakeholders requesting assessment, such as Marine Stewardship Council itself.  Again, this does not mean that harvesting practices are not sustainable.  Rather, it usually means that there is too much demand on the part of the review board to process and review all certification requests immediately.  All of the brands above also have seafood products that have not been MSC certified, but are held to the same strict standards (for instance, canned tuna that is dolphin-safe, sea turtle-safe, and harvested without long lines that endanger many marine species.  These sustainable companies include:

• Legacy Seafoods—frozen Flounder, Halibut, Sea Scallops, Cod, and more! 
• Natural Sea—Canned Seafood Products
• Daughter Frozen Shrimp

And more!

See them all in our freezer cases and with the other canned meats in the grocery aisles!

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October is Non-GMO Month!October 27, 2011

Filed under: Natural Living, Organic - greenacres @ 2:51 PM

What is GMO? 

The acronym GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism.  It can sometimes be referred to also as GEO, or Genetically Engineered Organism.  This is a label used to delineate any type of organism that has been genetically engineered, combining molecules from different sources to create a new set of genes.  This new DNA pattern is then transferred into an organism, giving it new or modified genes.  As you can tell from the definition, this is a broad way to indicate any kind of genetic manipulation.  And foods that are GMO are simply any food that is a new genetic composite.

GMO food products can be a composite of two plants.  In the past the most common method of genetic manipulation of plants was simply breeding.  Certain plants were chosen for their disease resistence, cold-hardiness, etc., and used to pollinate a new crop of the same plant.  In more recent years, clever plant breeders have come up with ways to combine different plants, like the pluot:  a combination of plums and apricots.  But with today’s technology, we’re able to genetically manipulate our foods to include genes from organisms other than plants. 

The best known example of this is the use of B.t. genes in corn and other crops. B.t., or Bacillus thuringiensis, is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces crystal proteins that are lethal to insect larvae. B.t. crystal protein genes have been transferred into corn, enabling the corn to produce its own pesticides against insects such as the European corn borer. 

Many people refuse to eat foods that contain GMO crops for 3 primary reasons:

1. Negative Effects on the Environment:  Some manipulations are being found to do harm to other organisms within the GMO plant’s ecosystem.  For instance, a study published in the scientific journal Nature suggested that the B.t. gene in GMO corn crops was causing the corn pollen to poison surrounding tree and flower blossoms, killing butterflies and caterpillars.  This study has not been unanimously endorsed, but it has led some to question the long-term effects of GMO crops.
2. Effects on Human Health:  The FDA has yet to do extensive testing on GMO crop foods and their effects on the human body.  One disputed study in rats suggested “appreciable differences” between the digestive tracts of rats fed traditional potatoes and those fed GMO potatoes.  Again, this paper has not gained unanimous endorsement, but it suggest that not enough is known about how GMO plants effect the human body.
3. Effects on the Economy:  Economic concerns have come into play in the production of GMO crops because the cost of production is so high.  Large bio-tech companies like Monsanto spend millions, and sometimes billions, of dollars developing bore-resistant corn or RoundUp resistant soy beans.  So the cost of the seeds that they sell is proportionally high.  Such high seed cost, and proprietary practices in this industry, lead to a widening gap between big, wealthy agri-business and small-time farmers.  It also becomes a concern when attempting to sell GM seeds that have been manipulated for higher nutritional profile to Third World Countries.

These are just 3 of the primary concerns in the GMO debate, but each one implies a whole host of questions revealing just how little we know about GMO crops and their long-term effects.  As is alluded to in the final point, genetic manipulation of food crops can be positive.  It can lead to foods that are higher in their nutritive value than their traditional counterparts, or drought and disease resistance that can be so important in unstable and impoverished countries.

But because of the fundamental concerns behind the use of GMO’s, that’s why many people have simply proclaimed “the jury is still out!”  And that’s why they avoid these foods.  Organizations like the Non-GMO Project wish to educate the public on just how little know about GMO’s.  They also offer non-GMO certification to companies who wish to proclaim GMO independence in their products.  GreenAcres is proud to carry almost 150 different brands who have either been non-GMO certified, or who are in the process of gaining certification (see the certification label above on food packaging to find these brands in our store!).  These brand include BARE Fruit, Lifeway, Q.Bel, Tree of Life, and more!  Stop by, check out the labels, and support the efforts of non-GMO month by supporting the companies who are pledging to eliminate GMO’s from our shelves and our tables.

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PUMPKINS—Not Just for Scary Faces!October 24, 2011

Filed under: Recipes - greenacres @ 4:34 PM

Halloween is just around the corner!  And that means that everywhere you turn grocery stores, churches, and local farmers are all vending their pumpkin wares for that special night.  You can paint them, cut them out into scary faces, places them decoratively on your porch with hay bales, dried corn stalks, and fall mums…and cook with them!  Pumpkins aren’t just for crafts; they’re low in calories and fat, and they’re a great source of all kinds of healthful vitamins and minerals with amazing health benefits:

Great source of Beta carotene--The rich orange color is a dead give away to the nutrients present in pumpkin. Research shows that people who eat a diet rich in beta-carotene are less likely to develop certain cancers than those who fail to include beta-carotene-rich foods in their diet—and we all know it’s good for our eyes!

Loaded with Potassium--Studies show people who have a potassium rich diet lower the risk for hypertension. Potassium rich foods include bananas, broccoli, avocados, pomegranate and many others.  It’s also an important mineral for athletes as it is one of the primary actors in building and repairing muscle.

Zinc---Not only is zinc a major boost for your immune system, it also aids in bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis.

High in Fiber---Diets rich in fiber may prevent cancer, heart disease and other serious ailments.

Antioxidants to help fight signs of aging skin—Pumpkins  contains lots of anti-oxidant vitamins A and C that fight free radicals, as well as zinc and alpha-hydroxy-acids which help to reduce the signs of aging in your skin.

Orange Pumpkin Loaf

Check out this twist on an old favorite.  The orange in this pumpkin loaf coupled with sweet raisins and crunchy walnuts creates a perfect storm of healthful foods and fabulous flavors.  Make this sweet bread for a chilly weekend breakfast, a holiday gathering, or as munchies while sipping cocoa…you can’t go wrong!

Ingredients

• 1 large orange
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/3 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup chopped raisins

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. Cut orange into wedges, and remove seeds. Place orange, peel and all, in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the pumpkin, water, and the ground orange. Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir into batter just until moistened. Stir in nuts and raisins. Spoon into the prepared loaf pan.
4. Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes, then remove from pan, and cool on a wire rack.

Nutritional Information:

Amount Per Serving (Serving=1/12 of 9"x5" loaf pan) Calories: 286 | Total Fat: 9.5g | Cholesterol: 49mg

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Orange-Pumpkin-Loaf/Detail.aspx

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Did You Know?—October is Fair Trade Month!October 20, 2011

Filed under: Organic - greenacres @ 4:23 PM

One of our favorite Fair Trade Certified products in the store is the Traditional Medicinals line of teas.  Although a lack of certification does not imply that product was not made using laborers who are of age and paid a fair wage (as many of the brands at GreenAcres strive to do), the Fair Trade Certification process ensures that these standards are being met or exceeded.

Fair Trade Certification ensures that farmers of commodity crops (primarily tea, coffee and cocoa, but also certain herbs, spices, bananas and other types of produce) are paid living wages, work in a safe environment and produce exceptional products without any child labor.

Historically, farmers of these commodity crops have been exploited, often working in dangerous conditions for far below poverty wages. Meanwhile, exporters and intermediaries have been allowed to profit off these low wages and conditions. Not so with Fair Trade Certification.

Any product that carries the Fair Trade Certified™ label guarantees the following things:

• Fair Prices and Living Wages. Farmers and workers receive a fair price for their product and their labor. It means that farmers can support their families, and their children can go to school instead of working in the fields.
• Community Empowerment. Having reliable markets for their products and receiving living wages means that farming communities become stable. This stability allows them to develop community assistance programs such as medical care, help for college tuition, and other community-driven initiatives.
• Environmental Sustainability. Many Fair Trade Certified™ products are also certified organic. Environmentally sound practices preserve native environments by encouraging biodiversity, reducing pollutants in the environment, preserving habitat for wildlife, and helping to reduce global warming.
• Quality. Because farmers and producers receive a fair price and living wages, they can focus on creating quality products.
• Standards. The farm where the tea or herbs are grown meets specific standards for the wages, living situation, and working conditions of its pickers.
• Fair Trade Premium. For every tea purchase, a Fair Trade premium goes directly back to the tea workers themselves. A committee, elected by the workers, decides how these funds will be used to meet the community's most serious needs. Tea workers have used Fair Trade premiums to hire school teachers, build maternal health clinics, guarantee child care, develop pension funds and bring electricity to their villages, among other projects.

You can find Traditional Medicinals Fair Trade Certified teas in the following Varieties:

• Organic Chamomile
• Organic Chamomile with Lavender
• Organic Cran-Aid ®
• Organic Easy Now®
• Organic Golden Ginger
• Organic Golden Green Tea®
• Organic Green Tea with Ginger
• Organic Heartburn Soother®
• Organic Nighty Night®
• Organic Spearmint 
• Organic Weightless® Cranberry 
• "Just for Kids" Organic Cold Care
• "Just for Kids" Organic Tummy Comfort ®
• "Just for Kids" Organic Nighty Night ®
• Relaxation Herb Tea Sampler
   

We’re proud to carry this incredible line of products from a company that has proven integrity and is working toward social stability and prosperity in areas of the world that need it most.  Come check these awesome teas out today at GreenAcres!

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Eleva Moutwash—Bringing Oral Care Back to EarthOctober 17, 2011

Filed under: Natural Living - greenacres @ 11:54 AM

So many highly promoted oral care products rely on chemical formulations that may actually do more harm than good, with ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Trisodium Phosphate, Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Polyethylene, Titanium Dioxide, artificial colors and flavors, and various petroleum by-products. You wouldn’t drink them, so why put them in your mouth? Eléva Naturals has a better solution.

The only professional oral care product made with Whole Leaf Wheat Grass, Eléva Naturals’ Ortho-Care Moisturizing Products are formulated using plant-sourced ingredients:

• Certified Organic Aloe Vera—has been shown to reduce instances of gingivitis and plaque, along with inhibiting fugal growth in the mouth.  It also contains at least 6 antiseptic agents that help to eliminate oral infections.
•  Sweet Almond Oil—is high in Omega-3, rich in unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids, which are easily absorbed through the mouth.  Sweet Almond Oil also has anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties that can be essential in this constantly-stimulated area of the body.
• Xylitol from Birch Wood—has been shown to prevent cavities as well as plaque and tartar build-up while increasing moisture in the mouth.
• Wheat Grass—a veritable superfood that benefits blood cells, teeth, bones, kidneys, liver, spleen, and glands, among others.  It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B12, C, E, and K, plus eight amino acids, calcium, iron, selenium, iodine and zinc.  Wow!

With all of these real health benefits, why not make the switch from chemicals grown in the factory to organics created by Mother Nature herself?  Stop in today and try Eleva’s mouth rinse or mouth spray, and see the difference for yourself!

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Spread the Word About Earth Balance Coconut Spread!October 13, 2011

Filed under: - greenacres @ 1:32 PM

So you’ve seen the Earth Balance buttery spread in the refrigerated case for years.  But did you know they’re now making a spread out of extra virgin coconut oil?! Welcome to this newest addition to the Earth Balance family!  You can do just about anything with it that you would normally do with butter or oil.  Bake, sauté, stir-fry, spread it raw…anything your imagination can concoct.  The smoke point for unrefined extra virgin coconut oil is 350°F, so you can get pretty hot without degrading the nutritional content of this naturally beneficial tropical fat.  There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for the heart. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. However, coconut oil is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.   Lowering your “bad” LDL cholesterol and raising your “good” HDL cholesterol has never been so easy!

 Earth Balance Coconut Spread is lactose-free, soy-free, gluten-free, organic, vegan, non-gmo, and just plain good-for-you!  Stop in today and pick up a tub:  you can try it on your toast, in your morning smoothie, in those muffins you’ve been dying to indulge in, and just about everything else!

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Burt’s Bees—Saving Our Planet!October 10, 2011

Filed under: Natural Living - greenacres @ 2:53 PM

Earlier on this blog we brought you news about what we’re doing, and what you can do, to help reduce our impact on Mother Nature, and reign in some of the detrimental practices that have damaged our planet.  But we’re not the only ones at GreenAcres doing our part.  We’re proud to support companies that have our planet at heart when it comes to producing, packing, and transporting their items.  We support them by carrying their products and promoting them on our shelves…and you can, too, by doing the same on your end!  When you know of a great company with a great product and an earth-friendly outlook, pledge your agreement by pledging your consumer dollars to that company’s mission.  Together we can ensure that more businesses in more places are dedicated to fulfilling their environmental responsibilities.

That is why GreenAcres is proud to carry the Burt’s Bees line of products.  On a path to a more sustainable future, we are all making tough choices as we proceed through uncharted territory; and Burt’s Bees is doing their part to forge a trail of sustainable products at every level of the process: “We believe the choices we make as a business can benefit all of our stakeholders and we hold ourselves accountable,” says the company.  “In 2007, to formalize our commitment to these [green] giving programs, we established The Burt’s Bees Greater Good Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization. The Foundation is run by volunteer employees and funded by a donation of 10 percent of our burtsbees.com website sales, Bee-utify Your World tour sales and employee orders.”  They are getting active in their community to truly “Bee-utify” their planet in innovative and impactful ways.

Burt’s Bees has formulated a remarkable plan of sustainability goals that will dramatically reduce waste creation as well as water and energy consumption by the year 2011. But that is just their short-term sustainability plan!  Their goals for 2020 include creation of ZERO NET WASTE, 100% Natural products, 100% bio-degradable packaging, 100% renewable energy, with a carbon footprint of 0, and all LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings.  Now those are some goals we can all get behind!  Pledge your support for their incredible initiatives by checking out the complete line of Burt’s Bees body care products today.

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DeVita Natural Skin CareOctober 06, 2011

Filed under: - greenacres @ 10:31 AM

As your body's largest organ, your skin is your most important immune defense barrier, and all the chemicals you see in most body care products create a Body Burden. The result: Neither you nor your skin are as healthy as you could be!

That’s why GreenAcres is proud to carry the DeVita Natural Skin Care Systems line of beauty products.  If you’ve seen them in the store, they’ve got an attractive package—and a great message!  Like all of the health and beauty products that we carry, DeVita is an all-natural solution to conventional, chemical-infused cosmetics.  They offer age-defying color cosmetics in an absolutely stunning array of products with endless possibilities.  DeVita offers of their approach to skin care: “We feel every woman has her own beauty, and we want to celebrate and enhance that, not cover it up and make it into something unnatural (and toxic!).”  That’s why they use all natural live and active ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, carrots, avocado, elderberry, green tea, and so much more!  DeVita is harnessing the bounty of Mother Nature to work for you.  In their skin care products you will find everything that is natural and wholesome, and nothing that is artificial or harmful—like parabens, fillers, artificial fragrances, and all those other nasties that show up in so many of the products you see on a conventional cosmetics shelf.

But not only are they offering a more healthful ways to pamper your skin, they have also revamped the way they run their business to keep our planet’s health in mind, too.  Their new packaging is made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper.  And that includes the protective inserts within boxed packages that prevent the breakage and waste of product and materials.  They’re even transitioning their previous plastic packaging to new recyclable, non-leaching plastics and glass…so you can be sure those pesky chemicals aren’t getting in through the bottle, either.  Kasey Rausch, health and beauty manager oat our Kansas City location, brought the line in for it high quality ingredients, cleanliness, and all their glass packaging.  They’ve also got mineral-based sunscreens in their moisturizers as opposed to the usual chemical-based sun protection in normal moisturizers. But above all, Kasey says, “I tried it on my skin, felt the difference, and I knew it was a great line that our customers would love.”

Looking for a specific product for your skin type and body care needs?  Drop by the store today and ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members to point you in the DeVita direction.  Once you’ve tried our wholesome and natural creams, lotions, and potions, you’ll never go back to those expensive, healthfully void and chemically toxic “name brands.”  You can also learn more by visiting the DeVita website here.

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Juicing: Get Your 5-A-Day Fast!October 03, 2011

Filed under: Natural Living, Organic, Recipes - greenacres @ 12:55 PM

As fall rolls around, our bodies crave less of the fruits and vegetables that they did in the heat of the summer.  It can be hard to convince your mind and body that you really should eat those carrot stick with lunch or reach for an apple rather than crackers for an afternoon snack.  But luckily modern technology has provided us with a quick and painless way to get all the benefits of our fruits and veggies without the hassle of gobbling down tons of roughage.

There is no doubt that fruits and vegetables are a healthy source for a whole array of vitamins and minerals, but many people don't realize that much of the nutrition in whole vegetables is bound by fiber.  While fiber is good for us and has many benefits for the body, vitamins that are trapped in it are difficult to assimilate.  For this reason, many of the vitamins in whole vegetables pass through the body unused.  When these whole vegetables are juiced, however, the vitamins and minerals are freed from the fiber, so the body can process and absorb them much more easily.  Fiber also makes it difficult for the body to use the water in vegetables, but fresh homemade vegetable juice contains plenty of this vital element. 

While most conventional bottled juices are pasteurized at high temperatures (or contain additives and preservatives) juicing preserves the enzymes that are present in live produce.  Enzymes are naturally occurring, and are an important part of all processes that happen in our bodies.  They help us to digest our food and absorb all the nutrients to allow them to work most effectively in our bodies.

Another up-side to fruit and vegetable juicing is also closely tied to the lack of fiber consumed from juicing as opposed to eating the whole fruit.  Many juicing recipes contain many different fruits and vegetables, so they provide an extensive variety that is vital to total health.  It can be unexpectedly difficult to get your five servings a day, but when you juice you are able to include a whole spectrum of fruits and vegetables that you might not otherwise take the time to prepare.

But juicing can also be a great tool for those trying to maintain a healthy weight, or even shed a few pounds.   Many juicing recipes contain far fewer calories than the sum of the vegetables within them, including fat-burning and metabolism-boosting ingredients like lemon and other citrus, or additives like protein powders and chia seeds can help you burn more fat and calories while maintaining satiety to curb cravings.

And don’t forget: when you’re juicing, it always pays to go organic.  It’s important to remember that organic versus conventional is a question of system and process.  Produce grown conventionally has been sprayed since its infancy with fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.  That means it’s not just surface contamination that affects us; these chemicals are present in the innermost fibers of conventional produce.

For starters, try out this awesome juicing recipe that was featured in our July Newsletter: 

Green"Acres" Lemonade

This lively green drink will satisfy your craving for lemonade while helping maintain your body alkalinity.  Some claim this beverage is a terrific beverage, while others say it satisfies their sugar cravings and leaves them fulfilled.  Either way, it is surely a terrific snack that will leave you energized and refreshed!

Ingredients:

• 1 organic lemon
• 2 organic fuji apples
• 6 organic kale leaves
• 1 bunch organic celery
• Mint sprigs (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Directions:

Wash thoroughly the lemon, apples, kale and celery.  Cut into pieces that will fit into your home juicer chute.  Juice everything into a large cup and mix well.  Pour over ice and garnish with fresh mint.   Serves 2.

Don’t have a juicer at home?  Check out the options in the store!  We also have special discounts on juicing cases for staples like apples, carrots, and wheatgrass available all the time, as well as most fruits and vegetables available for special order by the case.  Talk to us today to find out more by calling the store at (316) 634-1088.  Enjoy your juicing adventures!

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Want to Recycle?  Check out these awesome local programs!September 29, 2011

Filed under: Natural Living - greenacres @ 1:02 PM

Are you looking to lower your carbon footprint?  There’s no easier way than to follow the old adage most of us learned in elementary school: reduce, reuse, recycle.  The first two steps are fairly simple and straightforward: as an example, you can reduce your consumption of plastic shopping bags by bringing reusable bags with you; but when you do have to use plastic bags, reuse them as trash can liners, etc.  Pretty easy.  But what about recycling?  Recycling presents a great way to get rid of your excess responsibly: rather than throwing those old batteries in the trash to go into the landfill, recycle them at a battery store or recycling center.  But sometimes it’s hard to know what your recycling options are, what should and can be recycled, and how to find someone who will take your recyclable goods. 

What does GreenAcres do to make a difference?  I’m so glad you asked!  We send all of our compostable material to Missouri Organics (http://www.missouriorganic.com/).  After they collect it it becomes rich soil that can be resold and reused for all kind of gardening and landscaping projects.  For all of our recyclable material, we use the Deffenbaugh Industries (http://www.deffenbaughindustries.com/).  They collect the recycling from the store in one easy mixed-material container…and they also have residential programs available!

Check out some of the other options below for different places in Kansas City that can help you recycle:

Kansas City Recycles:

This is by far the simplest and easiest program to start as long as you live within the Kansas City Metro Area.  Just pick up your bin from a Price Chopper, or from Westlake Ace Hardware stores; blue bins cost $9 each.  Your recycling gets picked up each week (if you’re living in a single family home) along with your regular trash.  They take most of the normal recyclables (office paper, cardboard, plastics, aluminum and tin cans, etc.) with the exception of glass.  For more info, visit their website here.

Kansas City Household Hazardous Waste:

If you have something that you’re not sure should be thrown into the landfill, chances are it probably shouldn’t.  The Hazardous Waste Facility can safely dispose of chemicals and other pollutants like paint, fluorescent light bulbs, medications, computers, antifreeze, and more.  They also have a schedule or mobile drop-off locations for everyday household chemicals.  For more answers to your hazardous waste questions and a number to call for inquiries about mobile locations, visit their website.

Ripple Glass:

This is a great program focusing on recycling Kansas City’s glass products.  They have many convenient locations and new tubs to collect your recyclable glass products.  It is all community-based, and the glass they recycle is made into goods like more glass bottles, fiberglass insulation, and other glass goods.  Find out more here.

Looking for more?  Local non-profit Bridging the Gap provides great resources to find recycling programs as well as green initiatives near you!

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What’s All the Hype About Coconut Water?September 26, 2011

Filed under: Natural Living - greenacres @ 1:12 PM

You’ve probably read in the newspaper or seen on TV something about coconut water.  This is a recent trend sweeping the natural foods industry that has had some great press—as well as some not-so-flattering coverage.  Coconut water is, in short, the clear liquid that comes from young, green coconuts.  Locales with tropical growing climates like Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and Hawai’i have all traditionally enjoyed this mild, sweet, and naturally cooling beverage.  It has been used as an electrolyte replenisher after strenuous exercise or prolonged illness for its relatively high potassium, magnesium, and sodium content.  It has also historically been used as an IV solution, and it may have some antioxidant properties in the body once consumed.

Coconut water has gained somewhat of a cult following among celebrities—Madonna and Rihanna are drinking it—athletes, and everyday folks like you and me.  Although the science on this new natural drink is too new to interpret just yet, there seems to be agreement that coconut water isn’t going away anytime soon.  Many people claim they feel a burst of energy when drinking coconut water during games or practices, and some people swear that it increases metabolism.  It’s a great alternative for kids over other sugary and chemical-filled sports drinks, and has a much lower glycemic profile to avoid the sugar rush and ensuing crash.  But when it comes down to whether or not you should try it for yourself…follow your heart, and your taste buds!  Our staff favorite among the numerous coconut water options on the drink aisle is Zico.  It comes in several flavors and sizes, and convenient packaging for on-the-go enjoyment.  Try it today; see if you can feel the difference in your after-work-out energy levels after a refreshing coconut water, and let your body be the judge!

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Stem Cell Technology Your Skin Will Love!September 22, 2011

Filed under: Natural Living - greenacres @ 1:43 PM

Have you seen the new line of skin and body care products in the Health and Beauty department?  Andalou Naturals is a chic new product line that uses the latest in fruit stem cell technology (yes, you read that correctly!) to pamper your skin.  The regenerative powers of the compounds they have formulated don’t just minimize damage, they help sun-damaged and aging skin to regenerate new cells for a younger and healthier look; but it’s not just the surface they are repairing.  These skin care formulas actually activate your own skin cells to promote growth of new cells and actually increase your total skin health.  The fruit stem cells they utilize, Solar Vitis and Malus Domestica, come from a rare variety of French grape and a German apple varietal, respectively.  The grape stem cells pack a super-high antioxidant punch that fight free radicals while protecting the skin from UV radiation and pre-mature photo-aging.  It can also actually increase your skin’s UV tolerance to minimize damage from future sun exposure.  The stem cells from the German apple are rich in phyto-nutrients, proteins, and long-living cells.  This powerful triumvirate awakens dormant skin cells, making them behave like younger cells.  It stimulates skin renewal, protects the longevity of your own stem cells found in your skin, and slows the chronological aging of skin.

Andalou’s skin care, hair care and body care products are all made thoughtfully and beautifully, blending advanced Fruit Stem Cell Science with natural and fair-trade ingredients.  Each formula includes a minimum 70% certified organic content, for visible and healthy results.  That means you can feel safe about the products you’re applying.  As the body’s largest organ, the skin is sometimes the primary offender in allowing free radicals and toxins into your body that cannot be processed naturally.  That’s why it’s so important to seek out clean, chemical-free body care that is free of artificial colors and fragrances, GMO ingredients, parabens, and a whole laundry list of potentially harmful elements that have so long been an accepted part of the skin care world.  But Andalou makes it easy to break out of the mold. 

Stop by today to see their full line of offerings and to learn more about this great new line of products!  It’s never too late to start your healthy skin care regimen.

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New BioSil Bone Support from Natural FactorsSeptember 19, 2011

Filed under: Supplements - greenacres @ 3:09 PM

“Bones are not inert structures, like the beams or pillars of your house. They are dynamic living tissue that requires a wide range of nutrients for optimal health—and not just minerals like calcium.”  —Dr. Michael Murray of doctormurray.com.

Intro BioSil from Natural Factors.  BioSil provides a unique blend of vitamins and minerals designed to support bone health and assist in regenerating bone, naturally and safely.  The folks at Natural Factors have come out with 2 new products in the BioSil line designed to work together to build bone strength and health.  BioSil Bone Mineralizer provides 3 forms of calcium to increase bone mineral density.  These 3 type are specially formulated to be easier to digest than many leading calcium supplements, so your doses may be taken between meals with little likelihood of an upset stomach.  Because less than half of dietary calcium (calcium consumed through food and drink) is absorbed into our bones, the calcium source in BioSil is paired with other materials like Magnesium, MK-7, and Lysine.  These ensure that the calcium is transported to the bones, giving it a greater likelihood of absorption.  

While this alone can do tremendous good for bone strength, to reap the full effects of the BioSil system it is best to pair the Bone Mineralizer with the Bone Collagenizer.  New bone growth is made possible by the work of collagen—the key building block of bone tissue, comprising nearly a third of all bone matter.  Collagen provides the "binding sites" for calcium and other bone minerals. When bone collagen diminishes, bone mineral density decreases.  The collagen, calcium, and Vitamin D (to name a few) in BioSil all work together to build the strong chemical bonds that make for super-strong bones.  In addition, collagen gives bones the vital flexibility they need. New bone research reveals that collagen, in conjunction with deposited calcium, gives bones their ability to withstand physical stress, as with sudden impact.

All this in combination with a good, alkaline-based diet—fruits, veggies, nuts & legumes—and regular physical exercise can go a long way toward preventing problems with osteoporosis in the future. Don’t wait!  Start your bone health regimen today!  BioSil’s new Mineralizer and Collagenizer are also available in a combined value pack…and they’re all on sale thru the month of September!  Come in and see if BioSil’s bone support pack could be right for you.

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Are Your Hormones in Balance?September 15, 2011

Filed under: Classes & Events, Natural Living, Supplements - greenacres @ 4:07 PM

Join us Thursday, September 22^nd at 7:00pm at the store for an in-depth class on women’s hormone health.  Do you suffer from pre-menstrual symptoms like mood swings or cramps, are you having menopause-related symptoms like hot flashes or fatigue, or maybe you’re just feeling sluggish, un-interested in sex, or you’ve been experiencing weight gain.  If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you could be suffering from hormone imbalance.  Join Dr. Holly Lucille for a look at natural remedies and safe solutions to combat a lack of hormone support.

Hormones are a vital part of everyone’s bodily functions.  And men’s and women’s hormones function differently in each sex’s body.  Everyone’s hormonal balance is affected by their diet.  It is astounding the extent to which the foods we eat can dictate our hormonal balance.  A high-carbohydrate diet of junk foods, processed vegetable oils, trans fats, stimulants, and soy products can instigate such an imbalance.  Foods from animals that have been treated with hormones and antibiotics can also be prime candidates for throwing women’s hormones out of equilibrium.  Many foods, including all kinds of meat products, and dairy products like milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and more can all contain these offenders.  It’s important to look out for hormone, antibiotic, and chemical-free products, and especially organic products, that will not be harmful to that delicate balance.

But what can you do to not just prevent, but fight your negative symptoms associated with hormone imbalance?  Dr. Holly will address this very question using integrative medical techniques and training that focuses on naturopathic solutions.

To be a part of the conversation, simply attend this informative seminar.  Call the store to save your spot, or click “Attending” on our Facebook page here.  Registration is required, but there is no fee for attending.  Hope to see you there!

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Got Fall Allergies?  Could Local Honey Be Your Ticket Out?September 13, 2011

Filed under: - greenacres @ 11:42 AM

It has long been accepted wisdom that eating local honey in a healthy daily dose can act as a sort of vaccination for allergy sufferers.  The theory goes that the bees producing the honey buzz about to many local blooms and collect pollen on their legs, which makes its way into their honey.  Then consuming that honey, with small doses of that pollen will then force our body into a gradual immunity to these pollens.  This prevents the body from over-reacting to the offending pollen with itchy, watery eyes, sore throats, sniffles—in short, seasonal allergies.

But does this theory hold water?  A preliminary Google search brings up many contradictory views and findings.  In the natural food community, we tend to be more than willing to believe that something as simple, pure, and delicious as honey could be a “cure” to our allergy woes—it’s a natural junky’s dream, really.  Clinical studies have come to various conclusions.  Some find little to no measurable change between a control group and local honey in seasonal allergies.  Some find that some symptoms among certain subjects are lessened, while other subjects experience no difference in any of their symptoms.

Of course, on top of scientific inquiries, we have loads of anecdotal evidence from ex-allergy sufferers whose daily honey regimen has been credited with their eventual recovery into the symptom-free world.  After all, allergy shots operate on exactly the same principle.  If any of you experienced allergy shots when you were children (I know I did!), although they can be painful and traumatic…they work!  Allergies that were once nearly deadly for children can become minor annoyances by adulthood with simple weekly or monthly treatments.  When given a dose of the offending substance, gradually and over long periods, the body becomes immune to a reaction against that material.

At the end of the day, we at least know that honey certainly can’t hurt us!  Honey can immediately sooth a sore throat (whether it’s caused by seasonal allergies or not). It’s a natural, temporary energy booster. According to the National Honey Board, it “contains small amounts of a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.”  Wichita store manager Matt Murray adds that “While local honey is considered to possess properties that might help our airborne allergies by building up our immunity to those pollens, we just can’t know for sure.  But at least we can say that we’re supporting our local farmers and producers to create a truly delicious and healthful natural product.”

GreenAcres in Kansas City carries honey from Peculiar, Missouri from a producer named Cooper’s Honey.  Some of the honey that goes into the bottle is from their own honey bees and some of the honey is from local beekeeping partners within the Kansas City area and surrounding Midwestern region.  The beekeepers that they partner with for their honey are all local beekeepers and family farmers from the Midwest.  It’s only heated to a maximum of 120 degrees, so it’s 100% pure and raw.  If you’re willing to test yourself in a one-person clinical study, this is the way to go!  The question I’d like to pose is this:  Have you ever, or has anyone you know and trust, ever tried a local honey regimen to reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies?  Did it work?  What were your methods, and your impressions of how it worked?  We’d all love to know how it went!

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Groundbreaking News for GreenAcres in Jenks, OK!September 12, 2011

Filed under: - greenacres @ 1:25 PM

Last week marked the long-awaited Groundbreaking Ceremony for the third branch on the GreenAcres family tree.  Co-Owner and President Shannon Hoffmann spoke to a crowd on Thursday about GreenAcres’ mission and the mission of the development of which we’ll be one of the pioneers:  Village on Main.   The complex is centered around creating a healthy lifestyle; and that is right in line with our own goal:  to educate and assist the community in all of its healthy living goals.  Below is some an article written about the new store in Jenks, OK--just south of Tulsa:

Ground broken for GreenAcres Market

By Steven James
Staff Writer
Article link:  http://jenksjournal.com/news/ground-broken-for-greenacres-market/article_6e654e8c-da3f-11e0-aeea-001cc4c03286.html

Years of planning and months of site preparation came to fruition Thursday when officials broke ground on a new nearly 13,000 square-foot grocery store in Jenks.

GreenAcres Market is the third project in the Village on Main development, behind Utica Park Clinic and Waterfront Grill, but the first building to go up in the heart of the planned commercial, office and residential development located south and west of the intersection of Main Street and Aquarium Drive.

Village On Main owner and developer Duane Phillips called the new store the "cornerstone" of his vision.

The 12,000 square-foot organic and natural foods market will be the third GreenAcres facility. The first opened in 1994 in Wichita, Kan., and another opened later in Kansas City, Mo.

Shannon Hoffman, co-owner, said GreenAcres Market is focused not only with providing its customers with the best natural, organic and locally-grown food, but also educating the community on healthy living.

The market will host regular in-store classes to encourage customers to make healthy food choices and seminars held by wellness experts, she said.

Hoffman said GreenAcres hopes to be able to open its doors in late spring or early summer next year.

Find the YouTube Video of Shannon (and others) at the ceremony!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTCZEy4fkDM

To see more coverage, check out the links below:

From the Tulsa World:

http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=53&articleid=20110909_53_E1_JENKSA76317

From This Week magazine:

From Channel 2 News:

http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/new-village-on-main-project-moving-forward-in-jenks

To see more pictures of the ceremony, click here.   While you’re there, “Like” us to follow construction news and up-to-date ETA’s!

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September is Organic Harvest Month!September 09, 2011

Filed under: Organic - greenacres @ 9:34 AM

The Organic Trade Association has designated the month of September as Organic Harvest Month!  Originally started as a low-key way for the organization to get the word out about organic foods and agricultural practices, it has now become a nationally recognized month in honor of the organics industry and its core principles.

Why go organic?

The National Organic Standards Board has defined “organic” as “a labeling term that denotes products produced under…guidelines for organic production [that] use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole.”  Now that’s a movement to get behind!  Bringing our farming ecosystems into a balance with plants, insects, animals, and of course people, we and our earth can begin to heal from the over-use of monoculture farming and chemical pesticides and herbicides that have left scars on our environment and on our food system.

But organic isn’t just about our planet.  It’s also about what we put into our bodies.  Going organic eliminates much of the risk associated with consuming chemicals that have been a concern in the public eye for years now.  And it tastes better.  A totally subjective statement, of course, but surveys have found that consumers truly do taste a difference between organic and conventional carrots.  We’re also finding that organically grown products have a higher quality nutritional profile than their conventionally grown counter-parts.  Vitamin, nutrient, and antioxidant levels are higher in over two-thirds of organic match pairs, and nitrate levels are also uniformly lower—higher levels indicate a greater risk for the spread of disease and bacteria, while lower levels are associated with dietary health benefits. (For the full report from The Organic Center, click here.)

So what can you do to support Organic Harvest Month?

Here are 5 simple suggestions to get you and your family started on the organic path:

1. PREPARE one meal with as many organic ingredients as possible. Don’t forget to serve the organic beverage of your choice with your meal and enjoy an organic dessert.  Make it a celebration!

2. GO SHOPPING and fill one grocery bag with all organic products. Remember, organic isn’t just in the produce aisle, it’s in the frozen section, in the health and beauty department, and it appears everywhere between dairy and canned goods. If you can’t find organic items in your store, talk to your grocer to find out about bringing some in.

3. WEAR organic cotton clothing, available in everything from socks to sweaters. Enjoy the comfort and style while you support agriculture that builds healthy soils and protects the environment.

4. INDULGE yourself. Take a long bath in water scented with organic oils. Nibble on rich organic chocolate. Sip organic wine, beer or even a martini made with organic vodka. Buy yourself a bouquet of organically grown flowers. Cuddle in a towel or robe made from organic cotton.

5. SAY THANK YOU to an organic grower or producer because they’re the ones who bring organic food and fiber products to the tables and stores all across North America. Grab a friend and go to your local farmers market where you can buy organic products directly from a certified organic grower and say “Thanks!”

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Leslie Stullken:  The Woman Behind “What’s for Dinner”September 06, 2011

Filed under: Classes & Events - greenacres @ 10:11 PM

Food and Health Coach Leslie Stullken has been teaching cooking classes at GreenAcres for 4 years now.  She’s been doing kids classes, a women’s hormone cooking series, and now the What’s for Dinner that’s been returning each Fall since 2008.  We sat down to learn more about Leslie’s story and we want to share her inspiring approach with you, too!

How did you begin your food and cooking journey?

I guess you could say it started with my grandparents.  My grandfather was an organic farmer in the Vinland Valley, between Lawrence, KS and Baldwin, KS; he was really ahead of his time, preaching the ills of pesticides and fertilizers being used to produce our food.  My grandmother was said to be the best cook in Vinland Valley.  Then my mom was a home-economics major; she was my earliest influence advocating food  and wellness.  I remember we were always looked on as the odd family.  My mother shopped at this tiny, very obscure health food store in Garden City, starting in the late 60’s and through the 70’s.  That meant my siblings and I grew up with cod liver oil, wheat germ, buckwheat…things that don’t come in boxes.  We ate what is now called “whole food.”  We pretty much never ate out of a box; everything was cooked from scratch, and we froze seasonal fruits and vegetables for use in the winter.  I was into 4H as a kid, and I remember I cooked my first whole meal for a contest when I was in the 3^rd or 4^th grade.  For me the kitchen became a source for creativity and pride.  You didn’t have to follow the rules when you were cooking, and that gave me a sense of freedom…and fun!

Where has your journey taken you since the beginnings?

Well, cooking has been a key ingredient my entire life.  I can honestly look back and say that I’ve cooked at home a minimum of 5 nights a week as long as I can remember, and made breakfast at home as well.  In times of crisis or stress, when things just weren’t going the way you’d hope, I knew I could always cook myself a great meal.  I believe that’s the best way to nurture yourself.  That’s what cooking does: it provides love.  And it shows you can take care of yourself; if you’re cooking for others, it shared that love and pride with them in your cooking.  One thing I think we all miss is a dose of the Vitamin L’s: love and laughter.  Food, and bringing food back into the kitchen, is one of the best sources of all natural Vitamin L.

I started on my current cooking path about 5 or 6 years ago, when my mom was diagnosed with cancer.  We decided as a family to see a nutritionist to find out what more we could be doing to feed our mother the nurturing and healing foods her bodied needed in that time.  Sitting in that class, we realized we were already doing a lot of the right things—but we looked around to see so many other simply shell-shocked: by the news of their or their loved-one’s illness, but also by the prospect of taking measures to eat healthy.  They just didn’t know where to begin, how to shop for the right foods, and how to prepare them once they had them to aid them on the road to healing.

This period offered me many poignant moments of realizing the legacy my mother was leaving behind.  The tools she’s passed on to me from our shared time in the kitchen not only was a way for me to connect to my mom, but it was also a way for me and my siblings to move on once she was gone.  That’s what cooking did for me.

So, I went back to school in New York City at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I became a certified Food Coach.  Now I am an independent food and health coach, teaching people to jump the hurdles of shopping and cooking for themselves and their families.  I also have a special passion for working with people who have chronic illnesses to improve their diets and their lives through some simple and approachable ways to help themselves on a path to healing.

What is the most common feedback you get from beginners who want to start cooking healthier?

I always hear people saying that they want to eat healthier, they just don’t know where to start or what to do.  What I do is help them start from the beginning.  Create healthy habits by planning meals and freezing leftovers.  There’s no such thing as a 30-minute meal…unless you’re prepared.  If you have 3-5 well-stocked and well-planned ingredients between pantry, freezer, and fridge…you can make a meal out of just about anything! 

What advice do you give them?

• Don’t be intimidated by “HEALTHY.”  Once you start using fresh, organic, seasonal, and local foods will turn you on to really tasting your food—when you taste them, your body naturally gravitates toward them, it just doesn’t want junk food any longer.
• Try a cooking class and find a teacher you can connect with: always learn something.
• Find a simple recipe that looks delicious to you and try it.
• Cook with someone else.  Part of the joy of cooking is creating with another person.

What’s kept you coming back to Green Acres for “What’s for Dinner,” among other cooking series?

Hands down, the people.  Everyone I’ve met at these cooking classes, both in Wichita and Kansas City, has been the most incredible group of people from all skill levels—sometimes advanced cooks in their 60’s and 70’s, kids in their 20’s wanting to learn for themselves…it becomes a dinner party atmosphere.  I meet friends through these classes, and other people have made new friends there, too.  There’s a sense of anticipation before every class, like you’re going to see your friends.  Food may be what they come for, but it’s like any meal—it’s the people around the table that make an incredible experience; not just the food, but what goes on around it.

The next “What’s for Dinner” class with Leslie will be held Tuesday, September 20^th.  The class fee is $20 per person for 1 class, or $55 per person for all three classes.  For more details visit the Events Calendar.  Or to register please call the store at (816) 746-0010.  Hope to see you there!

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Back-to-School Brain BoostsAugust 23, 2011

Filed under: - greenacres @ 10:05 AM

Sometimes I ask myself what I can do to help my poor brain when I misplace those car keys or forget an appointment.  Good thing there are so many ways that children and adults of all ages can work to improve brain function and support sustained brain health.  Some of the best ways are through diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements.   We at GreenAcres have compiled a short list of 8 of the best brain boosters to help us all think sharper, stay focused, and improve memory:

1. Water! Water! Water!  Dehydration raises stress hormone levels, causing serious brain damage. Drink at least ten glasses of water a day.  Plenty of water is beneficial for your whole body, from your skin (your largest organ) to the tiniest of cells, it is the building block that keeps everything functioning normally.  You wouldn’t believe how many buckets of ice for our water we go through in the office!

2. Fish--especially wild caught varieties: DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, is the main component of brain synapses. A lack of omega-3 has been shown to diminish intellectual performance.  If you don't eat fish, omega-3 is also found in walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds.  Check out the Children’s Yummi Bears with DHA.  They’re on sale this month for just $23.99 per 90-gummy bottle; and the kids just eat them like candy!

3. Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables: The best antioxidant-packed fruits are blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, avocados, and raspberries…and who can’t get excited about that?!  The highest antioxidant veggies include: brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, and red bell peppers.  Get the highest antioxidant punch by enjoying them as a raw snack by themselves or in a smoothie.

4. Complex Carbohydrates: For energy, your brain needs fuel, and the best choice is glucose. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, starchy vegetables and fruits digest slowly, providing a steady supply to the brain over longer periods of time.

5. Green Tea: Ingredients in green tea (and to a lesser extent, black tea) slow the build-up of plaque in the brain from amyloid deposits. Drinking tea is associated with mental alertness; it’s mile caffeine kick can be just what you need to beat that afternoon energy dip.

6. Eggs: Eggs are rich in choline, a fat-like B vitamin, which has been shown to enhance memory.  Choline is also a key component of acetylcholine. A neurotrasmitter that carries messages from and to nerves, acetylcholine is the body's primary chemical means of sending messages between nerves and muscles.  Check out the “Veggie Feta Quiche” in the Breakfast category of the Recipes pages.

7. Chocolate & Nuts:  Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is associated with less cognitive decline as you age. Dark chocolate also has other powerful antioxidant properties. And it contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which can enhance focus and concentration.  Enjoy up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate to provide all the benefits you need without excess calories, fat, or sugar.

8. Supplements:  There are so many options available to assist brain function in one way or another.  Fish Oils, CoQ10, and Gingko Biloba (just to name a few!) have all been associated with increased health and function in the brain and the nervous system.  Always ask your doctor before beginning a supplement regimen.  And of course, ask our friendly GreenAcres staff when it comes time to pick out the product that will be right for you or your child.

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The Amazing, Incredible, Fantastic…Almond Butter!August 18, 2011

Filed under: Natural Living, Organic - greenacres @ 1:11 PM

Okay, so maybe that’s a bit extreme, but with all that almond butter has to offer, it’s a wonder we don’t break into song about it more often. 

The proteins found in almond butter, especially when eaten in combination with foods with a complementary amino acid profile (primarily legumes such as beans or lentils), can properly balance your amino acid intake.  This is essential for vegetarians who aren’t receiving complete proteins from meat or dairy products, or for others with special dietary restrictions. 

Almond Butter is also an excellent source of Vitamin E and magnesium and a good source of fiber.  It also contains protein, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.  Almond Butter is a highly nutritious replacement for peanut butter.  Comparatively few people have severe allergies to almonds as opposed to peanuts, so it’s a natural for kids’ lunches or an office pick-me-up.  Come try our freshly ground almond butter, or one of the many brands and varieties available in the store.  Try it on apple slices, on an “AB&J” or in a morning smoothie; it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!

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Third Thursday “Dog” Days of SummerAugust 15, 2011

Filed under: Classes & Events, Farmers Market - greenacres @ 8:45 AM

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NEW REDUCED DAIRY PRICES!!August 02, 2011

Filed under: Natural Living, Organic, Savings - greenacres @ 1:00 PM

Hey folks!  In these tight times, we’re all cutting back.  Fuel prices have increased drastically, which means that food prices are only set to rise.  But we at GreenAcres envision a better future for the health-conscious than higher prices in an already value-high industry.  We want the best for you and your family.  And that means not just stocking great products that promote your healthy lifestyle, but providing affordable options for every budget.

That’s why we’ve decided to reduce all the prices in our dairy and refrigerated section!  All of your favorite high quality antibiotic and hormone free meats, cage free eggs, organic cheese, milk, and yogurt, will all cost less for you and your family—some as much as 25% less!!  Now that’s a savings to get excited about!  Drop by the store today and check out the new deals!

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Staying Cool in the Summer HeatJuly 25, 2011

Filed under: Natural Living - greenacres @ 11:11 AM

GreenAcres was recently featured on our very own KSHB-TV, Action News!  Follow the link below to see the clip!  The subject of the story was the body’s adjustment to all this sustained heat.  As the temperatures soar, our bodies are less likely to crave heavy carbs or warm creamy soups, and more likely to ask for things like fresh produce or cool juices.  Assistant manager Kasey Rausch explains that natural coolers, like peppermint iced tea, fresh juicy cantaloupe or other melons, fresh peaches, or coconut water can not just help to cool you down, but can replenish some much-needed nutrients and electrolytes.

Next time you’re in, just ask any associate and they’ll be able to point you in the direction of these life-saving, heat-busting items in the store.  You can also enjoy a handmade smoothie or fresh pressed juice from the deli, or try any of our cool and delicious salads from the deli cold case!

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/dpp/weather/weather_news/what-do-you-crave-when-the-heat-hits%3F-if-your-appetite-has-dropped%2C-you%27re-not-alone

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Turning out a New Website, Turning Over a New Leaf!July 07, 2011

Filed under: Classes & Events, Natural Living - kkeith @ 10:08 AM

Hello GreenAcres friends in Kansas City!  We are so excited to be launching our new website that is going to provide us more flexibility to interact with you all daily & provide you with up to the minute info on the things you want to know about!  We challenge you to give us feedback!  What do you want to hear from us?  What info is important for you?  We know you received loads of enewsletters, facebook updates, online promotions & more on a regular basis so our goal is to make our interactions with you valuable, worthy of your time & fun!  This is Shannon Hoffmann, the owner here at GreenAcres KC & I want to thank you for all the support you’ve given all of us at GreenAcres for these past 4 ½ years!  We continue to grow, offer more varieties, create more value for you – our valued customers!!  Come see us soon – either in the store or at our weekly farmers market Thursdays from 3-7pm!  Come make a connection with your local farmers… and head on into the store to see your favorite team members & enjoy demos from other local vendors as well!  We have fun here at GreenAcres & we hope you bring your family & friends to enjoy along with us! 

We're working hard to provide you with the finest quality prducts.  Long before organics were mainstream, GreenAcres Market in Wichita prided itself with the largest certified organic produce department in the area.  That pride and commitment has not wavered, and has been translated to our mission here at GreenAcres in Kansas City.  Today you’ll find organic products all over the store: in the produce department, in the delicious food the deli serves every day, on the grocery shelves, in the bulk department…just about everywhere!  And it’s not just about organic.  We are pleased to offer customers cage-free eggs, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, certified humane, local and heritage meats, non-GMO baked goods, gluten free products of every variety, dairy-free milks, vegetarian meat substitutes, paraben, casein, and cruelty-free health and beauty products, raw foods, superfoods…and so much more!

"We here at GreenAcres so love what we do," says Barb Hoffmann, GreenAcres owner and drive behind the whole project.  "We love the industry, we love the products, we love the freshness, and most of all we love being here for our customers.  Our goal is to stay on the cutting edge of what's available:  from sustainable fish, organic, natural, heritage, and grass fed local meats, hand-picked specialty cookies and crackers...everything we can think of!  We're constantly traveling around the country, seeking out new items to bring in for our customers to enjoy."

We want healthy living to be a priority for you and your family, and we want it to be accessible to everyone.  "We are constantly negotiating deals so we can bring you affordable prices," says Barb.  "We are dropping all our dairy prices this week, so be sure and check out the new values!"  To find our in-store specials, look in our monthly newsletters, watch out for our bi-weekly ads in the Eagle on special drastically reduced items, look for Everday Low Price Tags on our shelves...and now we're introducing our new price-slashing good deal: Bonus Buys!  This month it's 35% off New Chapter's Bone Strangth calcium supplement.

If you’ve never visited, or if it’s been a while since you’ve been in to the store, you’ll be sure to find something you need, something you want, and something you didn’t know you needed until you sampled it in our store.  So drop by, chat with our friendly staff, kick-start a new diet regimen, re-vamp your refrigerator, or just find out which of those funny greens is kale. 

We hope to see more of you in the store and online!  Watch for our events, classes, and promotions on our blog, on Facebook, in our monthly newsletter, sign up for the weekly e-newsletter, or simply follow us on Twitter.  No matter what medium you prefer, we want to connect with you! 

Thanks for your continued support, KC!  Have a great day!

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A is for Apples in AutumnOctober 13, 2010

Filed under: Organic - kkeith @ 1:46 PM

October in the Midwest brings warm afternoons, cool nights and a host of autumn activities. My weekends are filled with football games, fall chores and recipe box filled with family favorites. Autumn is apple season in Missouri and Kansas and it’s time to pick, peel and bite our way to good health and rich flavors.

Did you know that a really good apple squirts juice when you take the first bite? In Missouri and Kansas, our climate and soil combine to give our apples beautiful color and a sweet, superb flavor.

Local Varieties

• Jonathan apples are by far the leading Midwest variety. This classic, American apple has a crisp texture and tart flavor, making it a perfect ingredient for pies and desserts.
• Red Delicious apples are the most popular variety worldwide. Our Midwest climate creates this flavorful apple that is best purchased and eaten right after harvest.
• Golden Delicious is mild flavored, yet spicy and juicy. As a naturally sweet apple, it is ideal for applesauce, cider and fresh salads.
• Gala apples are juicy and crisp enough to be eaten whole or sliced for a snack.

Nutritional High Points

• A healthy and portable snack, apples are a no fat, cholesterol free fresh dessert as well as an excellent source of fiber.
• Apples are also a great source of vitamins and minerals: A, B1, B2, C, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, and potassium.
• Sometimes called “nature’s toothbrush,” apples help clean your teeth and massage your gums.

Keeping the Crunch

• A plastic bag helps retain the juiciness of apples, Store bagged apples in your crisper drawer of your refrigerator
• Apples ripen ten times faster at room temperature than when refrigerated. Cool air between 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit will help maintain quality and crispness.
• One bad apple will definitely spoil the bunch, Sort out any bruised or cut apples before storing.

Celebrate the Season

• Warm apple cider on the stove or in the microwave; add a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange for a quick evening drink.
• Add your favorite rum or brandy for a kicked up adult version of apple cider.
• Take a short drive to a nearby orchard to pick your own apples, enjoy a country hayride and savor the crisp sweet taste of autumn.

Randy Miller, Produce Manager at GreenAcres Market in Kansas City loves this time of the year. “Our local apples look great right now, but you can’t go wrong choosing any apple variety this month” he says. “They are a perfect, portable and healthy snack, and a great way to celebrate the season.”

What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate fall and apple season?

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One Bad EggOctober 12, 2010

Filed under: Local Vendors, Organic - kkeith @ 2:01 PM

One bad egg can definitely spoil the bunch. A half a billion bad eggs can cause widespread panic and uncertainty.

Recently, 550 million eggs produced at two Iowa farms were recalled after more than 1600 people became sick after eating eggs contaminated with salmonella. Both farms voluntarily recalled their eggs, creating the largest egg recall effort in United States history and leaving consumers looking twice at the egg cartons in their local grocery and wondering if certain types of eggs are safer than others.

Purchasing eggs from local smaller farms, many of which sell free-range and organically fed products, may feel like a safer choice to some shoppers. These smaller, local farms often have smaller flocks, where salmonella, a potentially lethal food-borne bacterium, has a lesser chance of spreading. That could mean a healthier chicken, a healthier farm, and ultimately a healthier consumer.

Locally, the Maddick family operates Campo Lindo Farms, just north of Kansas City in Lathrop, Missouri. Theirs is a real family farm of 280 acres where 3600 hens supply Kansas City with Grade A large brown eggs. Though Jay and Carol Maddick also raise all-natural beef and lamb, chickens and eggs make up the majority of the farm’s business. Campo Lindo hens are all-natural, free-range birds with outdoor space to run and grow. In addition to the natural pasture, their hens also get natural feed of corn and soybeans, with no added growth hormones or antibiotics. “We feed no antibiotics or hormones, though I like to stress that poultry feed never contains hormones,” says Carol Maddick.

The extra attention small farmers give to their herds, like that provided by the Maddick family, creates not only a better tasting egg, but ultimately a more secure shopper. “I think it’s important for people to know where their food comes from” Carol Maddick adds. And although the claims that eggs with labels such as organic, free range and cage free have lower levels of salmonella are unsubstantiated at this time, knowing your local farmer and where your food comes from can ease your mind that you are purchasing and eating safe, disease-free products for you and your family.

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