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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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