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Kirstie Alley Lost 20 Pounds With Organic Elixir?

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:30:38 -0800

Is it me or does it seem like Kirstie Alley's weight is always in the news? She's losing weight, then gaining it, and now she's lost some again. According to People magazine, Kirstie has dropped 20 pounds off her frame. She has narrowed down her issues and knows her "two biggest hurdles in weight loss and maintenance are cravings and too big of an appetite." To get back on the road to a healthy figure, she's developed a weight-loss program that specifically deals with those two issues. It's called Organic Liaison, and it's the first ever USDA-approved certified organic weight loss program. The plan is designed to be healthy, easy, convenient, tasty, affordable, and something you can stick with for the rest of your life.

I was excited to hear all this, until I found out that the "program" is really just a bunch of supplements. The Rescue Me elixir is a formula "packed with essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients, [which] helps to reduce cravings while giving you an energy boost." Kirstie basically says it works because it's organic, and when you drink it, you won't be hungry so you end up losing weight. I'm sorry, but I'm not buying it. I am not a fan of weight loss supplements, organic or not.

Apparently the program is working for Kirstie, and her progress will be chronicled on her new reality TV show, Kirstie Alley's Big Life, which debuts March 21. Tell me, do you think these weight loss products will get her healthy once and for all, or do you think it's just another turn on her roller coaster weight loss ride?

Speak Up: What Foods Do You Insist on Being Organic?

FitSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:47:00 -0700

Buying mostly organic foods was top on my priority list, that is until the economy took a nosedive. It's way too pricey now so for some foods, I buy the less-expensive, conventional variety. There are still a handful of foods I only buy organic though such leafy greens, root veggies (carrots), and fruits I don't peel (tomatoes, blueberries, and apples). Since these foods are often eaten raw, I'd rather they be exposed to the least amount of pesticides.

I'm OK with buying conventional cheeses, yogurt, and eggs, but as soon as the economy gets better, I'll be sure to place more organic foods in my cart. What about you? What foods do you insist on being organic?

How Often Do You Buy Organic Produce?

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Going grocery shopping feels like it can break your bank these days. Food costs have been rising steadily in the wake of rising fuel costs and many of us are experiencing sticker shock in the organic aisles.

As it happens, when you are trying to live on a budget or save some money, organic food can feel like, I hesitate to say this, a luxury.

What I want to know is . . .

Source

Who Owns Organic Food Brands?

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:45:00 -0700

When buying organic and natural-food brands, such as Kashi and Naked Juice, you may think you're supporting small, independent companies. But often these brands are actually owned by major conglomerates: Kellogg, in the case of Kashi, and Pepsi for Naked Juice.

I was excited to find this very cool chart in the latest issue of Good magazine, which breaks down most of the major natural brands by their corporate owners. For the details, read more.

Some of these definitely did not surprise me: I figured that Morningstar Farms had a corporate owner, and I've read before that Muir Glen is owned by General Mills. However, I had no idea that the Heinz subsidiary Hain Celestial owned so many small companies! Westsoy, Casbah, Shariann's, and more. Check out the entire chart here.

I'm not suggesting you should avoid these brands just because they have corporate owners. But it might help you decide where to put your money if there are certain companies whose policies you disagree with. I'm curious, does corporate ownership affect your buying habits?

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Living and Raw Foods Diet

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 03:30:00 -0700

I've been hearing a lot about people on a Raw Foods Diet. It's also called a Living Foods Diet, and many celebrities such as Demi Moore, Woody Harrelson, Bryan Adams, Alicia Silverstone and Robin Williams have reportedly been seen at raw food restaurants and have tried it. Designer Donna Karan and actor Jeremy Piven shed pounds eating raw foods. It was even featured on Oprah.

People following this diet (or you could also say "lifestyle", since there are a lot of folks that eat RAW not to lose weight but for the philosophy) eat only uncooked, unheated, unprocessed, and organic plant based foods. Well...food that has not been heated above a certain temperature. It varies within the different raw food philosophies, but the end range temperature is in between 92ºF to 118ºF (33°C to 48°C). Meals consist mainly of organic and raw fruits, vegetables, sprouted seeds and grains, sea vegetables, nuts, and seeds since they believe cooking destroys precious vitamins and minerals. For instance to eat grains, instead of cooking them, they are soaked. Raw foodies believe their uncooked foods contain essential enzymes, which the body needs to digest foods completely.

They drink only purified water (never tap water), freshly made juices (made with a juicer), and coconut milk. They avoid meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, coffee (because you make it with boiling water), and all junk food. They only eat foods that are good for you, you know, the ones that are full of vitamins and nutrients.

Why eat just raw and living foods? It is said that you'll have more energy, think more clearly, have improved overall health, and lose excess body weight. Many people have also found relief from migraines, acne, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, heartburn, anxiety, and Type 2 diabetes.

Fit's Tips: If you want to learn more about it, check out Alissa Cohen's website all about The Raw Food Diet. She even includes recipes for burgers, pizza, cannolis, and chocolate cake - all made with raw foods and no animal products.

Want to see a video showing how to make a pasta dish with raw foods? Then read more

Source

Organic Food No Healthier Than Conventional?

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Everywhere you turn lately, it seems more and more foods are being labeled organic. It's definitely been a huge craze, although sales have fallen since the recession. Sales may fall even further after people hear about a new study published Wednesday that states organic doesn't mean healthier when it comes to nutrition

A review of 162 scientific studies carried out over the past 50 years found no significant difference between organic and conventional in regards to health benefits. Although, individual studies have found organic produce is higher in vitamin C than conventional produce. There have been similar findings when comparing the antioxidant levels of organic tomatoes with conventional, with the organic ones containing almost twice as many healthful nutrients.

So if your main concern is quality of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, then there's no need to spend the extra dough. However, if you're worried about ingesting chemical pesticides, or want to support farming practices that have the least negative impact on our planet, then continue to splurge on organic foods.

Tell me, will this news change your grocery shopping habits?

Source: Flickr User A.D.A. ~ Anna Duncan Art

Real Fast Food: Organic Food Bars

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:00:00 -0800

Looking for the healthiest fast food ever?

Organic Food Bars ($2.89 per bar) are the answer. This is the only line of organic bars "rich in phyto-nutrient dense sprouts and superfoods in a base of easy digestible, alkaline-forming vegetable protein for muscle and organ building, essential fats to promote a healthy cardiovascular and hormonal system, and complex carbohydrates for long lasting energy - without the 'crash' of most bars high in refined sugars." Technical, I know.

Basically, the bars are different from almost every other bar in that they actually taste good. Not good as compared to a chocolate sundae, but good as compared to the health bar world. They are perfect for people on the move. Ordinarily I would not recommend replacing a meal with just a bar but since they pack in a lot of calories (300+) and nutrients per bar, if you're going to do it, this would be a good option.

Look for them at your local health food store such as Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Wild Oats and Vitamin Shoppe. For more locations call 800-246-4685 for a listing nearest you.

Do You Buy Organic Foods?

YumSugar — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:08:11 -0800

Yesterday marked day one of the 2007 San Francisco Winter Fancy Foods Show (I'll be spotlighting my favorite finds throughout the week).
And although I'm not a morning person, I somehow managed to get my butt in gear in order to be seated for the 8:30am keynote by Eric Schlosser (author of Fast Food Nation).

During his keynote, which even Schlosser noted as depressing for an early Sunday morning, he talked about the state of our nation's eating habits and how unfortunate they are. We live in an era where (according to Schlosser's research), one of every five children eat french fries every day, and most of us consume what is quick and available. Overall, it was quite bleak, and mildly depressing (9am is really too early to learn about obese chickens grown for McNuggets). However, even when faced with all of his sad statistics, Schlosser manages to stay optimistic because:

It's not the fast food in the title that I care about, it's the nation.

He also remains optimistic due to the growth of consumer awareness. In the last 5-10 years, he has seen many more consumers become concerned with what they're eating, as well as a larger interest in organic and local foods.

So reader, how about you?
Do you buy organic foods?

Delilicious: Tasty Baby

babysugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:00:52 -0700

Baby food sometimes gives me the heebie jeebies. Not one to venture out and test the foods myself, I was convinced by Tastybaby's packaging and website that the infant food would be desirable for adults, too. The company prides itself on blast–freezing their organic recipes at peak flavor - giving the fare farm freshness and nutritional value.

Giving it my best shot, I did a lil taste test of Life's a Peach (peach purée). After a quick zap in the microwave, I was shocked by the delicious flavors inside my mouth. Convinced I must have tried the cream of the crop, I also gave Sweetie Pie (organic sweet potato and apple purée with cinnamon) and Bangos (organic banana and mango purée with vanilla) a go.

To see what I thought of the iced entrées, read more.
After giving all the flavors a thumbs up from yours truly, I decided to let the real judge have a say. Though she's finished with "baby food," my daughter gobbled up the Sweetie Pie in one sitting. I was delighted to see recipes included on how to utilize them for adult pleasure. Toss a cup of Bangos in a blender with some apple juice, vanilla yogurt, ice, and banana and you've got yourself one mean Bango Smoothie.

Moms can choose from nine frozen organic treats for their wee ones. When the youngster licks the last one clean, the containers can be recycled in a blue bin or right in your own kitchen as a keeper of other items. An eco–friendly company started by two moms, Tastybaby is sold in recyclable and biodegradable wrapping and available on–line with free shipping. Order a six pack of flavors (each including three packs) for $40 with free shipping!

Food Review: Rising Moon Organics - Vegan Stuffed Shells

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0800

I'm a big fan of Italian foods like baked ziti, lasagna, and stuffed shells. The only problem is the ricotta and other cheeses make them high in artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol. When I came across a healthier version of stuffed shells by Rising Moon Organics, my interest was piqued. Made with primacotta soy ricotta, these shells are completely vegan.

To find out how they compared with the real deal after the jump when you read more.

I really wanted to love this dairy- and cholesterol-free frozen meal, but truthfully, it lacked flavor. The consistency of the soy filling was a little smoother and spongier than real ricotta, but I didn't mind that. It was the fact that these shells just tasted "blah." The tomato sauce was sweet, but had this odd slightly smokey aroma and taste.

Just to see how much healthier these vegan stuffed shells were, I compared them to nonvegan ones made by Amy's Kitchen. Now I don't feel so bad about choosing the ricotta-filled shells. Although Rising Moon Organics Shells have less saturated fat and cholesterol, they also have more calories, more carbs, and less protein than Amy's Kitchen shells. The choice is obvious for me. I'll go for real cheese and real flavor, but if you're avoiding dairy, give these vegan shells a whirl.