PERSONAL FIT MEAL CATERING

Fooducate

2011-03-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

I just found this site called Fooducate. It's looks like a great way for people to sort through the many health claims and nutrition mumbo jumbo made by food manufacturers. It also has great ideas for recipes like this one for a sardine salad. Sardines are a nutrition and environmental super food but can't seem to get out of the foodie fringe zone; this type of quality info may start to change all that.

Hurray for Drinkable Oat Products!

2011-03-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

This article explains how the big food industries are planning to nudge our health and wellness spending dollar into their pockets. Their strategy is to take everything that was wrong with Mother Earth's products (more specifically the current trend in processed/convenience health foods) and improving on it. As the CEO of Nestle puts it...the process is about making "food pleasurable with more goodies and less baddies" Who are they marketing to...consumers who are trying to make the transition from being a full-time fast food connoisseur to a diet that their doctor might approve of. There is an incredible amount of profits to be made with that sector of the market.

Examples of packaged-food companies' health and wellness initiatives:

PepsiCo: Through the Chicago-based Global Nutrition Group, the company looks to develop products that combine Tropicana, Quaker Oats and dairy. PepsiCo also is testing a low-sodium salt.

Wal-Mart: The world's largest grocer recently announced that it would cut trans fat and sodium in its Great Value products and encourage major brands to make products healthier.

Kraft: The company recently added fruit to Lunchables and more whole grain to Wheat Thins. It is working to develop "simpler" foods at more-affordable prices.

Nestle: The firm plans to make food healthier through small changes so consumers won't feel deprived. It's also working on healthier pizza and teaching portion control.

Campbell's: After a multiyear effort to reduce sodium in soup, Campbell's is promoting liquid vegetables through its V8 brand and whole grains with Pepperidge Farm.

Starbucks: Earlier this month, the chain launched a variety of sweets with 200 or fewer calories. Also on tap: a big push into grocery stores. Products are expected to have health benefits.

SJI Coffee Roasters Taste Testing

2011-03-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

Coffee Taste Testing with St. Joseph Island Coffee Roasters

Main Library - Program Room

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Free Admission

705-759-5250

Special Speaker - Shane Hoffman

owner / operator of St. Joseph Island Coffee Roasters

Sample difference blends of coffee, find out how to keep coffee fresh

and find out what Fair Trade means! There will also be an opportunity

to purchase packages of coffee.

Local Farmers Directory

2011-03-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

Here's the scoop on the latest update of the local farmers directory called Buy Algoma, Buy Fresh. There are over 40 farms listed in the directory and more will be added for the June update.

For on-going information on Algoma's local food movement and where to buy local food products visit www.buyalgoma.ca

2011-03-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

How to Find Real Food at the Supermarket

2011-03-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is time to get on the sustainable farming bandwagon

2011-03-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

This article by Mark Bittman of the New York Times spells out quite firmly the importance of adopting more sustainable farming methods and how, contrary to popular opinion, this way of farming can feed the world.

Seedy Saturday 2011

2011-01-14T10:37:00.001-08:00

Don’t let the frigid February weather bring you down! Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about those next blooms. On Saturday February 20, Sault College proudly hosts the third annual Seedy Saturday. This event brings together gardeners, farmers, seed savers, and citizens passionate about gardening, food security and the environment.

Located in the Sault College cafeteria, the community is invited to come out and swap or purchase heritage, open-pollinated and/or unusual seeds from local gardeners. Local environmental, food security, gardening organizations and vendors will be on hand to answer all your gardening questions. A variety of speaker presentations and workshops will run from 10:30am to 3:00pm on topics such as seed saving, organic gardening, and why eating local matters. Those wishing to participate in the swapping of seeds can register from 10am to 11am for the seed exchange that will take place between 11:15am to 12:15pm. Vendors, children’s activities and refreshments will be available all day.

“Seedy Saturday is an opportunity to educate the community on the important issues surrounding gardening,” says Suzanne Hanna, Organizer of the annual event. “Children and adults alike will enjoy the workshops and activities that are planned.”

Seedy Saturday is sponsored by Seeds of Diversity, Clean North, Sault College and the Sault Ste. Marie Horticultural Society. Admission is by donation. For more information on this exciting event, contact Suzanne Hanna at (705) 759-2893 wildgardener@shaw.ca or Laura Wyper at (705) 253-1951 laurawyper@yahoo.com.

Adventures in Cooking!

2010-04-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

Exploration Sailing Charters is a charter company providing specialty sailboat excursions around Ontario, Canada's Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and the North Channel.

Exploration Sailing Charters enriches the charter experience by providing guest experts for specialty excursions. Clients will be able to expand their skills in an area of interest while cruising around these majestic windswept islands.

Saturday, July 3 - Friday, July 9

Birgit Kroll is the owner/operator of Personal Fit Meal Catering in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist.

Birgit will guide you through the principles of healthy, balanced food planning and preparation while enhancing flavour and presentation. This cruise is fully provisioned and participants will be actively involved in developing and executing the recipes.

Limited to 4 guests.

Cost $1 200 per person or $2 200 per couple

http://www.explorationsail.com/2010/04/nutrition-and-diet-cooking-cruise.html

Grow your own...Garden of Eatin'

2010-04-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

Guest speaker, Susan Richards from New North Greenhouses will teach you how to grow your own food, from the large kitchen garden to the small deck or patio garden! She’ll also inform you of new plants and products for 2010!

Main Library – Program Room – Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Cost is $5.00 per person. Tickets may be purchased at the Main Library Information Desk.

Spring Cleaning at Way to Be Studio and Personal Fit

2010-03-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

I'll be making a special spring cleansing menu for the last two weeks of April. Call Birgit at 945-1538 to find out more or Way to Be Studio to sign up for the classes.

Great Reasons to Buy Locally...in Canada

2009-08-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

2009-06-03T09:37:00.001-07:00

The local food movement has planted its roots and is growing bigger each year across Canada and the U.S.

Here in Algoma, consumers have been eager to embrace local foods through farmer’s markets, community supported agriculture, community gardens, and businesses such as Penokean Hills Farms.

The Algoma Food Network has worked hard at becoming an invaluable resource to this movement by connecting local food producers to consumers since 2007 and would like to continue this partnership in the years to come.

So to address this growning trend, the Algoma Food Network needs to expand and would like the public to help.

The Algoma Food Network will be hosting a public event, Edible Algoma, on June 17, 2009 7PM at the Great West Life Amphitheatre in Algoma University. At this meeting, the Network will be presenting its current priorities and will host an open forum. The network is also announcing a change in leadership, with the appointment of Birgit Kroll as chair. Lee-Ann Chevrette, the former chair, has recently moved to Thunder Bay.

The Algoma Food Network is dedicated to building and maintaining a network of local food producers and consumers through education, advocacy, action, and relationship building.

The Island Where People Live Longer

2009-05-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

Making it to 90 years old is awe-inspiring in much of the world. But on a tiny Greek island in the North Aegean Sea, nonagenarians barely merit a second glance.

The island of Icaria could be the newest of the world's so-called blue zones — places where the people have unusually long life spans.

Forgiveness is Good for You

2009-04-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Think of a time when somebody hurt you. Maybe your sister stole your wallet (or your boyfriend), or an uncouth BMW cut you off on the freeway? Now breathe deeply for a few moments; release your frustration. Forgive.

It’s not an easy thing to do, but as Greater Good magazine (Fall 2008) reports, psychologists have found that pardoning those people who dare to conspire against our happiness is good for our mental and physical health. Forgiveness techniques have been studied in the United States, and psychologists have now tested them in the post-conflict country of Sierra Leone, which is recovering from a brutal civil war in which nearly 500,000 people were killed or wounded. The trick is to start small—forgive the friend who stole from you, not the neighbour who killed your brother—and to understand that forgiveness needn’t replace justice.

Random Acts of Greenness

2009-04-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Today is the start of Earth Week. There have been 30 Earth Days until now and look how far we've come. Our awareness of the impact we have on this planet has greatly increased as well as our treatment of it.

Although we have a long way to go and some irreversible damage has already been done, we can be grateful that it has become so much easier to be environmentally friendly than it was 30 years ago. We have many systems in place such as blue boxes, bike paths, wind farms and community gardens that demonstrate the public's desire to be earth friendly.

I compare this time we are in to how a train changes direction; it takes a long time for it to slow to and stop before it can start moving in a different direction. And with a wink to the poor state of the economy, we now have the perfect storm (pun intended) of events taking shape for our green revolution to shift into high gear.

So as we watch the great ice shelves crumble, listen to the predictions of impending environmental disasters and feel the weather changing around us, it may be time to solidify this new “era of less” by taking advantage of this teachable moment and adopting a new lifestyle habit; let's call it Random Acts of Greenness.

So, what exactly is a RAOG. Some of you already participate to a great degree. A RAOG is a simple act that benefits our environment; from recycling water bottles to picking up a piece of garbage off the ground to turning off the lights when you're not at home. If we all increase our green productivity especially in public, this domino effect will continue and grow stronger.

Since Earth Day is less than a week away, how about intensifying our efforts with RAOG so we can start to feel good about our connection to this planet.

Here are some tips on how to green yourself even more this earth week:

Do you have a coffee mug yet? How about a stainless steel water bottle to carry around? We really need to stop creating garbage...even if we plan to recycle it. Reduce and Reuse so we have less to recycle.
Shop Smart. Buy locally grown foods and products when possible. Instead of arriving home with a million plastic bags from the grocery store, try to put your items all into one, large cloth bag. When shopping for appliances, look for ones that are energy efficient. Stay away from Styrofoam containers. Try to buy items in bulk not only will it help the environment, but it might even save you money.
Rinse, Reuse, and Recycle! Just because it's empty doesn't mean it's useless! Save old butter containers or jelly jars for places to put your leftovers stay away from foils and plastic wrap. Try to use washable rags to wipe off your counters and eat dinner with cloth napkins. Recycle everything you possibly can: paper, plastic, cans, glass, metal, etc.
Drive only when you have to. Carpool or take public transportation when possible.
Read more about environmental topics
Ask yourself some simple questions about the products you use and the packaging involved.
Educate yourself and others about how important it is to protect our environment. Challenge yourself and friends to do an act of Greenness just once a day. You really can make a difference!
Get together with your neighbours and have a community clean-up.
Teach the children in your community about the importance of RAOG in order to help them to appreciate and respect the environment.

The New Food Revolution

2009-04-07T07:01:00.000-07:00

It's been a long winter not only in the weather department; the amount of bad news over the last half year regarding the global economy has been stifling. Fear not (too much) there is always a bright side and it has to do with food. Not convinced, take a look at Detroit, a city that is dependant on a dying car industry is now being touted as a city of the future as community gardens thrive. Organic food is not the sole criteria for a quality food supply anymore now words such as local and sustainable are also competing for your attention. These articles will get you up to date on where and how the food movement is going.

eating food that's better for you, organic or not

the new food revolution

new york times organic food index

Toward a Less Efficient and More Robust Food System

2009-04-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Here's the last half of a speech given by Tom Philpott in North Carolina about a week ago. I got excited about it for a couple of reasons; he mentions Jane Jacobs, an urban theorist who is one of my favorite people and he has some great thoughts on taking back our food from an industrial to a more community based system. When he talks about their local organizations keep our wonderful Algoma Food Network in mind

read the complete article here

But what if much more of our food dollars stayed within the community—and got cycled through organizations like New River Organic Growers and the Watauga and Ashe County Farmers markets? Here’s a rule of thumb: Communities spend about $1,000 per person on food. About 83,000 people live in our three-county area full time. That means we’re spending something like $83 million every year on food. And that doesn’t even count the money that tourists and second homers spend eating. The great bulk of that money drains out of the community and into the pockets of the people who own Wal-Mart and McDonald’s and Lowes Foods.

Now imagine we had a locally owned slaughterhouse that could process the pastured cows that so many people grow here—and now send off to feedlots in Kansas to fatten on corn. If you can access a nearby slaughterhouse, you make a lot more money selling grass-fed beef to your neighbors than selling cows to the meat industry; wouldn’t that draw more folks in?

And imagine a locally owned dairy processing plant, that could give a decent price to our few remaining dairy farmers. Given the popularity of real milk from grass-fed cows, wouldn’t that be a booming market—and draw more new dairy farmers in? And imagine a community-owned food co-op that could sell all of this stuff at a central place, and maybe a farmer-owned restaurant that could give community members the freshest food possible, while giving farmers a cut of the value that gets added to their produce?

Suddenly, we’d start looking less like Efficient Manchester, relying on outside forces for our economic well-being, and more like Inefficient Birmingham, with a set of thriving, interlocking, highly creative crafts based around food. And we’d eat a lot better, too.

And think how much more robust our economy would be. At a certain point, people stop thinking they need a second home. But they don’t typically decide to stop eating. Because of the natural beauty of our area, we’ll always draw tourists. A vibrant, accessible, delicious local food economy could be a new calling card—and a way to get tourist dollars flowing broadly through the economy, and not siphoned off to a few resorts and lodges.

The question becomes, how do we get there? I know from hard experience that profit margins on farming tend to be relatively low. There’s no way one farmer, or even a group of farmers, can make the investments we need to bolster our food economy. This is a community-scale opportunity that requires community-scale efforts. That means farmers, consumers, elected officials, and landowners working together to harness our assets and overcome our obstacles as a food community. And that is a process that can gain force today.

Eat Right Ontario

2009-04-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

One of the tools we have for improving our diet and lifestyle is the internet and there are some great sites out there. Here's one that is close to home with tips on disease prevention, menu planning and seasonal recipes...just to name a few

http://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/default.aspx

Women's Spring Breakthrough

2009-04-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

Good News

2009-03-03T18:39:00.000-08:00

USA Today reports seed sales are up, and it’s barely March. No doubt gardening will see a resurgence with the recession (the local/sustainable movements are having an impact too), and no doubt it will be significant: during World War II, about 40 percent of all fruits and vegetables were grown at home.

It’s Organic, but Does That Mean It’s Safer?

2009-03-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

The national outbreak of salmonella in products with peanuts has been unsettling for shoppers who think organic food is safer.

The plants in Texas and Georgia that were sending out contaminated peanut butter and ground peanut products had something else besides rodent infestation, mold and bird droppings. They also had federal organic certification.

read full story here

The First Sign of Spring

2009-02-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

Seedy Saturday
Sault College-Native Centre-G Wing
Saturday February 28, 2009 10:00-3:00
Co-hosted by Clean North, Sault College and Seeds of Diversity Canada. Come swap or purchase heritage, open-pollinated and/or unusual seeds from local gardeners. Visit local environmental, food security and gardening organizations and vendors. Speaker presentations run from 11 am to 2 pm. on a variety of topics such as seed saving, germinating seeds and guerrilla gardening. Don't miss Kate Green from USC's Seeds of Survival program who will be showing 'Hijacked Future' and speaking about food sovereignty and international seed saving efforts. Those participants wishing to participate in the swapping of seeds can register from 10 am to 12 noon for the exchange that will take place between 12:30 - 3 pm. Refreshments, children's activities and lots of handouts. Fully accessible site. Admission by donation. As an added bonus, Cinema Politica will be hosting the viewing of 'King Corn', a feature documentary about two friends, one acre of corn, and the subsidized crop that drives our fast-food nation at 7 pm in the Multimedia Centre located in the B Wing of Sault College. A panel discussion will follow.
Contact: Suzanne Hanna at (705) 759-2893 wildgardener@shaw.ca or Laura Wyper at (705) 253-1951 laurawyper@yahoo.ca

Looking For an Exercise Challenge?

2009-02-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

Stairs are everywhere, of course, but they are rarely embraced as an option for getting into shape. They wait in the stale air wells of high-rises (especially in dense urban centers like New York City), or on stationary machines in the corners of health clubs now inundated by the more popular, but less strenuous, elliptical machines. Many stairwells aren’t even accessible, often because of post-9/11 security concerns. But when they are, or are opened especially for runners going up, they provide a workout that returns maximum value in minimum time, with low impact. And going up is much better for your knees than going down.

read more here

Chocolate; Treat or Health Food?

2009-02-19T11:41:00.000-08:00

A new crop of companies are trying to sell consumers on the positive aspects of dark chocolate as part of a growing campaign to rebrand it as a health food.

It marks a new era in chocolate marketing prompted by research that has shown dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which can help protect cells and potentially prevent disease. The findings are similar to studies that have pointed to the health benefits of red wine.

....read more here

How to Spot a Diet Scam

2009-02-19T11:34:00.000-08:00

Lose five pounds a week. Drop 30 pounds in 30 days. Natural weight loss without dieting.

If these claims sound too good to be true, that's because they are. Misleading weight-loss advertising is everywhere - magazines, radio, television, the Internet and supplement stores.

....read more here

2009-02-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

Babies Know: A Little Dirt is Good For You

2009-01-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, Mr Clean, it is a normal situation to share our bodies with 90 trillion microbes...maybe we don't always know what is good for us.

read on

Two Sides of the Detox Story

2009-01-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

I'm kind of somewhere in the middle when it comes to the idea of detoxing and cleansing the body. I certainly have done my share of it but feel better now that I'm just eating good food and exercising on a regular basis (stuff I can manage in any given day). Anyhow, this article may provide some interesting insights into the pros and cons of helping our bodies get rid of toxins.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/fashion/22skin.html?pagewanted=all

Spaworld Grand Opening at the Station Mall

2009-01-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

If you have some time on Saturday afternoon come check out a new wellness centre opening in the Station Mall. Here's part of the press release from Sootoday:

Guests are invited to join Spaworld to celebrate the opening of their first location at the Station Mall in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Spaworld's grand opening event happens on Saturday, January 24 from noon to store closing!

Guests are welcome to enjoy a day of wellness and beauty with complimentary mini-services, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, prizes and 10 percent off on all in-store products.

Spaworld is a combination retail store and day spa and aims to become the source of health and wellness lifestyle information, services and products.

read full article here

soonews story

Food Matters

2009-01-22T07:44:00.000-08:00

My two favorite gurus when it comes to health and eating don't offer any detailed diet plans or detox magic, they point the finger at us as individuals to act responsibly by making simple choices to benefit our health and the environment.

Mark Bittman and Micheal Pollan are on the forefront of the movement to make sense of what and how we eat; that's why they can keep their messages so short; eat food, not too much, mostly plants.

The books they have written, including Mark Bittman's latest, Food Matters, elaborate on this theme. In case you are not to sure exactly what they mean by plants and what real food is. Here's Mark Bittman's interpretation:

"Eat less meat, and fewer animal products in general. Eat fewer refined carbohydrates, like white bread, cookies, white rice, and pretzels. Eat way less junk food: soda, chips, snack food, candy, and so on. And eat far more vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains—as much as you can."

This is how he did it for himself; "At first, I simply eliminated as much junk food and overrefined carbs as I could, along with a sizable percentage of animal products. All this turned out to be easy enough, for a couple of reasons. One, when I did allow myself to eat meat, or dairy, eggs, sugar, or bread made from white flour (usually at dinner), I ate whatever I wanted, and as much of it as I wanted. And two, I started to lose weight, quite quickly—a big boost of positive reinforcement."

And the results of his experiment were that he lost weight and saw his cholesterol and blood sugar improve dramatically.

Now there is one catch, Mark Bittman is a world renowned chef and probably likes to cook.. a lot. But if you don't then you will be happy to know that these are the principles and philosophy that Personal Fit Meal Catering adheres to. Just including our meals into your work week and supplementing with your personal favorites (if any of its junk food, I guarantee you'll be eating less of it) whenever you see fit, will have an impact on your health and well-being. Plus it's easy; less grocery shopping, less cooking and more life.

Seedy Saturday, 2009

2009-01-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

Seedy Saturday
Sault College-Native Centre-G Wing
Saturday February 28, 2009 10:00-3:00
Co-hosted by Clean North, Sault College and Seeds of Diversity Canada. Come swap or purchase heritage, open-pollinated and/or unusual seeds from local gardeners. Visit local environmental, food security and gardening organizations and vendors. Speaker presentations run from 11 am to 2 pm. on a variety of topics such as seed saving, germinating seeds and guerrilla gardening. Don't miss Kate Green from USC's Seeds of Survival program who will be showing 'Hijacked Future' and speaking about food sovereignty and international seed saving efforts. Those participants wishing to participate in the swapping of seeds can register from 10 am to 12 noon for the exchange that will take place between 12:30 - 3 pm. Refreshments, children's activities and lots of handouts. Fully accessible site. Admission by donation. As an added bonus, Cinema Politica will be hosting the viewing of 'King Corn', a feature documentary about two friends, one acre of corn, and the subsidized crop that drives our fast-food nation at 7 pm in the Multimedia Centre located in the B Wing of Sault College. A panel discussion will follow.
Contact: Suzanne Hanna at (705) 759-2893 wildgardener@shaw.ca or Laura Wyper at (705) 253-1951 laurawyper@yahoo.ca

Tips on Winter Eating

2009-01-14T07:47:00.000-08:00

The last thing I want to eat when it's -25 is a salad...especially not as a meal. Soups and stews with fresh baked bread are what keeps me going at this time of year. It is a challenge to balance diet and lifestyle after the holidays when the cravings kick in, not only for sugar and fat but also warmth and sunshine. There are ways to keep up your energy even if a stay in a warmer climate is not a possibility. In today's Globe, Leslie Beck has some good advice about keeping this winter a healthy and happy one.

read more here

File under interesting...

2009-01-13T14:58:00.000-08:00

Some half a million people in the United States experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Symptoms of the condition, also known as winter-onset depression, include anxiety, fatigue, and irritability, and the problems may keep coming back every winter.

The disorder is thought to be caused by the lack of sunlight that some people experience during the winter. It also may be an evolutionary remnant of hibernation according to columnist Carol Venolia in Utne Reader’s sister publication, Natural Home magazine. As recently as the early 20^th century, Venolia writes that peasants in both Russia and France would shut themselves in for the cold months, huddling around the stove and barely moving until the spring thaw.

Venolia advocates giving into our hibernation tendencies, at least a little bit. If we did, “We’d sleep more and demand less from ourselves. We’d be more inward and reflective.”

Bye Bye Banana

2009-01-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

The modern banana, one of the world’s most popular and troubled fruits, may be on the brink of extinction. Though its shape is evocative of sex, the banana is “a sterile, seedless mutant—and therein lies a problem,” Fred Pearce writes for Conservation.

In the wild, bananas are basically inedible due to their hard seeds. Most bananas found in grocery stores are “mutant plants” and “sterile freaks,” Pearce writes. They're almost all of just one variety, the Cavendish, after its predecessor, the Gros Michel, was ravaged by disease. Today a new disease is stalking the Cavendish, and experts believe it could be just a matter of time before the modern banana goes virtually extinct.

While resistance could be bred in other types of fruits, Pearce reports that “Because all edible varieties of bananas are sterile, introducing new genetic traits to help cope with pests and diseases is nearly impossible.”

For the time being, the disease is kept at bay by massive chemical sprays. “Forty sprayings of fungicide a year is typical,” Pearce writes, “making the Cavendish the most heavily sprayed food crop in the world.” This has led to a variety of health problems in banana workers, including sterility and alarmingly high rates of leukemia and birth defects.

Some are looking to genetic modifications as a last effort to save the troubled banana, but that raises a host of other ethical and environmental problems. And whether or not the general public would eat a genetically modified banana remains to be seen.

The Eat Healthy Rebate

2009-01-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

Some forward-thinking Wisconsin HMOs (health maintenance organizations) are encouraging their members to eat healthy with financial incentives. Four Madison-based HMOs have teamed up with the Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition to offer rebates to insurance policy holders who purchase shares in CSA farms,which supply members with fresh produce all summer long.

Like HMO-sponsored discounts on gym memberships, the Eat Healthy Rebate recognizes that it costs insurance companies less money when policy holders make healthful lifestyle choices. (The rebate applies only to produce shares, not meat or dairy). In the programs first year, more than 970 people applied for the rebate, and nearly half of them had never joined a CSA farm before.

2009-01-12T18:47:00.000-08:00

2009-01-02T09:07:00.001-08:00

1. Start with exercise. A healthy diet is built on a base of regular exercise, which keeps calories in balance and weight in check.

2. Focus on food, not grams. The Healthy Eating Pyramid doesn’t worry about specific servings or grams of food, so neither should you. It’s a simple, general guide to how you should eat when you eat.

3. Go with plants. Eating a plant-based diet is healthiest. Choose plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats like olive and canola oil.

4. Cut way back on American staples. Red meat, refined grains, potatoes, sugary drinks, and salty snacks are part of American culture, but they’re also really unhealthy. Go for a plant-based diet rich in non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. And if you eat meat, fish and poultry are the best choices.

5. Take a multivitamin, and maybe have a drink. Taking a multivitamin can be a good nutrition insurance policy. Moderate drinking for many people can have real health benefits, but it's not for everyone. Those who don’t drink shouldn’t feel that they need to start.

source: read more here

The Obesity Paradox

2008-12-02T06:23:00.000-08:00

This article is interesting on many levels. It shows how misguided we can be about the food we eat and how easily mislead we are by labelling. As a society, North Americans listen too much to marketing and too little to what our stomachs are telling us.

“People who eat at McDonald’s know their sins,” Dr. Chandon said, “but people at Subway think that a 1,000-calorie sandwich has only 500 calories.” His advice is not for people to avoid Subway or low-fat snacks, but to take health halos into account.

find out about your "health halo" here

Reality Bites....Eating Organic All the Time

2008-12-02T06:06:00.000-08:00

Fruits, vegetables and animals can be 100 percent organic. What about people?

In a fascinating experiment — on himself — Dr. Alan Greene, a pediatrician and author in Danville, Calif., decided to find out. For the last three years, Dr. Greene has eaten nothing but organic foods, whether he’s cooking at home, dining out or snacking on the road.

read the rest of the story here

Fruit Demystified

2008-11-27T08:37:00.001-08:00

from xkcd.com

A New Face for ADHD

2008-11-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

The emergence of a major celebrity with attention deficit has revealed a schism in the community of patients, parents, doctors and educators who deal with the disorder. For years, these people have debated whether it means a lifetime of limitations or whether it can sometimes be a good thing.

Children with the disorder typically have trouble sitting still and paying attention. But they may also have boundless energy and a laserlike focus on favorite things — qualities that could be very helpful in, say, an Olympic athlete.

read complete article

Ten Thousand Villages Sale

2008-11-25T08:15:00.000-08:00

On Saturday December 6 from 10-4 pm and Sunday December 7 from 12-4 pm, Fair Trade Algoma will be hosting a Ten Thousand Villages Sale (just in time for the holidays)! Come out for yummy baking, coffee and tea, and hundreds of fair trade handicrafts!!

All proceeds from the sale will support the Algoma U Student Refugee Program.

It will be held in the Shingwauk Auditorium at Algoma University.

Hope to see you there!

Would you like some sardines with your orange juice?

2008-09-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

OFF the coast of Peru swim billions of sardines and anchovies: oily, smelly little fish, rich in nutritious omega-3 fatty acids. Their spot on the food chain is low; many will be caught, ground up, and fed as fishmeal to bigger animals.

But a few have a more exalted destiny: to be transported, purified and served at North American breakfast tables in the form of Tropicana Healthy Heart orange juice and Wonder Headstart bread. These new products promise to deliver the health benefits of fish oil without the smell and the taste — without, in fact, the fish.

read about the proliferation of functional foods and nutraceuticals here

The Power of Positive Eating

2008-09-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

After decades of obsessing about fat, calories and carbs, many dieters have made the unorthodox decision to simply enjoy food again.
That doesn’t mean they’re giving up on health or even weight loss. Instead, consumers and nutritionists say they are seeing a shift toward “positive eating” — shunning deprivation diets and instead focusing on adding seasonal vegetables, nuts, berries and other healthful foods to their plates.

read the complete article here

Food for Thought

2008-09-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

Words of wisdom from The Meals that Heal blog

I would be lying if I told you I am a perfect eater. I still fight urges to binge on foods that cause me harm… and a few times a year I still indulge in peanut butter fudge or double buttered popcorn because I know that even though it may cause me to have a headache or a sinus problem for a few days, it is nourishing my soul somehow. It is reminding me I am human and that I am free to make choices. That there are not evil foods and angel foods, just ones that build up the part of us we want to nourish.

When I let myself out of food prison (a life on a rigid diet) I discovered that I preferred to feel great the other 363 days of the year because that is where I could feel the most. I can be present, without brain fog and pain in my sinuses. When my blood sugar is balanced, I can feel more joy and be compassionate to the ones I love. My desire to fully engage in life started to outweigh the few moments of pleasure I get from tasting something I was really allergic too. I figured out that I could make treats that did not cause any negative allergy reactions so now I live every day “having my cake and eating it too”.

Ecotherapy

2008-09-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

What is Ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy is about getting out of doors and becoming active in a natural environment as a way of boosting mental health.

There are 4 reasons researchers believe our moods change when we are in nature.
1. We make nature and social connections with animals, trees, clouds and our surroundings.
2. We experience Sensory Stimulation; colors, sounds, fresh air, wind, all stimulate our senses.
3. We get active. And by walking and being in motion, we produce endorphins and serotonin - a great natural calm to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
4. We can escape from our busy lives. By reflecting, thinking and coming home to our self, it de-stresses and nourishes us.

How to incorporate "Ecotherapy" into your life:
+ Take a walk in nature during your lunch.
+ Listen to nature sounds on a nature sound disk or machine a couple of times a week at work.
+ Keep photos of you in nature around your office to remind you of how you love to connect with nature.
+ Keep a plant in your office
+ Keep a small aquarium in your office with a few fish.

Whatever it is you decide to do, get outside. And if you can't, bring the outdoors to you

How to Nurture a Healthy Appetite in Children

2008-09-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

If you have kids you need to read this. This is some of the best advice I've seen in a while; the following is just one example of how common sense can trump a parents' best efforts to control what their children eat.

Serving boring vegetables: Calorie-counting parents often serve plain steamed vegetables, so it’s no wonder children are reluctant to eat them. Nutritionists say parents shouldn’t be afraid to dress up the vegetables. Adding a little butter, ranch dressing, cheese sauce or brown sugar to a vegetable dish can significantly improve its kid appeal. And adding a little fat to vegetables helps unlock their fat-soluble nutrients. The few extra calories you’re adding are a worthwhile tradeoff for the nutritional boost and the chance to introduce a child to a vegetable.

read article here and from there you can explore the complete childhood health guide.

Food for Thought

2008-09-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

There’s a scientific explanation for why people love donuts at the office. A study recently published in Psychosomatic Medicine reveals that “knowledge-based work” causes people to eat much more than normal, even though their brains are technically performing at the same level of activity as if they were just sitting around. The researchers behind the study offer two possible explanations: One is that eating stabilizes blood glucose levels, which the brain relies on heavily. As evidence, the researchers show that glucose levels change when performing knowledge-based work. The other explanation is that knowledge-based work increases stress, and it’s well-documented that stress leads to increased appetite. Either way, it’s probably a good idea to keep the Snickers out of reach as deadlines approach.

Utne Reader

...BTW. Taking a short walk can substitute for the snack.

What's Organic About "Organic"?

2008-09-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

FYI......WHAT’S ORGANIC ABOUT “ORGANIC?” is a character-based mosaic. It delves into the debates that arise when a grassroots agricultural movement evolves into a booming international market. The film’s six characters each personify different facets of the dilemmas facing the organic community.

As the film moves from farm fields to government meetings to industry trade shows, we meet six individuals who are each involved in different aspects of the organic world. In the course of getting to know these characters, we are introduced to the complex world of organic farming, the challenges that family farmers face in the global organic marketplace, and the often-confusing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations that govern it all.

This is an inside-out film, in which individual stories connect the audience to a multi-faceted issue. The film seeks to spark thought-provoking questions, but does not provide easy answers. Indeed, it tries to show that there are no easy answers to such questions as:

• What is the true cost of our food?
• Which is better—local or organic?
• What are the environmental and economic cost-benefit analyses of the items in my grocery basket?
• What institutional compromises must be made when an industry grows so fast and its government regulation office is so new?
• What does “organic” really mean in a world of agribusiness and mass marketing? And what doesn’t it mean?

Watch the trailer here

Using the Mind to Tame Irritable Bowel

2008-09-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

If you’ve ever had butterflies in your stomach or an attack of nerves that sent you racing for the bathroom, you already know that the intestinal tract has a mind of its own. The millions who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or I.B.S., perhaps know it best.

Read article here

New Directions Course at Sault College

2008-09-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Course Overview

The core focus of classes will be the exploration of new textures, flavours and varieties of health -promoting foods and their benefits. We will explore the importance of resilience, commitment and knowledge as a means of creating transformation in our lives.

October 01, 2008 - November 05, 2008

Wednesdays 7pm-9pm

Instructor: Birgit Kroll

A Great Time to be Hungry in the Sault

2008-09-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

Dish Cafe
740 Queen St East
Monday to Friday 10 am until 4 pm

Cafe Natura
Elgin Integral Health Centre
75 Elgin Street

Arcadia House/Earthward Eatery
823 Queen Street East
Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 10pm
Eatery: Wednesday to Friday 11:30-2pm

Must Reads

2008-09-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

This article explores the relationship between our thoughts and our feelings and our physical health; how there is really a single mind/feeling/body. This is so often forgotten and yet it can have such a profound affect on our well-being.
How to move in and out of stress

It's not the magic pill just good advice for getting back to school or university.
7 ways to learn more without more studying

And finally...How to develop a habit.

Do a 30-day challenge, focusing on just ONE habit.
Write it out on paper, along with your motivations, obstacles, and strategies for overcoming them.
Commit fully, in a public way.
Log your progress.
Remain publicly accountable — report on your progress each day.
Have support for when you falter — either in real life or online.
Reward every little success.
If you fail, figure out what went wrong, plan for it, and try again.

Basically, the process begins with a commitment and a great deal of your attention. Once you realize and actually experience how to do it other habits will become much easier to adopt.

"The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken". Samuel Johnson

Good Luck

Ten Thousand Villages Fundraiser Supports Student Refugee Program

2008-09-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) committee of Algoma University in conjunction with Fair Trade Algoma will be holding a Ten Thousand Villages Open Market Sale on Sunday September 7th. The sale will take place from 10am until 4pm at the George Leach Centre on the campus of Algoma University. Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit organization that facilitates ethical trade between consumers in the Global North and artisans and farmers in developing countries.

"We're going to be offering hundreds of unique and beautiful items including crafts, home decor items, food, music, toys and more," says Rebecca Stuebing, a WUSC committee member and Algoma University student. "There will also be fair trade and organic coffee, tea and bake sale items available all day for purchase."

Interested shoppers will also be able to receive information on local farmer co-operatives and community supported agriculture projects.

The proceeds from the fundraiser will go to support WUSC's Student Refugee Program. Each year Algoma University's WUSC committee provides financial support for a refugee student to become a permanent resident of Canada and attend Algoma University. This year's student is Noel Wakana, a refugee from the African nation of Malawi.

"Most of us can't even begin to imagine the hardships and suffering refugees endure," says Stuebing. "We're very proud to be a part of WUSC's Student Refugee Program and we hope that the community will join with us in supporting this worthwhile cause through fundraisers like the Ten Thousand Villages Open Market event."

What Are We Eating

2008-07-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

The film “The Future of Food” will be shown this Friday night, (August 1st) at Algoma University at 7pm in the Westlife Amphitheatre (Room NW 200), as part of the Cinema Politica Film Series (www.cinemapolitica.org/saultstemarie) .

The Future of Food offers an in-depth investigation into the disturbing truth behind the unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods that have quietly filled our grocery store shelves for the past decade.

From the prairies of Saskatchewan, Canada to the fields of Oaxaca, Mexico, this film gives a voice to farmers whose lives and livelihoods have been negatively impacted by this new technology. The health implications, government policies and push towards globalization are all part of the reason why many people are alarmed by the introduction of genetically altered crops into our food supply.

Shot on location in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, The Future of Food examines the complex web of market and political forces that are changing what we eat as huge multinational corporations seek to control the world’s food system. The film also explores alternatives to large-scale industrial agriculture, placing organic and sustainable agriculture as real solutions to the farm crisis today.

We will be having a special panel discussion after the film, which will include local individuals involved in agriculture in various capacities. If you’re concerned about what is happening to our food system and want to learn more, this is a must see film!

Hope to see you there…

2008-07-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

Now Open

Read More Books

746 Queen Street East (in the former Fireball Café, corner of Hynes St.)

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

(705) 949-7882

readmorebooks@shaw.ca

Tuesday-Friday: 11:30 – 5:00

Saturday: 11:30 – 3:30

Featuring:

· New [new stock will arrive in August/September for the fall season]

Used, and Rare titles;

· Special Orders: We can get just about any title, new, recent or out-of-print;

· 15% Discount for book club orders

Watch for special events, book signings, and for the official Opening party in September.

Read More Books, a community-powered bookseller

Community Gardens Open House

2008-07-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

The Allard Street Community Gardens will be having an open house tomorrow, July 10th, between 2-4pm. They will be celebrating the newly expanded gardens, made possible by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Come tour the gardens and enjoy some children’s activities, cake and juice.

The Garden is located on Allard street, behind the Red Cross.

Hope to see you there!

Lee-Ann

Family Day at the Farmers' Market

2008-07-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

The Algoma Farmers’ Market and the Algoma Food Network have joined forces to hold the first “Family Day” at the Algoma Farmers’ Market. The goal is to increase the Market’s profile, and to raise awareness about local food and farms, and community food security.

When and Where?

Roberta Bondar Park (under the Farmers’ Market Tent)

Foster Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

July 12, 8am-noon

Great Activities for the whole family!

Available for purchase from local vendors:

Locally grown fresh produce, bedding plants, perennials, flowers,

herbs, fresh baked goods, maple syrup, honey, jams and jellies,

homemade preserves and many beautiful handcrafted items.

All activities are free and everyone is welcome!

Support our farmers! Buy Local, Buy Fresh from Algoma Farmers’ Market!
Benefit from fresh wholesome foods and products, grown and produced

with loving care in your community!

Make it a weekly Habit!
For more information contact:
Jennie Pearce, Algoma Farmers’ Market at 253-1745 or

Lee-Ann Chevrette, Algoma Food Network at 254-2821

(www.algomafoodnetwork.wordpress.com)

101 Summer Recipes

2008-07-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

If you're packing up for camp this weekend or going out for an extended vacation, it looks like the weather may just cooperate with you. If you are like me and feel like you need to catch up on some summer sun here's an article that may help to keep you out of the kitchen and also spice up those picnic lunches and dinner's. Mark Bittman has a flair for simplified elegance which he translates with ease into a variety of "unrecipes" that can be put together in minutes (as long as the ingredients are around, mind you). Not only will they save time but you may decide to try something new which is always a recommended activity.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/02/dining/02mini.html?ref=dining

Depression Busters

2008-07-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

Most people I've talked to lately are tired. It's been an exhausting winter and spring and it looks like summer is giving us the run around as well (Thanks to La Nina).

That exhaustion could manifest itself physically, mentally or both. Fortunately there are ways to minimize the effects of depression with a personalized "toolbox" of 12 techniques. These are strategies that one can fall back on when the negative thoughts, addictive behaviors or panic sets in. Take the time to build on and personalize them so you're prepared when times are tough.

http://www.beliefnet.com/gallery/depressionbusters.html

Strawberry Picking at Fiddlehead Farms

2008-07-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hi folks!
Just thought I'd let you know that Monday morning (June 30) @ 9am berry season officially opens for another year @ Fiddlehead Farm! Berry season is generally only 3 weeks long, so don't hold off... occasionally if it's cooler out it can run a bit longer, but this is not the norm.

Our hours are weekdays 9-8, weekends 9-4. It's a good idea to call first to listen to our recording to make sure the field hasn't been picked out, or to check to see if we had to close because of a downpour. Please note: if it's raining in town, it's often not raining here!

Directions:
Take Hwy 17N to Heyden.
Turn right on Hwy 556. This is the Searchmont exit.
Turn left on Hwy 552, just past the Island Lake swimming hole.
Go over a little metal bridge.
Then go over the bigger Goulais River Bridge.
We're the 1st place on the left... #1133. There is a big sign down by the road.

If this will be your first trip to the farm, here are a couple things to know....
- you are welcome to bring your own containers to pick in, just let me weigh them up inside the barn before i send you out to Chris who will set you up in a row
- we have pails with plastic bags that you are welcome to pick in..... fyi: on super hot days, you may want to have bowls or cardboard pop flats in your vehicle to empty your berries in to transport home... this is only if you are picking into the plastic bags that we provide..... hot berries will sweat in plastic bags or closed containers, and get mushy.... handle your berries as little as possible
- these berries are not the hard berries that you get in the store..... they are picked ripe, so you should process them as soon as you get home... at the very least store them in a cool place.
- wash your berries BEFORE hulling them... they soak up lots of water if you do it backwards, and will get mushy after freezing.
- we like to freeze our berries on cookie sheets, then bag them.... this way you can take them out of the plastic bags like 'ice cubes' as you need them.
- supervised children are welcome

Prices this year will be...
Pick-your-own... $1.30/pound
Orders... $10.50/4 litre basket

We hope to see you 'berry' soon!!
Have a good day!
joanne & chris robertson @ fiddlehead farm
649-3041

Have You Got Green Fatigue?

2008-06-14T13:41:00.001-07:00

I think my eco-footprint is getting heavier even though I ride a bike 95% of the time I'm on the road, I don't have a clothes dryer nor a dishwasher and my composter is always working overtime. The heaviness I feel, it seems, is the weight of this polluted world on my shoulders. The message out there seems to be to continuously do more or else the world will sink in a stinking mass of smog if I don't.

That's why this article caught my eye. With confusion and green double speak rampant regarding how much is enough, I can't help but feel most times that the environmental movement has given up some of its credibility to capitalism and all it's annoying banter of products and must haves. This definitely qualifies as noise to me. Read on to see how you can reduce the volume and clear the conscience at the same time.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/15/fashion/15green.html?ref=fashion

How to Put Meat in the Back Seat

2008-06-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

When it comes climate change, here's where my opinion has landed....I think we're no longer in saving mode, I think we are "evolving" into adaptation mode. It's as if the planet has taken the reigns and now is controlling the show.
An appropriate analogy comes from some reading I've done on Bruce H. Lipton author of "Wisdom of Your Cells". He talks about the myths of evolution and our perceptions of why we evolve. The two which apply here are:
#1 Survival of the Fittest drives evolution (revision: cooperation drives evolution)
#2 Evolution is a random process (revision: organisms evolve to conform to environment)

What is happening is that the climate is changing in drastic ways and the consequences are mostly unavoidable. The solution is to use all the information we have to adapt our lives to our changing environment. In other words to cooperate with the planet and each other; in our communities and on a global scale. How will it happen? Judging by gas and food prices rising, the economy will have the greatest impact on our changes on a mass scale. Soon most of us will be forced to adapt because we can't afford not to.

There are some of us who have an idea what is on the horizon and adapt a little ahead of schedule; this is where our consumption of meat plays a role. Mark Bittman from the New York Times is my current "all things food inspirational guru" and has jumped the gun by outlining how we, as a society, can cut back on meat without making a big deal about it. He offers a 7 point plan that outlines how one can cut back on meat consumption without becoming a vegetarian and how to keep it personal and not offend those closest to us that may be on a different path. Oh and I love the photo which accompanies the article so I've included it up top. You can read the full article here

By the way, keep in mind Personal Fit meal catering when reading this as a way to nudge yourself and your eating style into the future...I like to call it "food for the evolving appetite".

1. Forget the protein thing. Roughly simultaneously with your declaration that you’re cutting back on meat, someone will ask “How are you going to get enough protein?” The answer is “by being omnivorous.” Plants have protein, too; in fact, per calorie, many plants have more protein than meat. (For example, a cheeseburger contains 14.57 grams of protein in 286 calories, or about .05 grams of protein per calorie; a serving of spinach has 2.97 grams of protein in 23 calories, or .12 grams of protein per calorie; lentils have .07 grams per calorie.) By eating a variety, you can get all essential amino acids.

2. Buy less meat. How many ounces of meat is a serving? For years, the U.S.D.A.’s recommendation has been four ounces a person, yet most of us have long figured one-and-a-half to two pounds of meat is the right amount for four people. (Our per capita consumption of meat hasn’t changed much over the years, and remains at about a half-pound a day.) Change that amount, and both your cooking style and the way the plate looks will change, and quickly.

Remember that most traditional styles of cooking use meat as a condiment or a treat. This is true in American frontier cooking, where salt pork and bacon were used to season beans; in Italy, where a small piece of meat is served as a secondo (rarely more than a few ounces, even in restaurants); and around the world, where bits of meat are added to stir-fries and salads, as well as bean, rice and noodle dishes. In all of these cases, meat is seen as a treasure, not as something to be gobbled up as if it were air.

3. Get it out of the center of the plate. You don’t have to jump into utterly unfamiliar territory; just try tweaking the proportions a bit. You might start by buying skinnier pork chops, or doling out smaller slices of steak .

Build the meal around what you used to consider side dishes — not only vegetables, but also grains, beans, salads and even dessert, if you consider fruit a dessert — rather than the meat. Nearly every culture has dishes in which meat is used to season rice or another grain. Consider dirty rice, fried rice, pilaf, biryani, arroz con pollo: the list is almost endless.

Similarly, there isn’t a country in the world that cooks legumes that doesn’t toss a little meat in now and then. And mentioning stir-fries and pasta dishes here seems almost too obvious.

4. Buy more vegetables, and learn new ways to cook them. If you’re a good cook, you already know you can make a meal out of pretty much anything. If you open your refrigerator and it’s stocked with vegetables, that’s what you’re going to cook. You’ll augment the vegetables with pantry items: pasta, rice, beans, cheese, eggs, good canned fish, bacon, even a small amount of meat. We’re not discussing vegetarianism remember?

If you’re not a good cook, you have the opportunity to learn how to cook in what could turn out to be the style of the future.

5. Make non-meat items as convenient as meat. There is a myth, even among experienced cooks, that few things are as convenient as meat. And while there’s no arguing that grilling, broiling or pan-grilling a steak or chop is fast, it’s equally true that almost no one considers such a preparation a one-dish meal.

By thinking ahead, and working ahead, you can make cooking vegetables as convenient as what in India is often called “non-veg.” Spend an hour or two during the course of the week precooking all the non-meat foods you think take too long for fast dinners.

Store cooked beans in the refrigerator or freezer and reheat as needed, with seasonings. Keeping precooked beans in the freezer will change your cooking habits more easily than any other simple strategy.

Reheat cooked whole grains (the microwave is good for this) for breakfast with milk or dinner with savory seasonings. Wash tender greens and store in a salad spinner, covered bowl, or plastic bag. Most other vegetables can be poached, shocked in ice water, drained, and served cold or reheated in any fashion you like — sautéed quickly in butter, steamed, grilled or made into a gratin or something equally substantial.

6. Make some rules. Depending on your habits, it may be no bacon at breakfast; it may be no burgers at lunch; it may be no fast food, ever; it may be “eat a salad instead of a sandwich three times a week,” or “eat a vegetarian dinner three times a week.” It may mean meatless Fridays. It may mean (this is essentially what I do) meatless breakfasts and lunches and all-bets-are-off dinners.

7. Look at restaurant menus differently. If you’re cutting back on meat, there are three restaurant strategies. Two are easy, and one is hard, but probably the most important.

The first: go to restaurants that don’t feature meat-heavy dishes. It’s harder to go overboard eating at most Asian restaurants, and traditional Italian is fairly safe also.

The second: Once in a while, forget the rules and pledges, and eat like a real American; obviously you can’t do this every time, but it’s an option.

The third is the tricky one: Remember you’re doing this voluntarily, for whatever reasons seem important to you (or at least seemed, until you were confronted with the lamb shanks on the menu). Then order from the parts of the menu that contain little or no meat: salads, sides, soups and (often, anyway) appetizers. If all else fails, offer to share a meat course among two or even three or four people; many restaurant entrees are too big anyway.

I distinctly remember (no great feat; it was just over a year ago), the first time I was in a restaurant and ordered two salads and a bowl of soup.

My companion, who had long known me as a meat-first kind of guy, asked, “Really?”

The waiter asked, “How would you like that served?” And then life went on as usual. Wasn’t bad at all.

Mike Nickerson In the Sault

2008-06-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

"Living on Earth as if we want to stay" by Mike Nickerson

A talk and discussion about shifting toward sustainability.

Date: June 19, 2008
Place: Room L1120 Sault College
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Human beings will be around for a very long time, but we are in for a rough ride if we do not recognize the problems that our success has brought. A case in point is our success at splitting atoms. The investment opportunities of things nuclear have to be weighed critically against the social and environmental dangers.

Cures do not result from treating symptoms. The cause must be addressed. While Climate Change and gasoline prices have captured public attention, they are symptom of a greater challenge. That challenge is that the human species has grown to fill its planet.

Mike Nickerson and his wife Donna Dillman are touring with Mike's latest book, "Life, Money & Illusion: Living on Earth as if we want to stay." The book details the differing views on how to be successful in our changing times. One, the "Life" perspective, says we need to preserve and enhance ecosystems and communities, the other, the "Money" perspective, says we need to continuously expand production and consumption.

The event will be a talk and discussion about how these two approaches differ significantly on how to deal with today's most serious problems. "Life, Money & Illusion" outlines new ways of organizing mutual provision (the economy) and a change in priorities that can lead to a long and fulfilling future.

More information at: http://www.SustainWellBeing.net

Thomas Homer-Dixon in the Sault

2008-06-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

I feel sorry for those who take on the challenge of climate change. I mean really take it on by going out there and talking to people about it and encouraging them to move forward by changing a light bulb or leaving the car keys at home. Invariably the audiences walk out of these discussions feeling like it's all futile and wonder "where do I start?" or even why bother.
But this is not where Thomas Homer-Dixon wants us to end up. He gave an articulate and information-filled talk at the Sault College media centre on Thursday that included video footage of the permanent polar ice cap breaking up last winter. This scares already frazzled climatologists who are bracing themselves for what may be the first ever ice-flow free summer in the arctic.
He showed graphs, of the inconvenient sort, that predicted how 2007 may well have been the "flip" year for our climate due to the fact that complex systems like our climate do not change gradually but change like a light switch...drastically.
You may be saying to yourself, hey, it's cold and wet out and my lawn is greener then ever, no doomsday here. This, according to Homer-Dixon is due to "La Nina",the temperature fluctuations worldwide created by surface waters in the southern Pacific ocean. In other words it's business as usual probably next year, with rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions creating havoc around the world.
There are two nuggets I took from this discussion. One is that things are going to change so start getting used to it. Just imagine life as usual when the price of a barrel of oil doubles...very soon. Think about your car, your work, your food, your house and start making some changes now to prepare. We are getting a taste of it presently...be prepared for a very different world. Even the coming change in the American government (either Barak or McCain) will herald drastic policy changes to tackle these problems.
Another truth is that whenever you are ready to change, no matter how small, there are already grassroots associations in your community ready to lend a helping hand whether it's by changing a lightbulb, or planting a garden to feed your family. It's all here in the Sault. Oh, by the way, that's another important point; there is no better place to start changing the world than in your very own community.

Find out more about Thomas Homer-Dixon here

Earthward Eatery Opens At Arcadia

2008-06-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the Arcadia Coffeehouse and am happy to announce that is has opened it's doors once again. Business was brisk as they had already sold out of the wraps and the ambiance is cool and casual as usual. Steve from Earthward mentioned that they were testing the waters for the month of June regarding hours of operation and will have a permanent schedule come July. So get out to the edge of Queen and show Steve and Matt how much you appreciate having them around.

Hours for June:

Arcadia Coffeehouse serving fair-trade coffee open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

Earthward Eatery serving vegetarian lunches Wednesday to Friday 11:30pm to 2pm

823 Queen St. East

The Ethics of Eating

2008-06-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

It's the day before the Farmer's Market opens its gates. It should be an interesting season with topics such as organic and local on more people's minds this year then ever before. Corina Milic has an article in the Sault Star which tackles the topic from a Sault perspective.

read article here

Sault Ste Marie Farmer's Market This Saturday

2008-06-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

What are you doing this Saturday? Maybe I'll see you at the farmer's market down at the Bondar Pavilion. I can't think of a better way to welcome the warmer weather (by the way, it is supposed to get up to 29 C on Saturday) and get in tune with the summer months. Despite the fact that this season is a late starter, I have my bike revved up and my basket fastened tight and hope to come home with a few precious picks evens if it means an armload full of rhubarb. Once the season gets rolling you get to benefit from supporting local farmers; the insane amounts of eye-popping produce, which is often less costly than the mass-produced stuff at the supermarket; and you get to meet your neighbors, or at least elbow your neighbors aside while fighting over that last pound of perfect green beans or cherry tomatoes. Besides vegetables, you will also find a variety of baking, crafts, honey, maple syrup, cheese, preserves, and local fruits in season.

See you there,
Saturday June 7 from 8am to 12pm

Cinema Politica in Sault Ste. Marie

2008-06-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

Cinema Politica is a social gathering intended to enlighten, educate, and inspire local citizens. We wish to create a positive environment for individuals to gather and discuss relevant issues within our community and the world. Our goal is to inform and empower local citizens with the knowledge to make positive changes in all aspects of the global community. We welcome everyone willing to meet new people and think outside the box.

Held every Friday in June, July, and August at Algoma University College

7:00 PM in the Great West Life Amphitheatre (Room NW 200)

FREE ADMISSION

This week: The Corporation
The Corporation explores the nature and spectacular rise of the most dominant institution of our time and asks "What kind of person is it?" It includes interviews with 40 corporate insiders and critics - including Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, Milton Friedman, Howard Zinn, Vandana Shiva and Michael Moore - plus true confessions, case studies and strategies for change.

1520 Queen Street East
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

To find out a list of upcoming films go to www.cinemapolitica.org/saultstemarie

For more information, contact us at: ssmarie@cinemapolitica.org or call Dax D’Orazio at (705) 253-8444.

What's Wrong With What We Eat

2008-06-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

Mark Bittman has a lot of my respect. He is not only a talented chef (he wrote the Personal Fit bible...How to Cook Everything Vegetarian) he also loves to eat good food and cares passionately about it. His concern about the ecological and health impacts of our modern diet, which he characterizes as overwhelmingly meat-centered and hooked on fast food, is channeled into this 20 minute speech at last years TED Conference. It's an illuminating and entertaining presentation.
Mark Bittman is currently at work on a new book, Food Matters, which explores the link between our eating habits and the environment, offering an accessible plan for a planet-friendly diet.

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/263

What Did You Eat For Breakfast?

2008-06-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

The following is an informal poll concerning what New Yorkers eat for breakfast. It really illuminates the strange choices we make and how far we've come from oatmeal or bacon and eggs. It peaked my interest especially since I have a particular ritual in the morning that goes like this: short run, tasty coffee and usually a big bowl of soup and homemade bread for breakfast. People tend to look at me funny when I mention the soup for breakfast....what can I say; it hits the spot.

http://nymag.com/restaurants/features/breakfast/47393/

Green Cleaners

2008-05-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend should be a great one for opening the doors and doing some spring cleaning. By now you might be aware of the chemical risk you take using regular detergents and cleaners and how over time these products can be toxic to the body. With that in mind, I searched out a summary of green cleaning solutions, they are easy and they work. Enjoy the weekend and don't forget the spring plant sale this Saturday morning, just scroll down for more information.

To clear your drains Pour 125 ml of baking soda down the sink and add at least a cup of vinegar. Put the cover on the drain and wait a few minutes. Finish by rinsing through with a mixture of boiling water and salt.

To clean your oven Make a paste of baking soda and water. First, scratch off burnt spots with a scouring brush and then apply the paste and scrub.

To clean your windows and other glass You have two options: for every litre of water, add 75 ml of vinegar into a spray bottle. Or try club soda. Be sure to use a lint-free cloth to wipe up.

To clean your toilet bowl Sprinkle baking soda around the inside of the toilet bowl and scrub with toilet brush. Add some white vinegar into the bowl and let sit for a few minutes before cleaning with the brush.

To clean your bathtub and surrounding tiles Mix 400 ml baking soda, 125 ml liquid soap, 125 ml water and a few spoonfuls of vinegar. Apply, scrub and wipe. Got mildew? Try vinegar and salt.

Cleaning up in the kitchen Use baking soda on non-scratch surfaces and the vinegar and water mixture on all others.

Cleaning your microwave oven Mix 30 ml of baking soda or lemon juice and 250 ml water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for five minutes or until the liquid boils and condensation builds up inside the microwave. Wipe down.

Polishing your silver Put a sheet of aluminum foil into a plastic or glass bowl. Sprinkle the foil with salt and baking soda and fill bowl with warm water. Soak your silver in the bowl. The tarnish will migrate to the foil. Dry and buff.

Cleaning brass Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle it with salt and rub the lemon on the metal. Buff with a cloth.

Cleaning your copper Make a paste with equal parts white vinegar, flour and salt. Rub it onto your copper, leave it on for an hour and then buff with a cloth.

Cleaning your chrome surfaces Try toothpaste.

All-purpose cleaner In a spray bottle, combine five ml borax, 2.5 ml baking soda, 30 ml lemon juice and 250 ml of hot water.

Cleaning your wood floors Mix 125 ml white vinegar and 125 ml vegetable or olive oil in a spray bottle.

Furniture Polish In a spray bottle mix 250 ml vegetable or olive oil and 125 ml of lemon juice. Shake well and apply a small amount to a cloth.

Multi-purpose deep cleaner Mix 250 ml household ammonia, 125 ml white vinegar, 62.5 ml baking soda and four litres of warm water.

2008-05-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

Something Different: A Spring Guided Meditation Recipe

2008-05-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

Fresh Green Pea Potage
Serves 4-6

2 leeks, white parts only, tough leaves removed
(or substitute 1 bunch green onions or 1 large spring onion)
3 pounds fresh peas in pods, or 40 ounces frozen peas, or a combination of both
2 - 3 sprigs thyme
2 - 3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive or grapeseed oil
6 cups water
1 tablespoon honey
sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
2 - 3 tablespoons heavy cream, optional
Sour cream, yogurt or creme fraiche, optional

1. Wash your hands then gather all the ingredients and put them in front of you on the counter.

Notice the shape and color of the pea pods. Pick one up and feel it in your hand. Hold it up to the light and see its translucency. Eat a fresh pea out of the pod. Be aware of the texture and feeling in your mouth.

2. If you are using fresh peas, lightly rinse and drain the pods before opening them. Remove the peas from the pods and put aside. If you are making a lot of soup, you may want to combine fresh peas and frozen ones. Of all the frozen vegetables, peas seem best at keeping their integrity intact.

Notice what is happening in your mind. Do you have a sense of anticipation? Are you thinking, what's the big deal; it's just a pea.

Let your thoughts come and go.

3. Wash the white part of the leeks well: make two crossing slices along the length, creating a sort of brush, and wash well between the layers. Slice into ½-inch pieces.

Notice your posture while cutting.

4. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the leeks and saute until translucent, but not brown. Add the peas, reserving 1 cup. Add the thyme, bay leaves, and 6 cups of water.

Listen for the sound of sizzle when you add ingredients, it lets you know the oil is the right temperature. Crush the thyme in your hands and smell its oils.

Bring to a boil; then simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let steep for about 20 minutes. The peas will lose their bright color if you cook them for too long.

Take a moment to pay attention to what you are thinking about. Are you absorbed and relaxed or distracted?

5. Take out the thyme and bay leaves. Puree the mixture in a blender; then strain through a fine sieve. Using a wooden spoon, push the peas through; discard the remains. You should have a very smooth puree that is quite dense. If too thick, add a bit more water. (Up to this point the soup can be made the day before and refrigerated.)

6. Return the soup to the saucepan and reheat slowly over medium-low heat. Stir in the honey and taste for seasoning. Add the cup of reserved peas. Be careful not to burn it. If you like, stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream while heating.

As you taste, notice the burst of flavor. Experience the taste. Is it sweet, bitter, salty? What is the texture like in your mouth? Has it been cooked enough? What would you add?

7. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, yogurt, or creme fraiche. Garnish, if you wish, with some chopped chives, parsley, julienne sorrel, a thin-sliced and lightly grilled scallop, or a flurry of toasted ground cumin or freshly ground black pepper.

Dip your spoon into the hot soup and lift into your mouth. Notice how the flavor changes from one mouthful to the next. You could easily eat an entire bowl without even tasting it if you don't pay attention. Don't get lost in thinking about the next thing to eat. In the midst of eating this are you lost in craving? Are you thinking, "Oh, if only this was Matzo Ball soup, then I would be happy!" Try to stay with your experience of tasting and eating this soup.

When you have finished your meal, take a few moments to get in touch with a sense of cultivating health in nourishing your body and sharing food. You might offer the merit of this delicious practice to others. I'm told that the one who cleans up receives all the blessings.

Fundraiser at Arcadia

2008-05-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Fair Trade Algoma will be hosting a film screening of 'When Silence is Golden,' a documentary of a filmmakers' experience in a rural Ghanaian community affected by a Canadian gold mining company's practices. Proceeds from this event will support a local student's involvement in the 2008 WUSC International Seminar.

Twenty university students from across Canada—including Rebecca Stuebing of Sault Ste.Marie, Ontario—were selected to participate in the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) 2008 International Seminar. This summer,these students will travel to Ghana to engage in a group research project on rural community perceptions of basic education. This project will be undertaken in partnership with local communities and NGOs over a period of six weeks in rural villages throughout the country. The costs associated with this initiative will be partially funded by WUSC and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)—participants must contribute $3000 through individual fundraising campaigns.

How Well Do You Know Your Body

2008-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

A sure fire way to protect your health and quality of life is to get to know yourself...how your mind and body work. The following is a quiz that helps that process along the way. See how well you do.
Take the quiz

From there you can access a cornucopia of information to expand your horizons from head to toe.

New York Times Wellguide

Earthward Cafe Relocation Update

2008-05-12T14:29:00.001-07:00

Queen Street is about to get a tasty shot in the arm. Steve Lang is taking his wonderful vegetarian cooking to the Arcadia Cafe at 823 Queen St East. Here's the announcement:

Hi Folks,

We are open Monday to Wednesday this week and will close (temporarily) as of Thursday, May 15th. We will be relocating to the newly renovated Arcadia Coffee House on Queen Street with plans to start serving lunches again as of the first week of June. We will be mailing out a newsletter with all the details sometime next week. Stay tuned!

Just a reminder: Cherry Hill organic/fair-trade coffee is on sale for 3 more days! We will not be retailing coffee at the new location so stock up now. We have dark, medium and light roasts available as well as a Swiss Water Decaf.. Supplies are limited. Also, we only have a few more 500 ml. bottles of Fiddlehead Farm's local maple syrup for sale.

Hope to see you soon,

Stephen Lang

Earthward Café

Pangea Day

2008-05-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a good day. A friend and I rode our bikes over to Sault, MI without a hitch and got to witness some very powerful messages conveyed to a worldwide audience through film. It was called Pangea Day. It's stated purpose was "In a world where people are often divided by borders, difference, and conflict, it's easy to lose sight of what we all have in common. Pangea Day seeks to overcome that – to help people see themselves in others – through the power of film."
I think they did a wonderful job of it...here is just a taste of what was shown:

mutual recognition
sierra leone's refugee all stars
the ball
i remember lebanon
moving windmills

www.pangeaday.org

Healing Seminars

2008-05-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine told me about a seminar that is taking place in Michigan on Marquette Island at the end of the month, it's called "Opening to the True Mystery of Being". It approaches healing from the perspective of spiritual awakening, energy awareness training and bodywork as valuable tools for dealing with physical, emotional and spiritual trauma.
http://www.awakeningtopresence.com/pages1/May08Michigan.html

I went to a seminar in Toronto a few years ago that dealt with the connection of the mind and body and how we can create disease through physical and emotional blockages and how to unlock those blockages. David Rowland is holding another seminar, also at the end of the month, in Toronto. He is the founder of Creative Nutrition Corp. which is responsible for Vitamost products.
http://www.universaltechnique.ca/workshop_dates.htm

And finally a little closer to home, Marcia Maguire will be conducting two workshops at the Garden of Eden (149 Trunk Rd, 254-3441) on May 30 and June 27. Marcia will be offering acupuncture treatments and iridology sessions as well as harmonic balancing which is healing through sound. I found a video that explains the technique very well here.
Marcia has 25 years experience in natural healing techniques. Her clinic is in Thessalon, Ontario.

Exercise and Chronic Health Problems

2008-04-29T10:47:00.001-07:00

Although I'm working more as a food coach than an exercise coach these days by virtue of the popularity of meal catering, I'm still a firm believer in the healing power of movement and exercise. The question is not whether to exercise or not, it's how one moves in regard to speed, intensity, duration, frequency and various well-positioned periods of rest. For those with chronic health problems exercise can be even more elusive simply because we are used to thinking that healing involves rest and straining oneself could be potentially harmful. This type of thinking is being left behind even by the medical community. I've excerpted some points from an article from the New York Times on how people with chronic health problems can improve their health and quality of life by learning how to exercise safely.

The data shows that regular moderate exercise increases your ability to battle the effects of disease. It has a positive effect on both physical and mental well-being. The goal is to do as much physical exercise as your body lets you do, and rest when you need to rest.
In years past, doctors were afraid to let heart patients exercise but not anymore; the core of cardiac rehab is a progressive exercise program to increase the ability of the heart to pump oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood more effectively throughout the body. The outcome is better endurance, greater ability to enjoy life and decreased mortality.
Aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure in people with hypertension, and it improves peripheral circulation in people who develop cramping leg pains when they walk — a condition called intermittent claudication. The treatment for it, in fact, is to walk a little farther each day.
Aerobic and strength exercises have been shown to improve endurance, walking speed and the ability to perform tasks of daily living up to six years after a stroke.
Perhaps the most immediate benefits of exercise are reaped by people with joint and neuromuscular disorders. Without exercise, those at risk of osteoarthritis become crippled by stiff, deteriorated joints. But exercise that increases strength and aerobic capacity can reduce pain, depression and anxiety and improve function, balance and quality of life.
Exercise that builds gradually and protects inflamed joints can diminish pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, depression and anxiety and improve strength, walking speed and activity.
Water exercises are particularly helpful for people with multiple sclerosis, who must avoid overheating. And for those with Parkinson’s, resistance training and aerobic exercise can increase their ability to function independently and improve their balance, stride length, walking speed and mood.
For people suffering from depression, mastering a new skill such as exercise increases their sense of worth, improves mood and the endorphins released during exercise improve well-being.
The feel-good hormones released through exercise can help sustain activity. With regular exercise, the body seeks to continue staying active.
It is recommended that an exercise program be tailored to the person’s current abilities, daily needs, medication schedule, side effects and response to treatment.
Trainers who work with people with chronic ailments should start slowly with easily achievable goals, build gradually on each accomplishment and focus on functional gains. Over time, a sense of accomplishment, better sleep, less pain and enhanced satisfaction with life can become further reasons to pursue physical activity.

read the full article here

Green Means

2008-04-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a site that focuses on sustainable living in Sault Ste Marie.

http://www.greenmeans.ca/

2008-04-28T07:01:00.001-07:00

Wellness: One Day at a Time

2008-04-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

I think that blogs are a great place for lists...most of them are a little shoddy but some contain little gems like this one. Don't forget the advice at the end. The original title for the article is "How to Live Until 100 - 9 Healthy Habits" and can be found here.

1) Move naturally -- be active without thinking about it. Identify activities you enjoy and make them a part of your day.

* Inconvenience yourself: ditch the remote, the garage door opener, the leaf-blower; buy a bike, broom, rake, and snow shovel.
* Have fun, be active. Ride a bike instead of driving, for example.
* Walk! Nearly all the centenarians we've talked to take a walk every day.

2) Cut calories by 20 percent. Practice "Hara hachi bi," the Okinawan reminder to stop eating once their stomachs are 80 percent full.

* Serve yourself, put the food away, then eat.
* Use smaller plates, plates, bowls, and glasses.
* Sit and eat � not in the car or standing in front of the fridge.

3) Plant-based diet. No, you don't need to become a vegetarian, but do bump up your intake of fruits and veggies.

* Use beans, rice or tofu as the anchor to your meals.
* Eat nuts! Have a 2-ounce handful of nuts daily (it'll stop you from digging in the chip bag).

4) Drink red wine (in moderation)

* Keep a bottle of red wine near your dinner table.
* Keep the daily intake to two servings or less.

5) Plan de Vida: determine your life purpose. Why do you get up in the morning?

* Write your own personal mission statement.
* Take up a new challenge�learn a language or an instrument.

6) Down shift -- take time to relieve stress. You may have to literally schedule it into your day, but relaxation is key.

* Don't rush - plan on being 15 minutes early.
* Cut out the noise - limit time spent with the television, computer, or radio on.

7) Belong / participate in a spiritual community.

* Deepen your existing spiritual commitment.
* Seek out a new spiritual or religious tradition.

8) Put loved ones first / make family a priority.

* Establish family rituals (game night, family walks, Sunday dinners).
* Show it off: create a place for family pictures and souvenirs that shows how you're all connected.
* Get closer: consider downsizing to a smaller home to promote togetherness.

9) Pick the right tribe -- the people surrounding you influence your health more than almost any other factor. Be surrounded by those who share Blue Zone values

* Identify your inner circle. Reconsider ties to people who bring you down.
* Be likable!

Sound too simple? Remember, simple doesn't mean easy; I don't recommend trying to change all these behaviors at once. Pick two or three to work on at a time. Research has shown that if you can sustain a behavioral change for six weeks, you should be able to sustain it for the rest of your life. Which, as the world's centenarians have shown us, should be a long, long time.

Community Supported Agriculture

2008-04-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

I was just on the Algoma Food Networks site and thought I would relay some information about supporting our local farmers via CSA's. There was also an article in the Sault Star this past Saturday that gives Saultites even more reasons to buy local produce.

Sault Star Article about CSA's

For those who are still interested in joining a local CSA but haven’t gotten around to it yet, I recommend you do so soon…memberships are filling up fast and you don’t want to miss out on this great opportunity to support our local growers and eat fresh, delicious and healthy food all summer long!

CSA Contacts:

Jennie Pearce: 253-1745. Pearce Farm in Sault Ste. Marie. Offers farm pick-up or pick up at Farmers’ Market.

Lillian Taylor: 736-2807. Lillian lives in Ophir and would like to grow for families/individuals living in the Bruce Mines Area.

Sheree McGee: 843-0867. Owner of Honey Brook Farm in Iron Bridge. She will have a weekly pickup in Sault Ste. Marie.

Fannie McFadden: 782-2207. Owner of McFadden’s Acres in Desbarats. Pick-up or delivery available.

Lee-Ann Chevrette: 254-2821. “Just Picked CSA” (membership full).

The Not so Fantastic Plastic - Bisphenol A

2008-04-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was doing research on better plastic containers for our meal catering service and amongst the confusion and sales pitches, I found what I consider to be the best information out there on the safest reusable plastics for holding food and water. The article refers to the recycling numbers on the bottom of the containers which makes the information easier to decipher and also deals with safe handling and usage to minimize any potential for harm.

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/108/plastic

Bill C-517 - Mandatory Labeling of GM Foods

2008-04-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

There's an important vote about to take place in the House of Commons regarding Bill C-517. This bill would make it law for companies to label all products which contain genetically modified foods.

We have a reasonable chance of winning this vote, but we must get the word out now. Not only will mandatory labeling of GE foods provide you with the information you have a right to, it will also pave the way for a gradual withdrawal of GE foods from the food chain. This will also reduce the dissemination of GE seeds in the environment.

If it is adopted in its second reading, Bill C-517 will be studied by a parliamentary committee and then returned for a third reading in the House of Commons followed by a final vote by Canada's 301 MPs.

Our federal MP is Tony Martin. Follow the link below to cut and paste an e-mail to send Mr. Martin urging him to vote in favor of the bill.

Telephone: (705) 941-2900

Fax: (705) 941-2903
E-mail:martito1@parl.gc.ca

http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/campaigns/ge/take-action/take-action-on-c517

Maintaining Healthy Habits

2008-04-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, you like to do everything yourself (it's a trait inherited from my parents). Taxes, home repairs, minor surgery (just joshing) and of course maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I get an idea, do the research (thanks Google), try it out, try it again, tweak it and soon enough it becomes part of my life or gets filed in the "not at this time" file.

Here is a good article on how to get there; from finding a habit to making it your own, broken down into 5 easy steps.

Maintaining Healthy Habits

Here's a couple of local ideas to get the blood flowing:

The Yoga Door

Achieve Fitness

Stainless Steel Water Bottles

2008-04-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

I was over to see Doloras at the Garden of Eden yesterday (149 Trunk Rd. 254-3441) and purchased my first, very funky looking, stainless steel water bottle.

Stainless steel is an iron-containing alloy made from some of the basic elements found on earth: iron ore, chromium, silicon, nickel, carbon, nitrogen, and manganese. It's easy to clean, durable, inert and sanitary.

So why on Earth is anyone still drinking water bottled in plastic?

Not only is it a potential health hazard and more expensive than gasoline, consuming water from plastic water bottles contributes to global warming, environmental pollution and the rampant privatization of water. David Suzuki has been warning us of the ecological damage of bottled water for years. With green practices becoming trendy, consuming bottled water is losing its glamour and quickly becoming a social taboo.

7 Reasons to Stop Drinking Bottled Water

Strange but True

2008-04-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

This story tells of two innovative designers that have created a house that they believe can prolong your life. It reminds me of Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, which is where I've always wanted to live.

The house that defies death

This site refers to a Dutch education museum where you can "climb inside a gigantic nose, enjoy the smell of fresh hay, then feel the wind on your neck when it sneezes". Every inch of this museum is designed to recreate the inside of the human body, giving visitors the sensation of being shrunk down to a tiny scale. They even have a Uterus Theater where you can witness a cartoon sperm race; the sperm are, of course, sprinting to fertilize an egg.

The creators of this amusement park are hoping they can encourage children to take better care of their own bodies.

http://corpus-experience.nl/index.php?refresh=true

The Scoop on Rising Food Prices

2008-04-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

There are parts of this world that are in turmoil because of food. The price of food is going up and many populations which rely on cheap staples such as rice, corn and wheat are feeling the sting of rising oil prices and the consequences that such upheavals bring.

It is happening here as well, however, I haven't heard anyone lamenting about it in the Sault. We may have been vaccinated when gas prices started sky-rocketing a couple of years ago; now we pay the price without a commotion. Maybe some of you are using the car a little less or not planning a holiday so far away. Food, on the other hand, is just now having it's comeuppance. If you are used to paying more for good quality food, such as local and organic produce and meat then you may not notice what is happening except for the items in the news.

The following article in the New York Times explains some of the implications along with social and economic issues which relate to rising food costs in our part of the world (I can't picture any food riots because Macdonald's is raising the price of a hamburger). It does bode well for us fans of local food though, for the simple reason that prices will not be doubling due to the price of oil; our farmer's food just doesn't have that far to travel. These are interesting times.

Just a reminder about the Algoma Food Network's site which is being updated regularly with loads of information on how you can enjoy and support our local agricultural network.

Kiva - Loans That Change Lives

2008-04-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

I know that sometimes it seems like the world is undergoing technical difficulties. That all the news is negative and that the ones "chosen" to make the decisions for a great many of us are doing a pathetic job. Well, let me introduce you to Kiva. If you haven't already met, this organization is changing lives one person at a time by allowing you and me to lend money to people in emerging nations so that they can empower themselves to a better life. It's so simple and it works.

Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.

Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world.

I have loaned my first $100 to Ester Odiase who has a plaintain and yam store in Benin, Nigeria. I'll keep you posted.
Find out more about Ester here

Find out about Kiva here

Algoma Food Network

2008-04-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Algoma Food Network has been around for a while helping to build a network of sustainable food resources in the Algoma region. It is dedicated to building and supporting an autonomous, sustainable, healthy and local food system that is accessible to all; through education, advocacy, action and relationship building.

They now have a website for us to have access to all this wonderful and helpful information. Please spread the word.
http://algomafoodnetwork.wordpress.com/

Adding Inconvenience to Your Life

2008-04-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

I love the premise of this article. All those little things, so called inconveniences that we have traded in for time-saving gadgets which really don't save us much time at all (especially when they break down...stuff just isn't built to last anymore). Taking a bit more time to use the stairs, walk a little further or peel your vegetables, can be life transforming. Not only is it the most efficient and cheapest way to incorporate movement and exercise into our lives, it creates more space between all the thinking and doing, more opportunity to appreciate what we have and to understand what is truly important to us.

Adding Inconvenience to Your Life

The Art of Fasting

2008-03-28T05:21:00.000-07:00

According to Wikipedia fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink or both, for a period of time. Because spring is a time of renewal and regeneration, this would seem like the time to plan one, however I'm leaning towards a different type of fast first...one that challenges how we interact with our world and our surroundings (I know you can argue that food does that too and I agree).

An obvious one is a media fast. A media fast involves not watching television, reading any newspapers or magazines, checking or sending any e-mails, or even talking on the phone (read more). Or perhaps the recent technology fast which would include ipods and cell-phones. That would be up to you to define according to what is overwhelming your life. Personally, I think a one day fast is an ideal starting point; the goal being to enhance gratitude, appreciation, creativity, awareness and simply to take a break. Here are some more I thought of:

"yes" fast or a "no" fast (whichever one you tend to default to most often)
passivity fast (or the "whatever"/"no problem" fast)
worrying about the environment fast
urban fast
car fast
being a consumer fast
negativity fast (you know who you are)
happiness fast (it's ok to be grumpy now and then)
letting go of the "letting go of the ego" fast (sorry Oprah)
people fast
ritual fast (in other words a day of spontaneous actions)
dare I say it..the Tim Horton's fast

Some of these may turn out to be fodder for up coming posts, except on the day when I'm doing a blog fast.

Enjoy the weekend,
Birgit

Pesticides in Foods

2008-03-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

Why Should You Care About Pesticides?

There is growing consensus in the scientific community that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can adversely affect people, especially during vulnerable periods of fetal development and childhood when exposures can have long lasting effects. Because the toxic effects of pesticides are worrisome, not well understood, or in some cases completely unstudied, shoppers are wise to minimize exposure to pesticides whenever possible.

Will Washing and Peeling Help?

Nearly all of the data used to create these lists already considers how people typically wash and prepare produce (for example, apples are washed before testing, bananas are peeled). While washing and rinsing fresh produce may reduce levels of some pesticides, it does not eliminate them. Peeling also reduces exposures, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the peel. The best option is to eat a varied diet, wash all produce, and choose organic when possible to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Click here for a list of the top 43 fruits and vegetables and their rankings

For more information please visit www.ewg.org

Pauline's Place 3rd Annual Garage Sale

2008-03-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday April 5th at Sir James Dunn Cafeteria.
8:30am - 12:30pm
If any individual or agency would like to reserve a table of their own for the event or donate any items please contact the shelter at 759-4663.

CSA's in the Sault

2008-03-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

If you are like me you are looking forward to attending the farmer's market again this year. For me it's not just about the food; going to the market gives me a sense of participating in the community. It's a social gathering based on good quality food with a hint of serenity and anticipation thrown in. I love riding the bike there and returning home with a basket full of new and colourful food. Even the craziness of the weather has an appeal, although I do feel badly for the participants, who have to shiver there way through the day. Anyhow, there is another way to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of the farmer's labour and guarantee yourself a basket full of local and seasonal foods every week and that's via the CSA's or Community Supported Agriculture. I'm in the process of collecting information about all the wonderful agricultural entrepreneurs in the Algoma area. Here's information about one that has been gathering steam for over 5 years now (you can look forward to a website/directory from Lee Ann soon).

CSA's in the Sault

Lee Ann also mentioned that they are almost full and gave me the names of two other farmers who still have a few openings.

Sheree McGee: honeybrookorganic@yahoo.ca

Jennie Pearce: jlpearce@shaw.ca

Take the Burnout Test

2008-03-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Part of taking care of yourself involves knowing when you've had enough (knowing what to do about it comes after the process of realization...or in self-help lingo "it's part of the journey"). To assess your stress level, complete the burnout test below. The Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire measures stress on the three levels that comprise the burnout condition, emotional exhaustion (EE), physical fatigue (PF), and cognitive weariness (Cog).

Answer each of the statements below by indicating how often you have the feeling during working hours (this also applies to life as a whole but since we spend so much time at work, it may be best to begin there). Almost always = 1 point; very frequently = 2 points; quite frequently = 3; sometimes = 4; quite infrequently = 5; very infrequently = 6; almost never = 7. Add up your scores for each of the three categories. To find your stress range, see below.

The Burnout Test

1. I feel tired. (PF)

2. I feel physically fatigued. (PF)

3. I feel physically exhausted. (PF)

4. When I get up in the morning to go to work, I have no energy. (PF)

5. I feel fed up. (EE)

6. I feel like my emotional batteries are dead. (EE)

7. I feel burned out in my job. (EE)

8. I feel emotionally fatigued. (EE)

9. I am too tired to think clearly. (Cog)

10. I have difficulty concentrating. (Cog)

11. My thinking process is slow. (Cog)

12. I have difficulty thinking about complex things. (Cog)

(Men whose scores average 3.0 to 3.75 and women who average 3.6 to 4.0 are at the high end of the burnout range and should seek expert help for preventative measures.)

Passport to Unity

2008-03-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful event is taking place in the Sault this weekend. Passport to Unity is hosted by the Sault Community Information and Career Centre as a way to welcome newcomers to town through the universal language of food, music and dance.

It's taking place at White Pines Secondary School and the Kiwanis Community Theatre on Saturday, March 29^th, 2008 from 12noon to 5pm.

click here for information regarding Passport to Unity

click here for more in depth information regarding the event

P.S. Personal Fit will be there giving away samples of hummous and pita.