FOR THIS PAGE YOU SHOULD EXPLAIN WHAT THE HOLISTIC APPRACH IS
YOU SHOULD TRY TO FILL OUT THIS PAGE WITH INFO ON HOLISTIC APPROACH

AT LEAST 5 OR 6 LONG PARAGRAPHS

YOU SHOULD STRESS THE HOLISTIC APPROACH FOR BUSY PEOPLE

PROFRESSIONAL PEOPLE WHO ARE ALWAYS ON THE GO

DEFINITION
Foods that claim to be organic use materials and practices that do not hurt the environment and should adhere to standards set by the Organic Foods Production Act, which states that the primary goal of organic agriculture is "to optimize the health...of soil life, plants, animals and people."

ANTIBIOTICS & HORMONES:
Unlike mainstream food stuffs, organic foods do not use antibiotics to prevent animals from getting sick, or growth hormones to "beef up" livestock.

PESTICIDES
Just because a food says it's organic doesn't always mean it's free of pesticide, which are chemicals used to kill off or prevent insects from eating raw fruits and veggies. Organic growers try to use natural and cultural practices as their first line of defense against pests. Some chemical pesticides may be used in organic agriculture on an approved and limited basis.

CONTAMINANTS
Government tests show that red raspberries, strawberries, apples, and peaches grown in the U.S. and cantaloupe from Mexico are the foods most contaminated with pesticides. The fruits least contaminated with pesticides are watermelon, bananas, kiwi, pineapple, and domestically grown cantaloupe. The least contaminated vegetables include corn, onions and peas.

AVAILABLE PRODUCTS
These days, organic agriculture has become so widespread that you can go to a typical supermarket and get everything from organic soaps, detergents, insect repellent, and shampoos. You can also buy organic fabrics such as cotton and hemp, and give your doggie organic pet food.

USDA ORGANIC SEAL
When shopping for organic grub, look for the seal! The U.S. Department of Agriculture developed strict labeling rules to help consumers know the exact organic content of the food they buy. The USDA Organic seal also tells you that a product is at least 95 percent organic.

LABELING
If the label doesn't read organic, it's not organic. If a product is less than 70 percent organic, the organic ingredients may be listed on the side of the package but cannot say "organic" on the front.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Organic food consumption has become the trend of the time, but still there are many who do not have a clear idea regarding the definition of organic food and this can be attributed to the fact that we do not possess adequate organic food information. Well, organic food in simple terms can be defined as food that is natural and does not involve the usage of any kind of preservatives or artificial pesticides. Read further to explore organic food facts…

The word organic food does not only apply to the food from your own home garden, but also to the store bought food products, in which no synthetic artificial inputs are used. In the contemporary times, the term organic food is usually used in reference to the certified organic foods. It has been claimed by health experts that organic food is more nutritious. Some of the features that can be associated with organic food are more attention to quality, good taste, proper selection of crop varieties etc.

Organic foods contain phenolic compounds that protect you from developing heart disease and cancer. Organic food ensures high food quality, which other conventional foods cannot commit. Since organic food is natural and fresh, it boasts off its rich taste. So, head your way towards leading a healthy lifestyle, by eating organic foods.

HEALTH BENEFITS

In the present times, people prefer going in for organic foods over conventional foods, owing to the innumerable health benefits of organic food. Organic foods have a far greater quality, as compared to non-organic foodstuff. Also they taste better and do not involve the usage of any artificial input, thus they are highly safe for the human body. Read further to explore information about organic food advantages.

Organic foods are natural and pure and since they are free from any sort of contamination, they definitely are more appropriate for consumption. Organic foods contain loads of minerals and vitamin C, which the body requires. In fact, it has been analyzed by health experts that organic food is more nutritious, in the sense, it has 27 per cent more vitamin C, 29 per cent more magnesium, 21 per cent more iron and 14 per cent more phosphorous, when compared to conventional foods. So, adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating natural organic foods.

RAW ORGANIC HEALTH BENEFITS

Organic food consumption has become the trend of the time, owing to the multiple health benefits that it offers. Organic food is absolutely natural and is packed with loads of vital nutrients required by the body. One of the major benefits of eating raw organic food is that, not only it tastes better than conventional foods, but also contains a far greater quality, that makes it more nutritious. Read further to explore information about the raw organic food benefits

Going in for raw organic food serves as the perfect health improving remedy. A person tends to feel more energized after having consumed raw organic food and organic food also aids in helping you lose weight faster. Raw food gets easily absorbed in the body, thus helps in ensuring smooth bowel movements. Raw food ensures that the nutritional value of the food remains enzymatically and nutritionally intact.

Cooking food often deteriorates the nutritional value of food, by leading to a loss of vital nutrients and enzymes. Heat tends to change the very composition of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Also the cooking tends to interfere with the bioelectrical energy, necessary for sustaining life. Eating raw organic food goes a long way in cleansing your bloodstream and eliminating the waste products that are responsible for the formation of toxins in the body. So, incorporate raw organic food in your daily meals and improve your health fitness.

Many health conscious consumers read labels to help guide thier purchases.  Unfortunately, many of the labels can be highly deceptive.  Egads!  What on earth are we supposed to do?  It's time to get to know what the food terms really mean.

ORGANIC
According to the USDA 100% Organic means the final product was free from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms, irradiation, and antibiotic and hormone use in animals.  This is important, especially if you don't want food that's produced with chemicals and other synthetic and carcinogenic crap!  But... there's a snafu in the government's organic labeling process, and it affects the small local farmers.

"Producers who market less than $5000 worth of organic products are not required to become certified but must still adhere to the federal standards for organic production, product labeling and handling, including keeping appropriate records, and you cannot use the USDA seal." 1 

That basically means, small farmers, even though they may be growing things organically can NOT legally use the USDA "organic" seal.  Bummer for the little guys!  If you shop at a local farmers market ask how the produce and lifestock is raised - even though it may not be labeled, it may still be organic.

FREE RANGE
Eggs and poultry can be labeled "free-range" or "free-roaming" if they have access to the outdoors.  This does NOT mean the animals actually make it to the outside.  "Access to the outdoors" could literally mean there is a small window or door the size of Alice in Wonderlands tiny little door, and that the animals never actually go through it.

PASTURE RAISED
Pasture raised means the animal has been raised on a pasture where they are able to eat grass, bugs, worms (and all the other delicious things they are naturally designed to eat) and have access to fresh air, sunshine and other aspects of nature.

GRASS FED
This means the animal was fed grass.  However, a "grass-fed" label doesn't mean the animal had access to the outdoors (it could be eating cut grass indoors), or that it was fed grass it's entire life.  Some grass-fed cattle are "grain-finished."  That means they were fed grains to fatten them up prior to slaughter.  Read the label carefully!

NATURAL
The "Natural" label has been horribly abused and it can basically be used on anything.  Natural products can contain chemicals, pesticides, synthetic hormones, genetically modified organisms...  not very natural at all.

There are so many other labels on food products in the market (healthy, heritage, fair trade, fresh, good source, fat-free, calorie-free) that it can make your head spin!  At the supermarket be weary of the labels, read them carefully, and shop wisely for the sake of your health. 

The best way to get to know what is really in your food, is to either grow it yourself (not very likely) or get to know your local farmers and ask how they are growing thier products.  Go to localharvest.org to find a farm near you.  There is also a "Resources" list in The Whole Truth Eating and Recipe Guide.

http://asap.sustainability.uiuc.edu/org-ag/org-cert/

Eat local!  That's the buzz in the world of healthful eating.  To eat "local" literally means to buy and eat the food that is grown in the area where you live.  This traditional way of eating is one of the best ways to support your health, the integrity of the environment, and your community, too.

The average item in your grocery store travels more than 1500 miles from where it is grown to where it is purchased.  Transporting foods from long distances creates major environmental damage; it adds to carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution that contribute to global warming, ozone damage, smog, and more.

Eating locally grown food saves on transportation costs and reduces the amount of "food miles" your produce has to travel.  Locally grown food is fresher, tastes better and has superior nutritional value (it's picked when it's ripe and chock full of nutrients).  Most local food has been picked 24 hours or less before it gets to you.  Talk about fresh!  On the contrary, food that needs to be shipped across the country (or from another country entirely), is picked unripe, diminishing both taste and nutritional value.

The flavor of locally grown, seasonal food can not be beat - that's why most of the top restaurants in the world use local foods.  There's nothing like it.   

Eating local also keeps you in harmony with the seasons.  This helps sustain your physical body (aligns you with nature), and enhances the strength of your kidneys!  Whew!  There are so many benefits from eating locally grown foods. 

Below are some tips on how to get some of this fabulous, fresh food into your home:

1.  Shop at your local farmers market
2.  Join a Community Supported Agriculture
3.  Buy from a local food co-op
4.  Support restaurants that buy locally produced food
5.  Grow your own food in your garden or in a community garden plot

Check out some of these websites to help you find a local market, CSA, Co-op, or Community garden or restaurant near you:

If you observe a polluted body of water you would notice a few things; it's murky, usually has an offensive odor, and not much, if anything, can healthfully survive in it.

The human body is made up of 70% water (more or less).  It is literally a body of water.  And, a very similar thing happens when we pollute our internal body of water.  Our cells and skin become murky, dull and lifeless too.  Eeek!

To help retain a beautiful glow, it's imperative to start filling the body with foods that are free of pollutants, toxic waste, chemicals (pesiticides, herbicides), heavy metals (found in large predatory fish), aluminum, and other garbage.  Below are helpful tips for achieving natural beauty:

1.  Drink water!  Water is literally the fountain of youth.  Water hydrates all of our cells keeping them moist and plump, and it acts as an internal moisturizier.  Water helps flush waste out of the body.  Drink 4-8 glasses of water (or more) per day.  Chug a lug!  With every glass of water you are becoming more beautiful.

2.  Buy organic, naturally raised produce and animal products.  These foods are free from pesticide and other chemicals that pollute your internal body of water.  Scientific testing proves these foods contain higher concentrations of all vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.1  Antioxidants are the free radical scavengers that help slow the aging process.

3.  Keep your system running smoothly with high fiber foods.  A back-up of waste (constipation) contributes to toxic overload.  Whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruits contain both soluble and insoluble fiber to help move waste out of the body in a timely manner.

4.  According to the wrinkle cure guru, Nicholas Perricone, "Protein is absolutely essential for repairing free radical damage.2"  Adequate protein is needed for cellular repair - eat naturally raised or wild animal products. 

5.  Essential fatty acids (EFA's) that help to reduce inflammation are found in fish, nuts and seeds, grass-fed/naturally raised animal meats, olive oil, sunflower oil, walnut oil and nut butters.  So many EFA's to choose from!  Eat some.

6.  Reduce stress!  According to studies there is a direct link between long-term emotional stress and premature aging.3,4  To help alleviate stress, reduce or eliminate the food sources that directly contribute to it: sugar, chemicals, caffeine, nicotine, drugs and other stimulants.

After the holiday gifts have been opened, and the wrapping paper and bows tossed in the trash, there are still many gifts you can give your loved ones, friends and colleagues throughout the year that may have an even greater effect on them, and you too.

1. Give a Genuine Compliment
Take a look at the people around you and find something about them you truly appreciate.  It could be a personality trait, the way they dress, how they handle themselves in a situation, thier generosity... it could literally be anything.  Make it a point to find something great and then tell them what it is.

2. Give Someone the Opportunity to Be Heard
Consciously zip your lip and give someone the opportunity to share thier thoughts, speak thier mind, voice an opinion or expand upon an idea without interruption.  It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with the subject matter, just let the other person fully share thier experience.  Shhhh!

3. Give Someone a Break
Take a load off a loved ones shoulders and let them relax.  Do the dishes, pick up the dry cleaning, rake the leaves, stop nagging (!).  Literally put yourself in someone elses shoes for five minutes and watch what happens.  It may help to increase the level of compassion and understanding in your life.  Or, you could offer a five minute break in the form of a loving shoulder massage.  Stand behind your partner and gently knead thier shoulders to help them release stress and relax.   

4. Give the Gift of Your Presence
Make plans with people and show up.  Your presence could help to brighten someones day (aunt, uncle, mom, pop, a relative in a nursing home, friend).  Share your self, be available, loving and supportive.  You are a gift, share yourself.

5. Give a Hug
Besides keeping you warm on a cold winter day, hugs are the kind of gift you can receive something in return.  As you hug someone, you are hugged right back.

These gifts cost no money, yet can amount to so much.  Give them as often as you can and enjoy a happy, healthy and loving New Year!

The first step to achieving your ideal weight is to STOP dieting!  Yes, it's true.  Dieting will keep you overweight and feeling deprived.  Reaching an ideal weight can be painless and easy when we make simple diet and lifestyle impovements.

Some of the biggest culprits for weight gain include eating highly refined foods like sugar, flour products, snack foods (pretzels, chips, etc.).  These foods are lacking vital nutrients, have little or no fiber and a high glycemic index that causes blood sugar spikes and crashes, setting you up for craving more refined foods.  It's a vicious cycle.

Other diet disaster foods include anything that's labeled "fat free" or "sugar free."  These foods are usually loaded with artificial sweeteners and other chemicals that the body doesn't know how to process.  Chances are if it's "free" you'll be paying for it with your health.

Better quality foods to help you feel great and reach your ideal weight include whole grains, beans, fish, lean animal proteins, vegetables, fruits and nuts and seeds.  You can read more about what to take out, and what to put into your diet, and how to make them taste absolutely delicious.  There are over 120 tasty recipes and information you need to know to help you look and feel your best.

It's important to remember that a "diet" is a temporary thing, but a lifestyle improvement can last forever.  Some simple improvements you can make are:

1.  Sit down to fully balanced meals.  This reduces physical cravings because your body will be nutritionally satsified.
2.  Drink Water!  Water is the best liquid for your system.  It hydrates all your cells and helps the body run more efficiently.
3.  Be patient.  Change doesn't happen overnight.  It took time to gain the weight, and it'll take time to lose it.
4.  Relax.  If you are stressed about your weight your body will release the stress hormone, cortisol.  When cortisol is released, digestion stops and the body stores food instead.  To reduce stress, take 5-10 deep breaths before eating.  This will help you relax and fully enjoy and absorb your meal. 
5.  Reward yourself with non-food items.  Change your "reward" system.  When you begin to lose weight give yourself treats other than food (massage, spa day, manicure/pedicure, facial, shopping spree). You're worth it!