Natural Products Expo West Product Reviews For 2013

This was another amazing year at the 2013 Natural Products Expo West! As always, the energy was running high. Comparing it with last year, this year was a little different because I had to work at the booths of the products I represent. I did enjoy my time there networking & learning more about the product lines I rep for which are: Rainbow Light, Alaffia, Vibrant Health, Vega, & Creative Bioscience. On the other hand, I did have some time to sample a few products that I'm excited to share with you. Before I share those products, I would like to say, I had an interesting visit with Silk & Soy Delicious. Both products are favorites, however due to the ingredient “Carrageenan” in some of Silk & So Delicious products, I stopped using both of their soy milk & coconut milk. But the Silk Almond milk does not contain this harmful ingredient. I did ask Silk if they plan on removing it from their other products and they said, in the future they would but could not give a date. And they did say, they were aware Carrageenan being a harmful ingredient. In contrast, when I brought this concern to Soy Delicious they were well aware and have already made changes to their formula, which should be hitting the market sometime later this Summer. I love the fact that they were proactive and I will be more than happy to buy more of their products:-)!

In regards to healthy foods that are natural, organic, filled with nutrients and gluten free, here are several you  should keep your eye out for:

• Cedar Lake has a yummy Egg White Frittata that is gluten free, 5 grams of fiber and 10-13grams of protein. They are pre-made and come in Broccoli Cheddar, Spinach & Roasted Tomato along with a Chile & Cheese. Keep in mind, these are vegetarian and not vegan products. www.cedarlanefoods.com

• Alexia has Crispy Seasoned Potato Puffs that contain 150 calories, 0.5 grams of saturated fat & 1 gram of fiber.

• Stoger makes an out of sight cherry seed oil that was simply amazing dipped in bread. www.culinary-imports.com

• Conte makes these wonderful gluten-free pizza/pasta & Pierogi’s that are full of flavor. www.contespasta.com.

• Mrs. May’s had samples again of their chocolate covered fruits that are heaven. I highly recommend the Dark Chocolate covered Blueberry’s! They also come in Strawberry & Almond Rounds, Dark Chocolate covered Strawberries & White Chocolate covered Strawberries. The calories range from 150-160 calories per serving. The ingredients are clean, meaning I know what they are;). www.mrsmays.com

• Mom Made has pre-made meatballs that are very tasty. They come in Chicken & Apple, Turkey & Beef w/cheese. I did try the Chicken & Apple and Turkey, both were good. www.mommadefoods.com

• Suzie’s Quinoa Milk Beverage was my top pick! I’m always looking for something to mix with my protein shakes and I really liked this product. It has a nice creamy taste;  it’s also vegan and gluten free. It’s enriched with antioxidants & calcium. It comes in unsweetened & vanilla. The protein content is low, so I would not use it as a sole source of protein. And the best part is…it does not contain Carrageenan! www.goodgroceries.com

• Hodgson Mill has a great line of natural, organic and gluten free whole grain mixes to bake cookies, cakes, pizza crust and more. I enjoyed several freshly baked gluten free chocolate chip cookies that probably helped me tack on 5lbs lol. www.hodgsonmill.com

Quick FYI, I did notice that Eden Soy does not contain Carrageenan. You can find Eden Soy on the shelf at most grocery stores. It’s not kept in the refrigerated section. Most of these products I recommended can be found at Clark’s Nutritional Centers, Wholefoods and Sprouts.

Do you know what Carrageenan is?

I try to be as healthy as possible. That means eating organic foods when I can. This is very important if you’re eating the outside of the fruit or vegetable. It’s also important to eat the right mix of foods meaning fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, etc…Reading food labels is vital. Before you put that product in your grocery cart, read the label. If you don’t know what the ingredient is, you should question it. Do some research and find out why it’s there. This leads me to the subject of my blog, “carrageenan.” I noticed that it’s used in soy milk, coconut milk and some almond milks. What’ disturbing is it seems to be in the foods that are healthier especially in vegan and vegetarian foods. You may think your buying a healthy food, especially if it’s organic and later find it’s not.

Carrageenan comes from a red breed of seaweeds and is used for its ability to thicken foods or “stabilizing properties.” Although its been used for centuries, there are studies that show it may cause “gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcerations, colitis, cancer and other illnesses.

Andrew Weil M.D says, that degraded forms of carrageenan  (not used in food) caused cancer of the intestinal tract and ulcerations in animal studies. Later on a researcher by the name of Joanne K. Tobacaman M.D who is now the associate professor of clinical medicine at University of Illinois College of Medicine performed a study that showed undergraded carrageenan is a threat as well. The undergraded form is found in foods such as soy, coconut, almond milk and processed foods has been linked to malignancies and other gastrointestinal problems. The difference between the two is the molecular weight. Carrageenan is considered a fiber and when processed has a jelly or tapioca texture.

Dr. Tobacman revealed the biological effects of carrageenan being a “threat to human health” published a study that was done over several years. Her findings were presented to the National Organic Standards Board in April 2012, urging them to reconsider the use of this ingredient in organic and processed foods. She also said that we ingest enough to “cause inflammation in our bodies.” Sadly enough I still find this ingredient in Silk Milk, So Delicious , Blue Diamond and I’m sure in other foods. 

When the body is in an inflamed state, it can lead to other illnesses such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, Parkinson’s and other illnesses. Dr. Tobacman said, when caraageenan is processed it can speed up the harmful degraded form of caraageenan used in food. What’s really scary is the pharmaceutical industry uses low doses of carrageenan in lab mice to produce an inflamed state in their bodies to find out whether or not a drug works.

In closing, just because the product may say organic or appear to be healthy, read the ingredients carefully and if you don’t know what it is, research it. I personally switched over to the Fresh & Easy brand Almond Milk and I’m told Silk Almond Milk does not contain caraageenan.

Do Raspberry Ketones Really Work?

With all the talk about Raspberry Ketones, is it worth trying? Does it really work? Those were some questions I personally had. I of course am a guinea pig. I’m always up for trying most products so I can share an accurate opinion with others based not only on the clinical research but from my own experience. Hopefully, I will pass on enough information for you to make an informed choice as to whether or not you want to try the RK's.

Creative Bioscience makes a formula called, Raspberry Ketone 1234. You can get it with or w/o stimulants. CBS offers support to their customers 24/7 at no additional cost. This is something that impressed me most. Working in the health/natural products industry for years, I have never heard of a company that offered call in support and good customer service. They believe education is key to weight loss and for that, they're available to answer your questions regarding their products. In regards to the RK's, I used the formula without the stimulants for 60 days and noticed some changes in my body. First of all, CBS RK's comes with a little booklet to follow to help with diet and a list of other products they carry. However, I continued my regular exercise program and did not change my diet nor did I use any other products they carry. Using the RK's, I noticed that my body was leaner, meaning my weight did not really change, but my body fat went down a few points.

 According to studies, RK's are said to work by regulating a hormone called adiponectin which is a fat moderating hormone. The RK formula has other synergistic natural ingredients to help the body with fat oxidation and allowing glucose to “pass through your system without being absorbed or stored as fat.” On the other hand, this is not a “get out of jail free card” where you can eat whatever you want and not gain a pound. I can’t stress enough that you still need to be following a reasonably nutritious diet and staying active.

Are RK’s safe? According to the FDA, they have granted it “GRAS” status (generally recognized as safe). Keep in mind that the formula with the stimulants has 84mg of caffeine (less than a cup of coffee) & 123mg of green tea. CBS formula can be found at fine health food stores such as Clark’s Nutritional Centers, Sprouts, Whole Foods, Mother's Market, etc… Visit their website at www.raspberryketone1234.com

What's Your Plan For This Year?

Now that a new year has begun what’s your plan? How will you make this year better than last? Where should you begin? To me, I find these questions overwhelming when I think about all the things I would like to do to make this year better. I’ve stated this before in previous December/January blogs that I’m not a “New Years Resolution” person. As far as I’m concerned a "New Year" is every day and it’s that day or moment that you have to make a difference. So getting back to my questions…I’m not sure if this year is going to be better than last year. For one, I can’t predict what this year will bring. I know what choices I made in 2012 that I will not make in 2013 or at least not respond the same way I did if I encountered the same situation and that can make this year better than last. As far as making changes for this year and where is my starting point…well, it always starts with me and how I can improve myself. Does that mean I will not make mistakes? No, I guarantee somewhere I will make a mistake but I will learn from it and it will serve as a future reference.

As far as my plan for 2013…I don’t really have one because a “New Year” does not mean a lot to me. In other words, it’s overrated, in my opinion. A new moment means more than a "New Year" because it’s at that point in time where you can make a better choice and continue doing the right thing or go the wrong way. You don’t have to wait until a "New Year" has begun in order to do that. The way I see it is, you’re the key and at any given moment you can open whatever door you choose…no matter if it’s a “New Year," new day, the 23^rd hour in a day etc.., “New Years” begins with you. So if your “New Year” started out bad or good, it doesn’t matter. You can make this minute, hour, day, month, year, etc…whatever you choose. It’s up to you to open the right doors. Putting thought into the doors you plan on opening will serve you better in the long run. My advice to you and me is to make this moment the best point in time for you.

Suicide: Why couldn’t he see his value? “Behind my smile is a world of pain”

This morning I was reading the paper and I came across a story that stirred painful emotions and brought back memories of people whom I knew personally who considered suicide and one whose actions were successful. The incident that brought back recent memories involved Facebook. It was someone I knew who was in a relationship that fell apart and he was devastated and posted notes on FB that was disturbing. I contacted him to see what was going on and if he was ok?. Long story short, he was fine after talking with him and time healed his broken heart.

The story was different for a 21 year old  young man by the name of Antjuan Miguel Colvin. Colvin decided to take his life on Christmas day in Hughson California. He posted a note on FB thanking his friends and family for the “impact they had on his life but he could no longer take living.” When his friends and family found this out, they tried desperately calling his cell. One friend whom he grew up with tried calling him “100 times” with no luck. Some thought he was joking but he obviously was not. His girlfriend had no idea that he would do such a thing. But his former girlfriend said “he could hide doubt and depression behind his smile."

Most people who are contemplating suicide do show signs such as: anger, drug and alcohol abuse, talk about dying, withdrawing from friends and family, risky behavior, depression and no longer having pleasure in activities they use to enjoy. In Colvin’s case, he posted a note back in November on FB saying, “I hide all my problems behind my smile, behind my smile is a world of pain, you think you know me but you don’t.”

What hurts me is he never knew the value of his life and what he meant to others. People who knew him said, “ he was always smiling and knew how to make people laugh.” Colvin made an impression on many lives and people whom he did not know...such as me. Colvin won’t be forgotten and if anything his story makes me want to open my heart more to others in need and it serves as a reminder that we should never take ourselves or others for granted. I urge anyone who reads this to take the time and care more for others and to be more aware of anyone they may know who could be at risk of suicide.  It really hurts when someone you know does such an atrocious act…you can’t rewind time and bring them back. It leaves a hole in your heart that never really closes but reopens when you read about stories like this. Please value life and realize that you are a life gem and can’t be replaced. You may think you don’t matter but you do…your priceless.

If you or anyone is at risk of harming themselves, please call National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Burn 100 or More Calories in 15 Minutes

Triceps Dips

The holidays don’t mean you have to carry extra baggage into the new years, meaning fat. According to Lucas J. Carr, PhD, assistant professor in the department of kinesiology at the College of Health and Human Performance of East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. There are several activities you can do to burn 100 calories in 15 minutes.

• Try doing a cycle of push-ups, pull-ups, triceps dips and jumping jacks in 15 minutes. These high intensity calisthenic activities can burn anywhere from 100 or more calories in 15 minutes.

• A game of touch football, tennis or even basketball with no rest, can burn a 100 or more calories.

• Using a push mower instead of a seated mower is a great way to burn off the extra.

• Going up and down the stairs with no rest.

• Even doing 15 minutes of intense kickboxing can burn 100 or more calories. And if you forgot to wear shin guards and have a little bruising after your cardio kickboxing, try taking a warm Epsom salt bath or using a warm compress to help in the healing process. When the skin bruises, it’s caused by broken capillaries underneath the skin, which can cause that black and blue coloring. Or if you’re prone to bruising, make sure your eating enough greens in your diet, which are a good source of vitamin K. In addition, vitamin C is also helpful with bruising because it helps with collagen synthesis. If bruising last longer that a couple of weeks, you may need to see your doctor to make sure there is no underlying medical reason why your bruising easily or the bruising is lasting longer than normal

In closing, checking your baggage in at the airport is one thing but as far as the extra poundage is concerned, you don’t have to check it in. In fact, leave it in 2012 and start your New Years with a happier, slimmer and healthier you;-).

Refueling & Finding Your Center

Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the thoughts and feelings of everything I have to do and the biggest frustration is the lack of time. I’m finding this more, as I get older, in fact, time takes on a whole new meaning. It’s no longer this thing that “I can’t wait to turn 16 to drive or 21 to drink.” I remember thinking as a kid how a year seemed like an eternity and now the pages of time flip by so fast, I can’t help but say, “Where did the time go?” As we get to different stages in our lives, we take on new perspectives and our priorities change and things that we thought were so important may not be. Also our responsibilities and obligations start to add up and we sometimes loose ourselves in the midst of all the chaos.

Growing up, I always remember my mother having the heart of a giver and still to this day she does. If she had to, she would not only sacrifice her life for her family but she would give her last piece of bread to someone in need. Those memories stay in my mind and have helped shape me. I can’t imagine doing an occupation that doesn’t allow me to help or give to others. For me, it’s the ultimate high knowing that I did something helpful or good to someone else. It’s not to say that I have not been burned many times doing so but still I can’t imagine not giving. My hope is that others would do the same in return. However, there are times that I loose myself and who I am and I find my attitude towards life changing. Balance has always been a challenge, how much do I give or when do I stop or should I even help that person? Each situation is unique as well as the individual whom I consider. What I do know is, I can’t allow my heart to harden and I try to keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes and deserves another chance and the one chance maybe the changing one, so I try to use that as my guide but I’m also human. I always like to sometimes describe myself as a cup with many straws and sometimes I have too many sippers and not enough pours. So recently, I thought it would be a good idea to go on a trip alone just to feel what it’s like to not have any straws in my cup and to refill. The city and state I chose to stay in was Saint George Utah because I’d been there many years ago. And I relish in the fact that it’s a town that does not have a lot of busyness compared to the city. I also knew that the artistic landscape and vibrant shades of reddish brown was what I needed to bring fire back into my soul. Prior to the trip I felt drained, guilty for leaving my family, work left undone, etc…Long story short, I’m glad I took the time to make that trip. I can’t tell you how much it cleared my head and it allowed me to take on some new challenges. I think my favorite part of the trip was going on hikes alone and even though the weather would change dramatically at times, I still had this sense of freedom, calm and renewal being out amongst Gods creations. Of course it was hard to come back to reality but my thoughts and memories of my trip help sustain me.

Next year I plan on doing it again because there is a sense of peace that I found and this un-need to be surrounded by people I know all the time. I must  confess…it’s nice having the feeling of not having to be anything to anybody except to be you. A wise yoga instructor and a friend of mine once said, “the center of the center of you.” What that means to me is going back to the center of me and making that center stronger, wiser and better overall. It's not to say that I have it all figured out because I don’t and still have my own battles like everyone else and I by no means am close to perfect but what I do know is finding the center of you and what your all about is part of the key to making your life the best it can be. And sometimes you have to remove yourself from everything and everyone to be in that center.