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Feel Vital Again…With Cherries!
If you are looking for a natural answer to your joint health concerns, you need look no further than the produce section. Cherries , both sweet and tart varieties contain potent anti-inflammatories that can ease the pain of gout, arthritis and muscle soreness. Loaded with potassium and powerful antioxidant pigments, cherries may be just what the doctor ordered for pain and inflammation. With research dating back to the 1950s, cherries contain flavanoids such as: cancer fighting quercetin, ellagic acid and perillyl alcohol; heart-healthy anthocyanins; and sleep-inducing natural melatonin. In one small retrospective study, 1 tbsp of tart cherry juice concentrate daily lead to a greater than 50% reduction in acute gout attacks in 92% of treated patients, with no side effects. In another study, ½ lb of Bing sweet cherries eaten daily significantly reduced plasma uric acid in women with gout. The dosage of cherries needed to obtain a clinical benefit is 2 oz concentrate, 6 oz juice, ¼ lb fresh fruit or 1000- 2000 mg of dried powdered cherry concentrate. Whether you choose tart or sweet cherry varieites, fresh, frozen, canned, juice or concentrated tablets/ capsules, there is a pain-relieving solution for everyone in this fabulous fruit.
Tea Basics
It’s tea time! While strictly speaking, the word “tea” refers to caffeinated beverages prepared from varieties of the plant Camellia sinensis, a flowering shrub native to Asia, for many, “tea” also denotes other beverages made by steeping herbs, spices, and dried fruits in hot or cold water. These are more correctly known as “tisanes”-- herbal infusions that are prepared for everyday use. Some examples of caffeine-free tisanes include: antioxidant-rich Rooibos (Red Bush Tea), sweet-tasting Honeybush from South Africa; and Tulsi (Holy Basil), the stress-relieving “ herb of enlightenment” of India. Yerba Mate, “drink of the Gods” is a South American plant which contains three stimulants: caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. All true teas including white, green, oolong and black varieties contain health-promoting antioxidants, such as epicatechin gallate. Tea naturally contains caffeine as well as the relaxing amino acid L-theanine.
White teas are raw, unprocessed, delicately flavored tea leaves and buds. White varieties of tea include: White Peony and Silver Needle. Green teas are minimally fermented tea leaves. Japanese green tea varieties include: classic Sencha; roasted Hojicha and Genmaicha, a green tea roasted with brown rice. Kukicha, a low- caffeine variety made from tea twigs and stems is popular with followers of macrobiotics. Matcha is the finely ground powdered green tea featured in the traditional tea ceremony of Japan. Jasmine Green is green tea that has been scented with fresh Jasmine blossoms. The more luxurious Jasmine Pearls are made by hand-rolling green tea leaves around individual jasmine flowers. The exquisite Flowering Teas are made by hand rolling green or white tea leaves and various fragrant, colorful flowers together to create a gorgeous single tea “bud” that “blossoms” when it is immersed in hot water. Oolong is a half-fermented variety of tea with known benefits for weight reduction. Black teas are fully fermented teas that are sourced from China, India and Africa. Pu-Erh, a doubly fermented black tea from 500-year old wild tea trees in Yunnan China, is thought to be higher in antioxidants than other black teas. It has a distinctive smoky flavor enjoyed by many. Darjeeling is a fragrant, fruity variety of black tea that comes from the Himalayan foothills or Darjeeling region of India. Other notable black teas include: Assam, an Indian tea from Camellia sinensis var. assamica; Earl Grey, an English tea that is flavored with oil of bergamot orange and Irish Breakfast, a hearty, brisk-tasting breakfast tea.
Whether you prefer a delicate white tea, a caffeine-free tisane or a rich chocolaty Pu-Erh, at New Morning you will find a wide selection of the finest organic teas to choose from. This winter, take time for yourself and the ones you love with the relaxing comfort of a hot cup of tea.
Dietary Supplements 101
Poor eating habits and added holiday stress can increase your need for high quality nutritional supplements. Deciding which ones to take can be overwhelming, as there are so many products to choose from. Most important is quality. Your supplements should not contain any synthetic additives such as dyes, fillers or preservatives, as these can all impair nutrient absorption. Capsules, chewable tablets, powders and liquids are usually preferable to tablets, as they are generally better absorbed. These forms are essential for older individuals or those who have poor digestion. It is best to start with the basics such as a good multi-vitamin formulated for your gender and stage of life. Consider taking one with higher than RDI levels of B vitamins and vitamin C, especially if you are very stressed. Most people can benefit from taking some additional calcium each day. Your calcium supplement ideally should also contain magnesium and vitamin D. To get the most out of your calcium supplement, a smaller amount of calcium should be taken with food multiple times during the day. Fish oil (or flax oil, if you are a vegetarian) is a necessary daily supplement that provides heart-healthy omega-3 fats. The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) is low in these essential fats, which are critical for healthy eyes, skin, heart, brain and joints. Finally, a probiotic supplement, with Lactobacillus acidophilus and other cultures, is another cornerstone of any good supplement plan. When taken regularly, these beneficial bacteria help to maintain a healthy digestive tract and optimize immune response. Taken together, a multi-vitamin, calcium, fish oil and probiotics provide the foundation for good health all year round.
A Holiday Message It has been said that the difference between family and friends is that you can choose your friends, but as we all gathered to take our staff photo at the Old Woodbury Town Hall (featured on the cover of our December Circular), I began to think about the different ways families are formed. We have the family we were gifted with when we were born. Some families come together out of circumstance. We make family out of our closest friends. Most of us even consider our pets family. And at New Morning, all of our staff and customers are considered part of our family too.
In fact, some of our staff are second-generation New Morning employees and I wonder how many of their children will become the third generation! And, it’s also the same for our loyal customers; it pleases me to know that we provide a trusted resource, passed down through generations of like-minded individuals.
May you and your family enjoy the holidays together and have all the best of health and happiness in 2012.
Autumn Fare September spills quietly into breathtaking autumn months, inviting weekenders and leaf peepers to lazily cruise Connecticut’s scenic byways. Warm days and cool New England nights deliver a final agricultural fury, signaling that winter can’t be too far behind. New Morning revels in this seasonal excitement, providing our customers a store filled to bursting with seasonally sourced products including many varieties of winter squashes, pumpkins and gourds. This is the time when backyard gardeners and local farmers, alike, make final passes through thinning fields to bring us crops- intent on not losing any of the dwindling yield. Seasonal dedication to resource conservation and farming best practices is a delight for all of us. As the market share of squash and pumpkins grows, it’s customary for many New England families to pull out favorite recipes and celebrate by cooking from the bountiful local harvest. Autumn get- togethers inevitably revolve around good, hearty meals. Giant soups and steaming stews serve as great economical ways to fill many tummies at a time. Consider a velvety smooth yam and butternut bisque fortified with white rice miso, a hint of tarragon and ground fennel seed, or, glazed short ribs, cranberries, onions and roasted turnips banked with artisanal baked pumpkin walnut bread. And don’t forget the apple pie!
You can experiment with winter squashes in many ways. They are fibrous and hearty and whether baked with sweets or boiled plain, they render a feeling of contentment not easily forgotten. My personal favorite is slow roasted maple glazed kuri squash baked carefully creating a custardy slice of deliciousness for every plate. Don’t forget the satisfaction of eating simply boiled, mashed acorn squash dressed with sweet butter, pepper and freshly grated ginger. Pairing it with a side dish of steamed cauliflower makes a whole meal. The excitement really isn’t about the fussiness of the recipe it’s about the heartiness of the foods the season has to offer. Venture with us into the golden days of autumn and seize an opportunity to “celebrate bounty” and create your own extraordinary mealtime memories.
Very Versatile Squash Puree:
Preparing home made squash puree by roasting winter squashes like butternut or kabocha pumpkin, is simple and creates a complex sweetness, boiling and mashing can’t produce. Follow the steps below to create your own rich and velvety squash puree, excellent for use in all types of winter squash recipes or to enjoy plain with a dot of butter or olive oil. 1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees 2. Wash and halve the squash lengthwise, and remove the seeds with a spoon or melon baller 3. Place parchment on a sheet pan and lightly coat with canola or vegetable cooking spray 4. Lay the squash, cut side down on the parchment 5. Bake until the skin of the squash bubbles up and begins to brown and a knife easily inserts into the squash. There should be a brownish edge forming where the squash lays on the parchment, indicating that caramelizing has taken place and the squash’s natural sugars have dripped through and self-seasoned the squash 6. Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool to the touch. 7. Then, remove and toss the skin into the compost collector 8. Place the squash in the food processor and puree until smooth. 9. Freezing it into measured zip lock bags or ice cube trays makes it easier to pull out for recipes throughout the year.
Savory Baked Apples with Butternut Puree
The perfect New England apple is both simple and enigmatic packed with the complex flavors of each season. Try this Fall favorite with local Crispin, Winesap or Jonagold apples. Enjoy!
Serves: 8 8 Apples 1 Large Butternut Squash ½ C Orange Juice 1T Tahini 8Tsp Olive Oil ¼ C Real Maple Syrup ½ Tsp Salt Pinch Black Pepper
1. Core apples. Roast with orange juice and olive oil until firm but cooked through
2. Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise, and remove seeds. Leave skin on.
3. Place butternut face down on a parchment-lined pan in the oven and roast well. Allow 45 minutes to an hour.
4. Scoop squash and puree with tahini, salt, pepper.
5. Pipe squash into apples.
6. Drizzle with maple syrup. Serve!
Summer Skin
Is your skin ready for summer? This time of year we spend more time outdoors and exposure to sun, wind, and water can take its toll on our skin. A few easy and natural preventive measures can help lessen the damage and protect skin from sunspots, wrinkles, and acne. Start by making sure you’re drinking enough water. By drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day you can stay hydrated. If that feels like too much to begin with, slowly increase how much you drink each day until you find the right level for you. You can also apply water directly to your face with a spritzer of rose water, witch hazel, or green tea to keep your skin moist and cool. Increasing the antioxidants in your diet through foods like tomatoes, watermelon, green tea, and fish can help protect your skin from ultraviolet rays.
If you are headed outside, be sure to wear an oil-free, mineral-based sunscreen that is rich in antioxidants (like one with zinc oxide, green tea, sea buckthon oil, or Vitamin E). When you come in from a day in the sun, apply an aloe vera gel to your skin. A daily application of a moisturizer with aloe vera will also help. In addition, your skin will thank you if you use a facial scrub twice a week. You can even give yourself a mini facial by cutting a strawberry in half, rubbing it on your face, and rinsing once your face has dried. If, despite your best efforts, your skin breaks out from too much sunscreen, you can use tea tree oil to help clear things up. At New Morning we have you covered! Stop by our Wellness Department to pick up your summer skin essentials today.
Local Partner: Fort Hill Farm
Fort Hill Farm is a certified organic farm run by Paul Bucciaglia in New Milford, Connecticut. After studying agriculture and molecular biology, Paul decided to leave the indoor lab for the outdoor lab of a working farm. In 2002, after several years working on others’ farms, he plowed under the first 4 acres of his own farm on land he leases in Sunny Valley Preserve.
“Farming is a decidedly unnatural process,” says Paul, “but in organic farming we try to incorporate growing practices that mimic nature as much as possible. By planting a diverse number of crops, paying close attention to the health of the soil, and maintaining a healthy population of beneficial insects, we reduce the risk of loss to diseases and pests, and grow delicious, healthy plants full of vitamins, minerals, and health promoting compounds.”
Fort Hill Farm sells most of its products to shareholders in their community supported agriculture, or CSA program. Members sign up in advance and get a share of the produce from the farm each week, from June through October. But sometimes there is more kale than the shareholders can handle, and in that case selling at farmers markets or to wholesale customers like New Morning is critical so the farm doesn’t lose money. At New Morning, we go out of our way to seek out growers like Paul so we can bring you the freshest, most delicious local produce available, while also supporting a model of agriculture we believe in.
Is Local Food Better?
There are many benefits to eating locally: it supports the local economy, builds community, protects open spaces from development, uses less energy, supports less intensive farming practices, and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, to name a few. But is local food more nutritious? There is no simple answer to this question because there are so many factors that can affect the quality of food as it makes its way through the food system. But based on certain studies, and common sense, many times local food (especially local organic food) will be more nutritious than non-organic food from far afield.
The variety of fruit of vegetable a grower chooses is the first step in the process. Local farmers might choose varieties with better flavor or higher nutritional quality where farmers who ship their produce might sacrifice those characteristics for varieties that withstand travel. Local farmers are able to pick their produce much closer to the time it will be eaten, which allows it to more fully ripen, giving it higher nutritional value, according to several studies, than produce that is picked unripe and then ripened chemically.
Studies have also shown that organic farming methods that improve the soil consistently produce crops with higher nutrient content. It has also been shown that when produce is bruised or mishandled by poor harvesting and travel it looses nutrients quickly. By buying locally, you can discover if your farmers are building the health of their soil and in some cases you can pick the produce yourself, choosing the most ripe fruits and minimizing risk of bruising. While many factors in the production of our food are out of our control, if you want to be sure to get the most nutritious food possible, it makes sense to choose locally grown organic food whenever possible.
Dietary Supplements 101
Poor eating habits and added holiday stress can increase your need for high quality nutritional supplements. Deciding which ones to take can be overwhelming, as there are so many products to choose from. Most important is quality. Your supplements should not contain any synthetic additives such as dyes, fillers or preservatives, as these can all impair nutrient absorption. Capsules, chewable tablets, powders and liquids are usually preferable to tablets, as they are generally better absorbed. These forms are essential for older individuals or those who have poor digestion. It is best to start with the basics such as a good multi-vitamin formulated for your gender and stage of life. Consider taking one with higher than RDI levels of B vitamins and vitamin C, especially if you are very stressed. Most people can benefit from taking some additional calcium each day. Your calcium supplement ideally should also contain magnesium and vitamin D. To get the most out of your calcium supplement, a smaller amount of calcium should be taken with food multiple times during the day. Fish oil (or flax oil, if you are a vegetarian) is a necessary daily supplement that provides heart-healthy omega-3 fats. The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) is low in these essential fats, which are critical for healthy eyes, skin, heart, brain and joints. Finally, a probiotic supplement, with Lactobacillus acidophilus and other cultures, is another cornerstone of any good supplement plan. When taken regularly, these beneficial bacteria help to maintain a healthy digestive tract and optimize immune response. Taken together, a multi-vitamin, calcium, fish oil and probiotics provide the foundation for good health all year round.
Giving Thanks
Autumn is a good time for reflection and gratitude. This fall Jane, Millie and I were fortunate to spend a week in the natural beauty of the New Hampshire woods, mountains and lakes. Returning home by the back roads of Northwest Connecticut we were struck by the beauty, both natural and man-made, of the region we live and work in. Our local organic farms were blessed with a bountiful harvest this year. The income from their harvests ensures that these farms will continue, thereby protecting the natural beauty of our communities and the water quality in our watersheds. One of New Morning’s missions is seeking out local sustainably produced goods and bringing them to the market. We now have staff members devoted to searching for new local products that meet our standards for quality, sustainability and humane practices, so keep your eyes open for these new products as well as your usual favorites when you’re in the store.
I am grateful for having such fulfilling work in such an appreciative community that has supported New Morning since 1971. Thank you for counting on New Morning for the quality products and services you and your family need for a healthy sustainable lifestyle.
Rowanwood Farm
AJ Collier’s rich background in animal advocacy, serves as inspiration for Rowanwood Farm in Newtown CT and her passion for its current cast of characters -—goats, sheep, alpacas, and llamas. It was only natural that a working farm was in the cards, given her experience as a veterinary technician, animal rescue volunteer, work in wildlife rehabilitation, and the curating of two Nature Centers. “My husband Jeff and I got into farming because we love animals. They are our family.” And just as her love for animals motivates her desire to have a farm, her love of the farm compels her to educate others in her community about a sustainable lifestyle.
The Animals The animals at Rowanwood Farm all contribute to the farm in some way. The Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats have milk with a high butterfat content, which AJ uses to make soap. The Olde English Baby Doll Sheep and the alpacas provide wool for yarn. And the llamas act as guardians of the farm, warding off predators and protecting the other animals.
AJ has an active breeding program for the goats, which is helping to preserve this rare breed. She breeds the goats once a year and sells them mostly by word of mouth, typically to others who are interested in protecting the breed. She currently has about 12 goats that require milking twice a day. She also has 5 male goats, or bucks, for breeding.
The animals require a lot of care. From daily feeding and milking to periodic medical care, including de-worming and birthing, AJ spends many hours nurturing and getting to know her animals. She knows most of them by voice and thinks of them truly as her “kids.”
While the animals enjoy eating clover in the pastures, they also eat hay and receive mineral salt and baking soda supplements. When they are pregnant or producing milk they get a diet of special grains.
The farm itself is covered with custom-made pens and fences that protect the animals and allow them to roam freely around the farm. AJ has designed many of these structures herself and is at work on a new pen for mother goats and their new babies. Visitors often comment on the number of plastic playhouses that dot the property, which are favorites of the very curious goats who like to climb and explore.
Sustainable Business “When I got animals of my own, I wanted to use the natural products they create to help sustain the farm,” says AJ. At first she spun the wool and milked the goats, making cheese and yogurt. She and Jeff used these things themselves, learning how to live a more sustainable life with the help of their animals. Then she started making soap. A chance encounter with an old friend who works at New Morning helped grow the soap-making venture into a full-fledged business. “New Morning providing me with constructive criticism and helpful insights into marketing my handmade goat’s milk soap.”
Each 4-ounce bar of soap is truly a “dairy bar”, containing 2 ounces of goat’s milk, a high quality moisturizer. The soap also includes local honey; olive, safflower, and canola oils; vegetable shortening; essential oils and botanicals; and Vitamin E. Rowanwood Farm soaps are available at New Morning in addition to other stores.
AJ also produces yarn from the wool from the sheep and alpacas. After shearing, the raw fiber is sent out for cleaning. In the fall, AJ dyes the wool using natural dyes. During the long winter evenings, she spins the wool into yarn, which she sells at the farm and at farmers markets. The seasonal aspect of her work brings great comfort to AJ who relishes taking advantage of the seasons to organize her life better in relation to nature.
Community Outreach An avid animal lover, animal advocate, and educator, AJ’s enthusiasm for her animal family is contagious. As one of the few working farms left in Fairfield County, she feels it is important to get people to connect to the animals and the land since so many people have become cut off from nature. From educational events to incorporating community volunteers into the vital care of her animals, Rowanwood Farm always looks for opportunities to give back to the community, including sharing free compost, complements of AJ’s animal family!
Fresh Turkeys.
If you’re hunting for a special turkey for your annual Thanksgiving celebration, look no further. Our turkeys are overflowing with flavor and juiciness because of how they’re raised and what they eat. Turkeys that forage in green pastures, eat natural feeds and grow without artificial hormones are richer in nutritional value, lower than chickens in fat content and just taste better. Our certified organic turkeys are pasture-raised out of doors and the fresh, natural Vermont turkeys are raised in open-sided barns with good ventilation.
This year, why not set aside the antibiotics and preservatives that many commercial birds bring to the table and opt instead for the culinary delight you’ll find in a fresh, natural or organic turkey? At New Morning, we guarantee that not one bird from our careful selection was given anything we wouldn’t eat ourselves. Your family will thank you for it. On-the-run? Don’t forget to order some sumptuous side dishes from the Provender like mashed organic sweet potatoes and tasty, assorted herbed, regular and gluten-free stuffing. But hurry! Call New Morning at 203-263-4868 to reserve your turkey soon, as sizes become more limited closer to Thanksgiving.
Hidden GMOs
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have had genes added to their DNA using gene-splicing, a technique of biotechnology. Also referred to as genetic engineering, or GE, this technique is used on plants, animals, bacteria, and viruses. The most common GMO trait is herbicide tolerance, which allows the broadcasting of herbicides on GMO altered crops- killing all other organisms and plants in the soil. Almost 90% of soy and corn produced in the U.S used in processed foods are GMOs.
Is it safe to eat genetically modified food? Well, the jury is out, as the proper long-term studies have yet to be conducted by someone other than the seed and biotech companies themselves. More than 30 countries have restrictions, mandatory labeling or bans on genetically modified food, but the United States isn’t one of them. GMOs have been infiltrating the United States food supply unlabeled for over 15 years. It’s estimated that GMOs are present in more than 80% of packaged food. In addition to the unknown health implications, there are ethical questions and environmental concerns that need to be considered.
The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit collaborative effort, started by a group of natural retailers in the US and Canada offering consumers consistent non-GMO choices for organic and natural products and information regarding the risks associated with GMO products. The Non-GMO Project has created a 3rd party, non-GMO verification program that identifies the origin, segregation and traceability of selected products for GMO avoidance.
At New Morning, we’ve signed on as a supporting retailer of the Non-GMO Project. While the safety of GMOs remains uncertain, one thing is clear: you have the right to know where your food comes from and what’s in it. We think the third party labeling system can help you make better food choices. This fall you will start seeing the label “Non-GMO Verified” on some of the products in the store. On 10-10-10 we will participate in Non-GMO Day, with 5% of the day’s sales going to the Non-GMO Project. We hope you’ll choose to shop that day. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, stop by and ask us!
Allergy Relief.
Allergy season is a natural phenomenon that our bodies react to like clockwork. Unfortunately, synthetic remedies often have undesirable side effects that can lead to our avoiding taking anything until we’re desperate. Then, depending on what time of day it is you might have to settle for additional symptoms along with the cure. Did you know there are natural solutions that don’t bring their own side effects to the party? New Morning’s Wellness Department has a stockpile of remedies, which offer effective alternatives that really work!
Natural remedies can work alone or in tandem- including nasal washing, calming sprays, and herbal and nutritional products. Nasal washing or “neti” with salt water is an effective, ancient technique for decreasing allergens, clearing sinuses and promoting tissue healing. Homeopathic and herbal nasal sprays can provide symptom relief and fight disease-causing bacteria that cause itching, sneezing and runny noses. Supplementing the diet with fish oil and Vitamin C daily can also lessen an allergic response. Read more at newmorn.com or call for a consult with Alison Birks, New Morning’s registered herbalist and nutritionist. She’s a great listener, and can offer you new tools to manage your allergies without those nasty side effects.
Caffeine: Friend or Foe?
Caffeine. Many people can’t start the day without it. Some people feel great when they drink it, while others curse their addiction and its related symptoms. Why is this so? It turns out it’s not about the caffeine. It’s actually about you and how your body metabolizes this powerful stimulant. Caffeine has a number of proven benefits, including the ability to improve focus and concentration, reduce depression, help fatigue, and aid in weight loss. Regular consumption may even protect against type 2 diabetes.
For many people, however, caffeine can cause or exacerbate a number of uncomfortable or unhealthy symptoms. While you can experiment to see how your body responds, there are certain health conditions that predispose individuals to having a bad reaction to caffeine. For example, caffeine can cause pain and swelling in women with fibrocystic breasts; it can increase symptoms for those suffering from anxiety, insomnia, or panic disorder; it can irritate the bladder and produce symptoms of urgency or aggravate cystitis; and it can irritate the stomach, aggravating or causing heartburn or acid reflux. Since caffeine acts as both a diuretic and a laxative, those with gastrointestinal issues should avoid it.
Drinking caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, or yerba mate, is a big part of our culture and many people do just fine with a moderate intake of less than 3 cups a day. If you find that you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms and want to cut back your intake, consider switching to a decaffeinated version of these drinks. New Morning carries a great selection of coffees including organically grown and fair-trade coffee from local roasters Coffee, Tea, Etc. as well as coffee-like beverages, teas, and herbal teas. Stop by and enjoy a cup with us today.
Dairy Alternatives
New Morning offers an extensive selection of organic and pasture-grazed cow and goat milk from local farms. What if you want to avoid dairy? Perhaps you have a milk allergy, are lactose intolerant, following a vegan diet, or just want to try something new. Don’t worry—we also carry a wide variety of milk alternatives, including milk made from soy, rice, hemp, oats, almonds, hazelnuts, and coconuts. Each has a different consistency and flavor-everyone has a favorite. And, they can be useful for everything from baking to breakfast cereal. New Morning’s well-stocked dairy bar also carries a great variety of products made with milk alternatives, like ice cream, yogurt, and cheese.
Much like pasteurized cow’s milk, milk alternatives are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, and some include nutrients that are essential for vegans, like vitamin B12 and DHA, an important Omega-3 fatty acid. In general, milk alternatives are lower in fat and calories than cow’s milk and can be helpful for weight loss. Be alert to sugar content, as some milk alternatives are high in added sugars. Read the labels to make sure you can meet your specific nutritional needs (especially for children). As a rule, babies should not be given milk alternatives as a substitute for mother’s milk or formula as they are very low in fat, protein and calories. Children should always be encouraged to eat a wide variety of foods in order to assure adequate nutrient intake.
There are many choices to make when faced with multiple ages, diet concerns or allergies. We’ve got you covered! Stop by New Morning for advice, browse our selection of milk alternatives, and try something new that will please your taste buds while enhancing your good health.
Herb Gardening
Herbs are captivating plants that wow us with their flavor, fragrance, and medicinal uses. Luckily you don’t need a formal vegetable or herb garden to plant some of these treats; you can grow them in pots or tuck these versatile plants into a perennial border or a foundation planting. Most herbs require a lot of sun and average soil conditions and many do well in sandy soil. Because of their strong fragrance and flavor, garden critters like deer and groundhogs tend to avoid them. Another benefit is that many of our favorite herbs are perennials and come back each year.
As with vegetable gardening, choosing which herbs to plant can be overwhelming. Stick with the flavors and fragrances you love and try one or two varieties of something different. New Morning carries some popular favorites—basil, thyme, oregano, dill, parsley, and more—as well as a few unusual herbs for the adventurous. Stop by the store today and pick up some seed packets in order to get a jump start on your spring gardening. Also keep a look out for the locally grown vegetable, herb, and heirloom tomato starters which will be coming in May!
Why Whey.
When milk is made into cheese or yogurt, it separates into two parts: a solid, which is called curds, and a liquid referred to as whey. Sometimes they’re left together in what we know as cottage cheese, but most often curds go on to become other products like cheese or Greek style yogurt. Thanks to its high quality protein content, whey is a nutritional super-star for people on- the- go or trying to lose weight. It promotes a feeling of fullness, has been shown to prevent blood sugar swings and may improve sleep and mood. It can boost the immune system, aid in detoxification, and may improve cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension.
It matters a lot which whey you choose. The highest quality whey comes from minimally processed milk from grass-fed, contented cows. People with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should avoid whey protein supplements, or be cautious when trying them. Whey protein supplements come in both liquid and powdered forms. Either whey, look for those without artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors, like the ones you will find at New Morning. We offer many whey protein products, (including ready-to-drink shakes) and most important, the advice you need in choosing the right whey for you.
Chocolate Love.
Chocolate is a celebration- its presence immediately suggestive of good times. Friends gathering for a steaming bowl of chocolate laced chipotle chili or sharing an aromatic pot au chocolat. A chocolate aroma raises the festive consciousness, bringing peace to the heart. Personal preferences for savory or sweet merely add another dimension to the chocolate experience. So sprinkle away with those raw cacao nibs and relish the minute bursts of complex chocolate emotion that invariably ascend through a chocolate aficionado’s soul. You may say you choose to eat chocolate for its health benefits, but why not love it for the decadent creamy confection it always proves to be?
Discover the complex world of chocolate at New Morning Natural & Organic- in all its myriad shapes, forms and flavors, organic, fair trade or locally made, Choose yours! Be sure to stop by the store to pick up a copy
Citrus for Health
Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and a number of other delicious citrus fruits are an important part of a healthy diet. Great sources of vitamin C, these fruits are also full of fiber, folate, potassium, and a host of flavonoids and phytochemicals (plant nutrients) that are necessary for good health. With no fat, no cholesterol, and no sodium, it’s no wonder that citrus is loved throughout the world.
Eating citrus fruits regularly (or taking citrus-derived supplements) may lower the risk of certain types of cancer (pancreatic, stomach, and skin) and protect against cardiovascular disease. The flavonoids in citrus - quercetin, rutin, naringenin, and others - have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that confer many unique health benefits. A daily serving of citrus fruit will go a long way to improving your overall health and preventing chronic disease. When choosing citrus be sure to choose organic fruits - especially if you plan on ingesting any of the peel (peels can be steeped in teas and grated for cooking or baking). Stop by New Morning and check out our citrus selection and related supplements today.
Entertaining.
Holiday and seasonal meal expectations evoke great inspiration to excite and delight our guests with wondrous bites. The drive to eat and drink accelerates the curiosity of partygoers seeking interesting holiday food to prepare or ready made and easy to serve. With the right products anyone can master a holiday menu by whipping up delicious meal items prepared with a conscience. In Connecticut, there’s no shortage of great products to work with year round. At New Morning, we challenge ourselves to meet the guidelines for local and seasonal goods as often as possible. Support your local farms, dairies and wineries. Serve Connecticut seafood, meats and community-embraced agriculture as you break bread with friends and family. Visit newmorn.com for a delicious recipe for Pumpkin Rice and Curry Soup. Or stop in the store and pick one up along with all the fresh ingredients and personalized cooking tips necessary to make your cooking adventure enjoyable as well as tasty.
Get Fit.
A study of men and women between the ages of 60 and 75 found that those who exercised regularly and took Vitamin E supplements were healthier and had decreased cell damage by free radicals. Excessive free radical damage contributes to aging and disease. The study also found that people who didn’t exercise but took Vitamin E also had a significant decrease in oxidative stress as well as lower blood pressure. These results suggest that people over forty can benefit from regular moderate exercise and Vitamin E supplementation. New Morning offers a complete selection of vitamins and minerals, all made from the purest ingredients. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find solutions that are right for you.
Exercise and a smart diet is key in keeping our bodies fit. Unfortunately, holidays and overeating go together. This Thanksgiving, focus on your protein! Did you know that turkeys are lower than chicken in fat content, high in protein, and an economical source of iron, phosphorus and B vitamins? We carry a tasty selection of fresh or frozen, natural or organic turkeys, overflowing with flavor and juiciness. But hurry to reserve yours as our fresh, natural birds are going fast.
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