Want to enjoy summer treats without the guilt?  We’ve found some great ones that are made with REAL FOOD.  Taste tested and enjoyed by the health-conscious (and hungry) team at Natural Living OC.

Have you been craving something “bad” this summer?  Ice cream, cookies, yummy treats that you wish could satisfy your sweet tooth but wouldn’t make you compromise your healthy and holistic lifestyle?  Here’s some ideas to curb those cravings without compromising your health and well-being.  There can even be actual nourishing qualities this food provides because of the wholesome “real” ingredients used – with a healthy dose of enjoyment to go along with it!

Of course, what would summer be without ice cream?  We were on a mission to find some healthy and tasty alternatives to the standards that are filled with chemicals and high in sugars and empty calories.  Of course, our first foray into this exploration last summer lead us to the raw, organic goodness of Tomberlies (see the original article at Rheo H. Blair: The Book).  The first ingredient is young thai coconut, which gives it some excellent high-quality fats, nutrition, and anti-microbial and -fungal properties.  The company also asserts that their product is hand-made in their own raw, organic kitchen, which is certainly a plus.  It’s an excellent product, even though the carb and sugar content is a bit higher than we would normally want to go (organic raw agave syrup is the sweetner as the third ingredient, but we can almost forgive the high numbers there with 18 grams of high quality fat and 5 grams of fiber).  It’s a nice occasional treat, but at almost $7 for a small (8 oz.) portion, we wanted to find other options.

We found another organic ice cream (though not raw) that was even more delicious and lower on the glycemic scale.  It is Coconut Bliss, also made with a primary base of coconut (using the milk and coconut oil), also sweetened with agave.  All the ingredients are organic and certified fair trade, and although the cost is comparable to Tomberlies (a few cents less, especially if you find it on sale), there is more quantity, so you’re getting more for your dollar.  Our favorite ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip, and this one is very yummy – although they use chocolate with organic cane sugar, they assure the consumer that it is a very small amount (less than 2.5 grams per serving, according to their website FAQs).  Also, most of their flavors avoid ingredients that can cause common food allergies or sensitivities (Tomberlies uses cashews) and although they use “shared” equipment, their product is only run on specific days, and each flavor has its own individual day of production, before and after which the machinery is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

Of course, sometimes you just crave the real thing: ice CREAM, made with real dairy.  For those who want the real thing but not the unhealthy effects of popular ice creams out there made with refined sugars and chemicals, never fear!  We’ve found Clemmy’s Ice Cream!  Made with REAL cream and egg yolks, Clemmy’s is a sugar free version of real old fashioned ice cream. It uses Xylitol as a natural sugar substitute, an alternative that actually has beneficial properties (including anti-fungal).  Some people can have sensitivities to sugar alcohols (they can have a slightly laxative effect).  But for the truly carb-conscious (or diabetic), this is the best option, having only TWO net carbs per serving, and 16 grams of good quality dairy fat.  Unfortunately, it is not organic, but their quality standards are very high, and it also boasts that it is 99.7% lactose free.  It therefore is safe for many of the people who aren’t normally able to have ice cream.  Well, we sure love it and are happy to have found it!  Interestingly, Jon Gordon, founder of  Clemmy’s Ice Cream, responded to the call of John Mackey to initiate changes to Whole Foods (discussed in recent Campaign post) to encourage consumers to choose healthier alternatives to “junk.”  Gordon of Clemmy’s said in his press release, “I agree with John Mackey that people are generally hesitant at first to spend more money for healthier food, but once they start eating products that are better for them, they clearly feel and see the difference and then it becomes part of their lifestyle.”  Gordon has created his own initiative by cutting prices on his ice cream, which is still the least expensive of the rest, as you get the largest quantity (a full quart) for around $6.

Now, say you just want a nice cookie with a glass of cold (raw) milk… try Kookie Karma! Their hand-made, gluten-free, holistic cookies are truly nourishing and delicious, containing almond meal, organic coconut, organic brown rice protein, almond butter, chia seeds, and cocoa butter.  They are also sweetened with xylitol, making the next carb count as little as 8 grams (very low glycemic), with 8 grams of protein and 13 grams of fat, all from nutrient-dense wholesome ingredients.  In the “Holistic Chocolate Chip” and the “Holistic Choco Lot,” there is a little bit of actual sugar used in the chocolate chips, but there is also a “Holistic Carob Chip” option that does not mention the sugar at all in the ingredients, and contains the same ingredients otherwise.  There are other more fruity options, but those are much higher in sugar content (by nature of the fruits used and agave syrup being added).  Also, be aware that there is something called “Carob Truffle,” but it has an exponentially larger carb count, so again, always be conscious of what you are buying and look at the ingredients yourself before you buy. Even the same company can offer a wide variety of different products with different ingredients (as we also saw with the Turtle Mountain company and the Purely Decadent desserts).

Of course, if you’d rather make something on your own, a previous “Cooking With Joy!” post listed some options you can try to enjoy a sweet treat and beat the heat (including Kefir Sorbet and homemade Whipped Cream to top fresh fruit).  Hopefully we have given you some options about healthy alternatives to pleasures our sweet tooth may be craving this summer.  Feel free to enjoy your time and beat the heat with some nice cool and yummy options that are made with real food and won’t cost you your health in the process!  Live healthy and happy, and enjoy!

With love,
Lorraine Joy

Shoppers looking for a one-of-a-kind experience will find it at the new Whole Foods Market Newport Beach when it opens on Sept. 19 at 9.a.m, according to WholeFoodsMarket.com.

The press release continues: the much-anticipated store opening will mark the fifth Whole Foods Market in Orange County. It will also mark a first for the world’s leading natural and organic foods supermarket with the national debut of the “Tea Hive,” a fusion café and tea bar.

The store’s commitment to locally-sourced products will be evident by its offerings from more than 100 local vendors and farmers from nearby Orange, San Diego and Los Angeles counties including: Homegrown Meats, Backyard Bees (with products in both grocery and Whole Body), Archi’s Acres, Stehly, Suzies, Go Green, Carlsbad Aquafarm, Ale Smith, South Coast Winery and Fallbrook Winery.

In addition to showcasing a variety of features and products consistent with the Whole Foods Market promise of offering the highest-quality natural and organic products, the 32,000 square-foot store will also include the coastal-themed Back Bay Tavern, a relaxing and casual beer and wine bar.

“Every Whole Foods Market location is unique to its community and this Newport Beach store will have something for everyone. Whether you work in the area and want to stop in for a natural and delicious lunch in our Back Bay Tavern, drop in to grab a refreshing tea drink after a yoga class or just want to enjoy a glass of wine after shopping — this will be a great destination,” said Patrick Bradley, regional president for Whole Foods Market Southern Pacific Region. “Given the healthy, active and outdoor lifestyles of the people who live and work in the greater Newport Beach area, we are excited to be opening a store that is tailored especially for them.”

Designed and built with the environment in mind, all of the wood used on the walls and soffits is reclaimed lumber salvaged from old canneries in Northern California. In the wine and dairy areas, used wine tank staves, stained deep purple and light red from the wine in the barrels, were used on the walls. In 2008, the bar had a small cameo role in the movie, Revolutionary Road. The smaller bar used for the Express wine and beer bar at the front of the store was made with reclaimed wood from the 19^th century.

“We were passionate about designing a store with unique features that reflect the Newport Beach lifestyle,” said George Khoury, store team leader at Whole Foods Market Newport Beach. “We are excited to be part of an innovative community that embraces new trends and look forward to bringing customers an experience that truly sets us apart from any other market,” added Khoury.

In-store standouts

The Tea Hive – Customers will be able to choose green, black or oolong tea in almost any imaginable form – whether frozen, sparkling, iced or steamed. Specialty drinks are made in martini shakers by “Tea Tenders.” Among the offerings are a: Pomarita, a refreshing blend of pomegranate and tart lime with green tea, and Chocolate Chai, black tea, spiced chai, chocolate and cinnamon. Paired with these delicious beverages, are natural fusion entrees, such as bowls and wraps using local and organic products.

Back Bay Tavern – Seating for 150 and a rotating selection of 24 craft beers on tap, plus wine and spirits, along with an extensive menu that includes beef, seafood, vegetarian and vegan meals. A smaller “Express” beer and wine bar with 12 beers on tap will be available at the front of the store for quicker service.

Additional highlights of the Whole Foods Market Newport shopping experience include:

• Extensive produce section: Seasonal varieties including locally grown fruits and vegetables like: California Morro Bay Avocados, organic local chards and kales, and Manessero local tomatoes and veggies.

• Meat department: Highest quality meat, from animals raised without antibiotics and added hormones. All meats adhere to Whole Foods Market’s stringent quality standards, including a full line of 100% grass-fed, locally-sourced beef and chicken, a variety of selections ready to take home and cook, and in-house smoked meats will be offered. A new ‘Get Crocked’ section that features complete meals that can be taken home and easily prepared in a crockpot

• Seafood department:  Sustainably-sourced fresh filets, steaks, local and seasonal seafood, whole fish and oven-ready selections. Fresh seafood is delivered up to six days a week.

• Hot and cold bar options:  Prepared salads and rotating menu items such as a smoked taco program and a full Asian menu with sushi, Japanese, Chinese and Korean options. The salad bar will be 100% organic featuring local vendors.

• Full in-store bakery: A team of dedicated bakers creating freshly made breads from scratch, including focaccias, baguettes, 100% whole grain cakes, muffins, cupcakes, fruit tarts, cookies, and special diet selections like vegan and gluten-free treats.

• Juice and coffee bar: Fresh squeezed juices and freshly brewed coffee as well as an all-new “Instant Oatmeal On-the-Go.

• Value-conscious grocery items:  Whole Foods Markets 365 Everyday Value brand pantry staples with thousands of products priced at the same low prices, everyday.

• Bulk and raw foods: Extensive selection featuring heirloom beans, sprouted nuts/grains/flours

• Prepared foods: Serving a wide variety of everyday favorites such as handcrafted pizza by the slice or the whole pie, in-house chips and dips, custom-made sandwiches, bar, hot soups, meals-on-the-go and Weekday Deals.

• 48 feet of beer of which 8 feet is dedicated to all the canned beer varieties

• There will be cocktails made with organic ingredients and over 100 wines under $9.99 ~ some wines starting at $1.99 per bottle. For the wine connoisseurs, there will also be more than 100 wines with 90+ Points ratings and a 100-point wine set.

• Whole Body section:  Personal-care items to care for the whole body along with nutritional supplements and vitamins.

• Free Wi-Fi and plenty of parking.

We here at Natural Living OC can’t wait!

National Geographic writer and explorer Dan Buettner studies the world’s longest-lived peoples, distilling their secrets into a single plan for health and long life.

To find the path to long life and health, Dan Buettner and team study the world’s “Blue Zones,” communities whose elders live with vim and vigor to record-setting age. In his talk, he shares the 9 common diet and lifestyle habits that keep them spry past age 100.

It’s official, Mothers Market’ new store in Brea. Their Facebook announcement is as follows:

MM Brea Grand Opening Celebration: Mark your Calendars for 9/17 from 10am – 1 pm! Fun giveaways and drawings!

The address for the new store is:
413 South Associated Road
Brea, CA
92821-5802
(714) 990-6667

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OK it’s everywhere. Walk into any of our natural food stores — Whole Foods, Mothers, “healthy” vegan-oriented restaurants — they are all guilty, everyone of them, of promoting this stuff. Indeed, Whole Foods Market offers it in abundance. That bothers me and it should bother you. It tells us that society has not owned up to just how bad it is. It matters not one bit if a dessert contains “organic” sugar, is “low fat” and contains no “trans fats.” IF it contains sugar, it is unfit for human consumption. Sugar is more than just a calorie that add pounds to the body. Much more. It is an insidious chemical that plays a key role in heart disease, diabetes, cancer, liver disease and others. Let’s stop pretending it’s OK. SUGAR IS A KILLER.

A lengthy recent article in the New York Times by nutritional writer Gary Taubes offers compelling evidence of the lethality of the innocent looking simple white crystal. If you have a sweet tooth, you need to read it.

If you prefer to have someone lecture to you, then sit back and watch this video. It is devastating and instructive. Living a natural lifestyle absolutely means avoiding sugar. Remember that next time you see a beautiful dessert display in a natural products supermarket or vegan restaurant.

Welcome to Whole Foods! A new organic item is on the shelves today. Whole Foods’ free “hook-up” service. Who knew! Watch:

Being happily married, I have never used this “service” and I do not now know if our Whole Foods locations in Tustin and Huntington Beach offer this service, but these places are definitely great for people watching. I can easily understand how this hook-up deal came to be.

So, definitely worth a shot. Go check it out for yourself: Whole Foods Market at The District, Tustin.

OR Whole Foods Market, Huntington Beach.