Archive for the 'Organics' Category
Monday, February 25th, 2008
I hope you had a great weekend.
Mine was fantastic.
I attended the Health Freedom Expo in Long Beach, CA. It was really good for me.
If you haven’t been to this event, you should make a point of attending. It is held every year in Long Beach and Chicago.
Holistic health is my forte, so I really enjoy being surrounded by the energy contained in these types of events.
It is always interesting to see what the new fad is every year. Last year it was Nikken water systems, Goji juice, and cell phone protection devices.
This year the flavor of the day is water ionization machines and acai berries.
I’ll write more on these subjects on upcoming posts.
The cool thing about this event is the fact that it has a ton of informative seminars held all day long. In fact, at any given time there are as many as four seminars going on at one time. Very interesting and very cool.
This event was very grounding for me this year.
It helped to give me a renewed sense of who I am.
I help people achieve vibrant health through holistic fitness & nutrition. And I’m really good at it.
I was put on this earth to make a positive impact… to clear up the confusion and help people take control of their lives.
Well, enough about me.
I’ll end this by saying that I look forward to making a huge impact in 2008. There are collaborative efforts being made between myself and other individuals that are very exciting for the coming year and beyond.
Have an awesome week.
Alexander Morentin
My Fit Life
www.fitness-for-women.net
Posted in General, Fitness, Nutrition, Foods, Organics, Raw Foods, Women's Fitness, My Fit Life, Inspiration, Whole Foods | No Comments »
Monday, January 28th, 2008
I went to a raw food festival at The Living Temple in Huntington Beach over the weekend.
It was particularly fun because I had the opprortunity to introduce some people to the raw food and wellness lifestyle.
These people are part of a new meetup group that I formed on meetup.com. The name of the group is Better Living Community. You can find out more about this fantastic group at http://wholefood.meetup.com/155/
Have a great day.
Posted in General, Nutrition, Foods, Organics, Raw Foods, My Fit Life, Whole Foods | No Comments »
Saturday, October 27th, 2007
The future of raw milk is in jeopardy in California. It seems legislation was quietly put into effect that will make raw milk illegal as of January 1, 2008.
We cannot let this happen. If we do, then what’s next? In September legislation was put into effect that made it mandatory to pasteurize raw almonds; now this.
We need to take action today or we will lose more and more of our rights.
Read below for more info from Mark McAfee, owner of Organic Pastures, on how you can help.
——————————————————————————-
We need your help to save raw milk in California. The entire raw milk
movement is being attacked when raw milk is attacked in California or
any place. You the consumer is being attacked and being denied your right
to chose living whole foods.
It is time to fight for your health and your lives, because that is
exactly what is on the line. Sterilized and preserved food brings on
immune depression, allergies and illness. Antibiotics then make it all that
much worse. 80 percent of the human immune system is made up of
bacteria in our gut. When they die we die!! We need good bacteria badly. The
crisis in MRSA and VRE infections are directly associated with weak
immune systems and antibiotic abuse. Most all chronic diseases and immune
depression are healed by whole bio-diverse and enzyme rich foods….raw
milk. Raw milk is at least 800 times more biologically diverse than
even good yogurt.
Please go to www.organicpastures.com for specific directions on what to
do and who to call. Addresses, contact information and legislative
representative names are available here:
http://www.organicpastures.com/ab1735_landing.html
High on our priority is our Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the
Secretary of Agriculture A.G Kawamura, and all the state legislators.
This a raw milk health revolution….do not let it be our generation
that lost this fight. We owe it too ourselves and our children to win
this and place these GOT DEAD MILK protectors on notice that this is a
democracy and due process and representation still matters. Sneak Attacks
will not be tolerated by the raw milk consumers or producers of
California or our nation.
You are requested to attend a rally and press conference at 1130 at the
Fresno Farmers Market at Shaw and Blackstone avenues on Saturday
October 27th. I will be speaking to the press and they need to hear your
voices loud and clear. We expect a huge turn out and we need everybody
that can come. Raw milk will be on sale for all that come. Movie stars are
invited…Arnold needs to hear from you.
Try your best to attend the rally wear a shirt that supports raw milk
and your right to eat whole living foods!
Stand now and be counted!!! See you in Fresno at the Farmers Market on
Saturday.
Only living milk brings life!!
Mark McAfee
Founder OPDC
1-877 RAW MILK
http://www.organicpastures.com
“When you are right you can not be too radical, when you are wrong you
can not be too conservative”. MLK.
Raw Milk and Living Foods are Right!!
—————————————————————————–
Thank you for your support of Raw Milk and the Whole Foods Movement!
Alexander Morentin
My Fit Life
www.myfitlife.net
Posted in General, In the News, Foods, Organics, Raw Foods, My Fit Life, Inspiration, Whole Foods | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 24th, 2007
Those of you that are familiar with me know that I am a huge proponent of eating whole foods. And, I believe that the most important of all of the whole foods available are vegetables and fruits. However, I have found that most people find it extremely difficult to incorporate vegetables and fruits into their every day life.
The following is an excerpt from my forthcoming new book, Better Living With Whole Foods, that may help you:
Vegetables & Fruits
If you currently eat lots of vegetables and fruits, Great! If you don’t presently eat many vegetables and fruits you need to start. Yes, your mother was right; you need to eat your fruits and veggies. As with every other aspect of your health and fitness, add them in slowly. Think of how you ate last week and try to eat a little better this week.
Look, I know first hand how hard it can be to incorporate vegetables and fruits into your daily routine. In fact, when I first started buying produce (notice that I said buying produce and not eating produce), I would have to throw most of it away because it would spoil before I ate it. A six ounce bag of spinach would spoil in my refrigerator before I was half way done with it.
If you are in a similar situation… keep on buying produce. You will eventually eat more and more of the green stuff as time goes by. I always get the same reaction from people when they hear me say this: “But I don’t want to waste food or money.”
Let me tell you something, if you don’t have produce available for you and your family to eat in your home, you will never develop the habit of eating it. You have to make small sacrifices in the beginning in order to receive big rewards down the line.
Today, a six ounce bag of spinach will be gone in one day. I now eat about 4 pounds of spinach per week, plus a variety of other fruits and vegetables that are in season. And I have never felt better in my entire life!
The point I’m trying to make is this: I would never have gotten to this point in my life if I hadn’t taken the steps to make sure that I always had produce available in my home.
In order to get in the habit of eating produce, you have to first get in the habit of buying produce.
I hope that this helps you on your quest towards a happier, healthier life. Have a wonderful day.
Alexander Morentin, CES
Health & Fitness Consultrant
Better Living With Whole Foods
www.myfitlife.net
Posted in General, Nutrition, Foods, Organics, Raw Foods, My Fit Life, Whole Foods | No Comments »
Friday, September 14th, 2007
Hi,
I hope everything is going well today.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting Organic Pastures, a raw dairy farm located in Central California.
Interesting Factoids:
Organic Pastures is the number one raw dairy farm in the United States. Because of this, they are under much scrutiny from the federal government. In fact, as I drove into Organic Pastures I was first greeted by two FDA officials that were there to inspect the facilities.
No worries though, Mark McAfee, CEO of Organic Pastures, and his talented staff run a very efficient operation.
Note: For those of you who aren’t aware, raw milk is illegal in most states in the United States. California is one of the few states that allow raw milk to be sold in grocery stores.
Mark McAfee & Me
The Tour:
Organic Pastures is unlike the commercial dairy farms in his surrounding community. The cows are not confined to tight quarters; they live and graze on 400 grass filled acres. And yes, the land is certified organic.
We walked through the creamery, the kefir room, the cold storage rooms, the cheese room, the shipping department, and the sales office. In other words, I was taken on a tour of the entire operations and facilities, they have nothing to hide. It was fascinating to see how much effort and care goes into each bottle of raw milk and colostrum.
Next, Mark drove me around the entire farm, explaining all the details of the day to day operations as well as his mission to enrich the lives of his consumers through education, awareness, and whole foods nutrition.
I am extremely impressed with Organic Pastures and have developed a deeper appreciation for the raw dairy products they provide. I feel very fortunate that I am able to drive to my local Whole Foods or Mother’s Market and purchase this amazing product.
Many thanks go out to Mark McAfee and the staff of Organic Pastures. Keep up the great work!
For more information on raw milk and Organic Pastures Dairy, visit their website at www.organicpastures.com.
I hope you have a wonderful day.
Talk soon,
Alexander Morentin, CES
Health & Fitness Consultant
YWCA North Orange County
Owner, My Fit Life
www.fitness-for-women.net
Posted in General, Nutrition, Foods, Organics, Raw Foods, Beverages, My Fit Life | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007
Hi,
A friend of mine sent this to me. It’s a guide to Orange County Farmer’s Markets from the OC Weekly magazine.
The greatest variety can be found at the Irvine Farmer’s Market on Saturday; it’s huge! However, they are all great. Make it a point to go if you haven’t been before. You’ll love the experience.
Orange County’s Farmers Markets: A Guide
Where to go and when
By Gustavo Arellano
Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 3:00 pm
The bountiful baskets at the Irvine Farmers Market. Photo by Leslie Agan.
So you want to buy organic but don’t want to drive somewhere far? No problem: With 21 farmers markets in Orange County, there’s bound to be one next to you (unless you live in Stanton). Below is an up-to-date list—call ahead to ask what they sell.
TUESDAYBrea: Birch St. and Walnut Ave., (714) 329-6755. 4-8:30 p.m.
Brea: Birch St. and Walnut Ave., (714) 329-6755. 4-8:30 p.m.Irvine: Historic Park at the Irvine Ranch, 13042 Old Myford Rd., (714) 573-0374. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Huntington Beach: Main and Olive streets, (626) 357-7442. 5-9 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Fullerton: Independence Park, 801 W.Valencia Ave., (714) 871-5304. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
San Juan Capistrano: El Camino Real and Yorba Lane, (858) 272-7054. 3-7 p.m.
Santa Ana: Fiesta Marketplace parking lot, N. Bush and E. Third streets, (714) 542-9392. 3-7 p.m.
Tustin: El Camino Real and Third St., (714) 573-0374. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
THURSDAY
Anaheim: Center Street Promenade and Lemon St., (714) 956-3586. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Costa Mesa: Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr., (714) 573-0374. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fullerton: Wilshire Ave. between Harbor Blvd. and Pomona Ave., (714) 738-6545. 4-8:30 p.m.
Orange: 143 S. Lemon St., (951) 532-2822. 2-6 p.m.
FRIDAY
Huntington Beach: Pier Plaza, Main St. and Pacific Coast Hwy., (714) 573-0374. 1-5 p.m.
Ladera Ranch: Crown Valley Pkwy. at Ladera Ranch, (760) 741-3763. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.**NOTE I know this is old info, it’s now Sat AM, near Pavilions/ Vons
Laguna Hills: Laguna Hills Mall parking lot, 24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Ste. 900, (714) 573-0374. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
SATURDAY
Corona del Mar: Marguerite Ave. and Pacific Coast Hwy., (949) 361-0735. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dana Point: Hennessey’s La Plaza, Pacific Coast Hwy. and Golden Lantern, (909) 229-3329. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Irvine: University Center across from UC Irvine, (714) 573-0374. 8 a.m.-noon. Laguna Beach: Next to City Hall, (714) 573-0374. 8-11 a.m.
Laguna Beach: Next to City Hall, (714) 573-0374. 8-11 a.m.Yorba Linda: Main St. at Imperial Hwy., (714) 779-9373. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
SUNDAY
Garden Grove: 9580 Garden Grove Blvd., Ste. 300, (714) 757-5693. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Laguna Niguel: Plaza de la Paz Shopping Center, La Paz Rd. and Pacific Park Dr., (714) 573-0374. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
San Clemente: Avenida del Mar and Ola Vista, (949) 361-0735. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Talk soon,
Alexander Morentin, C.E.S.
Health & Fitness Consultant
My Fit Life
www.fitness-for-women.net
Posted in Nutrition, In the News, Foods, Organics, Raw Foods, My Fit Life | No Comments »
Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Yes, you read that right.
It seems that all almonds shipped and sold in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be pasteurized. This new regulation is set to take effect September 1, 2007.
Why is this happening?
After salmonella outbreaks in 2001 and 2004 that were traced to raw almonds, the Almond Board of California rallied for a federal rule requiring all almonds in the state to be pasteurized.
But really… It’s all about money!
California almond growers, who grow about 80% of the world’s almonds, feel that pasteurization will expand their market.
Here is a quote from Richard Waycott,the president and c.e.o. of the almond board, which is nothing more than a marketing arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“We consider it unacceptable to continue shipping a product that could contain a microorganism that could make somebody sick.”
Remember this quote while reading the remainder of this post.
Note: Some of the above excerpts were taken from a july 2, 2007 article in the Associated Press
This ruling has major underlying implications.
Let’s first take a look at what happened:
In 2001 and 2004 some people got sick from salmonella, which was traced to raw almonds.
Notice that some people got sick, but no one died.
Also, notice that the outbreaks were isolated to two non-concurrent years. Two separate years; that’s it!
Now, let’s take a look at food borne illness on a yearly basis:
There are between 6.5 million and 81 million cases of foodborne illness every year in the United States alone.
The major sources are Salmonella, E coli 0157:H7, Campylobacter, and Listeria the majority of which are traced to beef, chicken, and fish.
Here is the shocker: More than 9,000 deaths are reported annually, most of which are attributable to meat.
In June of this year, more than 75 million pounds of beef were recalled due to bacterial contamination.
Here is the point of the whole story:
I don’t think that the government is pasteurizing the almonds for our benefit. I think that the government is merely taking its first step towards hardcore regulation of our raw produce. They have already scared most of America into thinking that raw spinach is too dangerous to eat. What’s next?
What can you do?
I like raw almonds, as do millions of other people both in the U.S. and around the world.
After September 1st, the only way to get raw almonds will be to go directly to farmers on their farms, at farm stands, or farmer’s markets.
I hope you found this of interest to you.
Yours in health,
Alexander Morentin, C.E.S.
Holistic Fitness Coach
My Fit Life
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Monday, July 2nd, 2007
Soy and corn are the most genetically modified substances on the planet. In fact, pharmaceutical drugs are grown from corn and soy. Yes, you heard that right, pharmaceutical grade prescription drugs are grown from corn and soy. They are called Pharma Crops and the method used for growing these harmful crops has been called pharming. This is a real concern that you need to be aware of.
“A Growing Concern addresses the challenge of protecting the U.S. food supply from contamination by crops genetically engineered to produce drugs and industrial substances (”pharma” crops). Six experts commissioned by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) to analyze this problem concluded that corn and soybean cannot be used as pharma crops while preventing contamination of the food supply–unless substantial changes are made to the commodity production and management practices applied to pharma crops.
Because changes on this scale have yet to be implemented, UCS has concluded that contamination of the food system by pharma crops may have already occurred and may become more likely in the future. We therefore recommend that the U.S. Department of Agriculture halt the outdoor production of genetically engineered pharmaceutical and industrial crops immediately, until a new system for producing drugs and industrial substances without endangering the food system can be put in place.”
– Union of Concerned Scientists (www.ucsusa.org)
Pharming is a growing problem for us as a nation. I hope you are beginning to understand why I encourage you to choose ethically grown organic foods.
Look, I am not trying to scare you. All I am doing is giving you the ammunition to make the most informed decisions for yourself and your loved ones.
The main point that you need to take from this: If you are going to buy corn, soy, or products which contain these ingredients, buy organic. It really does make a difference.
Feel free to leave me any questions or comments that you may have regarding this or any other post.
Yours in health,
Aleander Morentin, C.E.S.
Holistic Fitness Coach
My Fit Life
Posted in General, Nutrition, Foods, Organics, My Fit Life | No Comments »
Sunday, July 1st, 2007
Yesterday, I attended a raw food festival at the Living Temple in Huntington Beach, California.
Robin Jones, owner/proprietor of the Living Temple, hosts a raw food festival once a month.
It’s amazing to see how this event has grown over the years.
In attendance were:
- Raw food chefs
- Farmers
- Community Supported Agriculture
- Energy Healers
- Massage Therapists
- Flower essence and essential oil practitioners
I love the fact that events like this exist.
If you are an art lover, an event like this could be equated to a gallery opening for an artist whose work you enjoy.
Nevertheless, I had a great time. The energy was fantastic and I was able to connect with many like minded individuals.
Well, I hope you had a fantastic weekend.
Talk to you soon.
Alexander Morentin
Holistic Fitness Coach
www.myfitlife.net
P.S. On the 4th of July, I am running with a small group of people in the Surf City Run in Huntington Beach. You are more than welcome to join us. It is a 5k run starting at 8AM. For more info go to www.surfcityrun.com
Posted in General, Foods, Organics, Raw Foods, My Fit Life | No Comments »
Friday, June 29th, 2007
In an earlier post I mentioned that the French eat sustainable whole foods in order to maintain a desirable weight.
Many people are under the impression that the French eat whatever they want, but they don’t. The French simply eat what is available. What is available is sustainable whole foods; not the highly processed convenience foods that are so prevalent here in America.
So, what is sustainable living for a sustainable future?
Sustainable living isn’t just about eating healthy whole foods. It goes way beyond that.
Sustainable living refers to a practice that will sustain our health, our land, our local economy, and our future.
We need to buy locally grown and raised food that is free of pesticides, herbicides, and hormones for these reasons:
• Organically grown foods are more nutritious.
• Organically grown and raised foods are biodiverse. In other words, they nourish the soil instead of depleting it.
• Organically grown foods do not pollute the local waterways.
• Buying local does not deplete fossil fuels. Shipping a piece of fruit across the country or half way around the world depletes our natural resources.
• Buying local, especially at Farmer’s Markets, supports our local farmers and our local economy.
• Buying local gives our farmers the incentive to keep on doing what they are doing. The more you buy, the more they will plant.
These practices help to insure that healthy whole foods will be available for ourselves, as well as future generations.
I hope that you found this of interest to you.
Remember, if you like the information provided in this blog… tell a friend. Spread the love.
Have a fantastic weekend.
Alexander Morentin, C.E.S.
Holistic Fitness Coach
My Fit Life
www.AlexanderMorentin.com
Posted in General, Nutrition, Foods, Organics, My Fit Life | No Comments »
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