Genuine Health - Fermented organic gut superfoods+ - Product Review

Genuine health is known for their high quality health food products. I was recently sent their Genuine Health - Fermented organic gut superfoods+ - product for review. I always include greens and superfoods in my diet so I was happy to try it.

Overall I was very impressed with the packaging. It clearly tells you what the product is and does. It also is very clearly written on the front that it contains 22 fermented plant-based superfoods and prebiotics to nourish a healthy gut. The flavour that they sent was Summer Berry. And it is dairy free, soy free, gluten free and even vegan.

According to their website:

Using the latest research available on the gut microbiome, we have created the ultimate prebiotic gut superfood – fermented organic gut superfoods+ is the ONLY prebiotic superfood that packs a 1-2-3 punch!

1 – Made from 21 organic plant-based superfoods that are rich in phytonutrients called polyphenols, which not only feed our gut microbes, but have synergistic benefits with them, too!

2 – Easy-to-tolerate source of prebiotic fibre that helps to feed “good” bacteria and won’t irritate the gut – or cause bloating.

3 – Fully-fermented, amplifying the plant nutrients and improving digestion.

The health of the gut is crucial to our overall health. Research is finding new evidence to support this all the time. But to nourish your gut and body completely, a probiotic alone often isn’t enough.

Did you know that the International Association for Probiotics and Prebioticsrecommends a minimum daily intake of 5 grams of prebiotics? And for good reason! Prebiotics help to improve gut health by:

✓ Encouraging the growth of gut bacteria
✓ Improving digestion
✓ Enhancing mineral absorption

But not all prebiotics are created equal. The majority of prebiotics on the market today have their downsides:

✘ Many feed both the “good” and the “bad” bacteria in our guts
✘ Many lead to uncomfortable gas and bloating, and can irritate the gut lining
✘ And most don’t offer nutritive benefits

Nutritional research has come a long way. One of the most exciting recent discoveries is that the plant foods that provide our bodies with nutrition from phytonutrients are also good for our gut ecology. Polyphenols are a type of phytonutrient known to contribute to overall health and slow the aging process – and research has recently identified that polyphenols contribute to gut health, too.

"Genuine Health has perfected the art of the fermentation process – we use artisanal methods of fermentation and we know precisely when to stop the process to ensure peak phytonutrient potency.

Then we add a fermented fiber that is easy to tolerate – so you get all of the benefits of a prebiotic fiber and none of the bloating."

It does mix very well. And overall I was impressed with the taste. It does however have around 11g of carbs. And if you are dieting like me for a body building competition or counting your macros this needs to be accounted for.

Overall it seemed to help with digestion because I was a little bit hungrier throughout the day vs when I did not include it in my diet.

If you are interested in finding out more you can visit their website:

http://www.genuinehealth.com/store/fermented-organic-gut-superfoods#.WigNx7YZMdU

How to Live a Healthy Life Without Spending Too Much Money

Life seems to move along, and so does our health. When money is tight, it’s difficult to eat as healthy as you should. Yes, eating organic food is healthier but can become costly if you’re not careful. There are ways to get the high cost of food and gym memberships down. Here are some ideas to help.

Eating Affordable Organic Food

You can grow organic fruits and vegetables in your very own garden. If this is not feasible, purchase them from other farmers that grow organic foods. You will want to look for a farmer that grows their food organically but are not organic certified. They cost about 50 percent less than buying your fruits and vegetables elsewhere. Most grocery stores raise the price to pay for their employees and supplier.

Organic is not necessary with fruits and vegetables that have protective layers such as melons and bananas. Some places can verify that the supplier didn’t use heavy pesticides on the fruits and vegetables they’re selling. Take time to check! Eating healthy on a budget is possible when you look carefully at the meat and produce sales. If you find meat or product sales, buy them first, and you will save money.

Don’t Eat Out

Eating out cost extra, don’t get me wrong this statement doesn’t mean you should never go out to eat. It merely means in moderation. Cooking a meal at home that serves a family of six will cost around $4 a person to prepare, compared to eating out at a restaurant for approximately $15 a person. Naturally, the prices vary depending on what you feel like cooking or where you go out to eat. If you watch what you buy when getting groceries, you will lower your food cost while eating healthier.

Cost Effective Ways to Exercise

Set up a gym at home. Look for gym equipment that people are tired of being in their homes. You can do this by looking at yard sales, checking on Craig’s list, or at the gym. For those individuals who can afford to update their gym equipment, they sometimes will give their old stuff away. Others will sell them cheaper than you would get them new. In fact, some still look just as new depending on how often they were used, by the owner.

For aerobics, you could get an affordable exercise DVD or go for a fast pace walk, jog, or run. Nothing says more about exercise than climbing a mountainside. These exercise activities also will build endurance and strength as well. If a home gym isn’t for you, shop around for the cheapest gym membership. For that matter, you should see if your employer offers a gym membership discount.

Go to Social Events

Social events help you stay connected with others and have a healthy inner core. Some social events provide food, games, and other activities that will help you to stay healthy and keep the cost down. Keeping yourself healthy is not just about eating correctly, but also has to do with emotional and spiritual connections. Being out in a social atmosphere can also prevent you from becoming depressed, emotionally drained, or disconnected. You can find these types of events at churches, social dances, family gatherings, or just a simple get together with friends.

These ideas will help you efficiently stay healthy while keeping the family budget intact. When leading a healthier lifestyle, it can be rewarding to you and the people around you. Why wait until New Years to begin a more robust lifestyle change, when you can start today. It will become a reality when you are utilizing these helpful information methods.

Organic standards will exclude next generation of GMOs 

The National Organic Standards Board voted unanimously on Friday to update U.S. organic standards to exclude ingredients derived from next generation genetic engineering and gene editing.

This recommendation to the US Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program will ensure that ingredients derived from new genetic engineering techniques, including synthetic biology, will not be allowed in the production or final product of foods and beverages that are certified organic. Synthetic biology is a new set of genetic engineering techniques that include using synthetic DNA to re-engineer organisms to produce substances they would not normally produce or to edit DNA so as to silence the expression of certain traits.

“The Board’s hard-fought proactive stance on synthetic biology will both help preserve the integrity of organic standards and raise awareness about this virtually unregulated and unlabeled form of genetic engineering,” said Dana Perls, food and technology policy campaigner with Friends of the Earth. “It’s critical that organic standards treat new types of genetic engineering that are rapidly entering our food and consumer products as rigorously as the first generation of GMOs.”

Like “traditional” GMOs, synthetic biology ingredients are entering food and consumer products in absence of adequate health and environmental safety assessment, oversight and labeling. Many are being falsely marketed as “natural.” Products in development include synthetic biology stevia, saffron, coconut and cacao, meant to replace plant-based ingredients, many of which are currently produced by small farmers in the Global South. There is increasing concern that these farmers’ livelihoods may be displaced by synthetic biology ingredients. Other products include gene-silenced apples, CRISPR waxy corn and Cibus Canola oil, engineered with gene editing techniques.

“The National Organic Standards Board has made clear that all kinds of genetic engineering are to be excluded from ‘organic.’ The public expects that government to actually assess the new foods that it is permitting on the market,” said Jaydee Hanson, senior policy analyst, Center for Food Safety. “Unfortunately, the government has failed to update its regulations to adequately assess these new kinds of genetically engineering. When the USDA approves that NOSB recommendations, consumers who want to avoid GMOs will be able to use the Organic Seal to know that the product is not a GMO.”

The Board’s announcement follows a growing trend of companies stating that they will not use ingredients produced via synthetic biology. The Non-GMO Project, North America’s only third party verification program for non-GMO food and products, recently updated its standards so as to include synthetic biology and new gene editing techniques. Companies such as Ben and Jerry’s (BJICA: US), Three Twins Ice Cream, Straus Family Creamery, Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss, Nestlé (NSRGY: OTC US), and General Mills (NYSE: GIS) have committed to “...not source vanilla flavor produced through synthetic biology,” a product that is designed to replace natural vanillin flavoring from vanilla beans. Synthetic biology vanilla flavoring, introduced by Evolva (SWX: EVE) and International Flavors and Fragrances (NYSE: IFF) in 2014, is the first major synthetic biology ingredient to enter food and beverages, marketed as “natural vanillin.” Other companies that have pledged to avoid synthetic biology ingredients entirely include Nutiva and Dr. Bronner’s.

Synthetic biology employs a new set of genetic engineering techniques that involve artificially constructing or “editing” genetic material such as DNA in order to create new forms of life, or to attempt to “reprogram” existing organisms. Despite growing concerns about the possible impacts of synthetic biology organisms on human health and the environment and a lack of independent safety assessment, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has allowed synthetic biology vanilla, DuPont’s CRISPR waxy corn and other similarly created food and cosmetic ingredients to enter the market without regulation. Existing regulations that identify GE crops and food ingredients as “Generally Regarded As Safe” use an outdated process with minimal testing requirements that rely on companies to self-evaluate the safety of their products.

More information about synthetic biology can be found here.

Organic Skincare Giveaway

INTRODUCING 100% ORGANIC 

INLIGHT SKINCARE

www.hugyourskin.com

Want to win? Simply sign up for my newsletter on the homepage www.trainitright.com and comment on this post why you should win!

Winner will be announced November 10th (MY BIRTHDAY!)

Selected winner receives one of the following Inlight trial kits valued at $29.99, $32.00 and $39.00 FOR FREE!!

What’s new in organic skincare for holiday 2016? 

Anyone looking for true 100% organic skincare to address acne, anti aging, wrinkles, cellulite, cracked heels, dark circles, eye area, hands, joint muscles, oily, sensitive, or dry skin, sundamage, rosacea, rashes, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, peeling, skin issues during pregnancy, stretch marks, scarring and shaving irritation, Inlight Skincare is the real deal.

The Inlight line of 100% Organic Skincare takes only the finest, ethically-sourced, natural, and organic ingredients and harness them at their most potent to create a gourmet, artisan, sublimely luxurious diet for your skin. Inlight organic skincare contains the finest and most effective organic food-grade and cold-pressed oils, herbs, the purest essential oils and beeswax. That’s it.

Using only certified organic ingredients, with 100% organic accreditation from the Soil Association as a further guarantee of quality and integrity; Inlight trusts their uncompromising standards, and their ethical principles reflect our own. Inlight is also proud to be the very first UK skincare company accredited under the new European-wide standard, Cosmos, streamlining the various national standards under one umbrella.

The Try Me Collection ($29.99): 

Our essential trio of products in miniature to cleanse, tone and moisturize for beautiful, radiant skin.

o   Face Cleanser 0.17 fl. oz. 

o   Floral Face Tonic 0.17 fl. oz. 

o   Daily Face Oil 0.17 fl. oz.

Cleanse, tone and moisturize with this essential Inlight trio, offering your skin just the right nutrients to keep it well nourished and silky soft and smooth. Make Inlight part of your essential daily regime and see the difference for yourself.

100% organic* (100% of the agricultural ingredients in our Floral Face Tonic are organically produced; however water cannot be certified organic)

How to use: Take up a pearl size of cleanser with the spatula and massage gently into the skin for several minutes, allowing the warm fragrances to soothe your senses. Wipe away the balm using a cotton wool pad dampened with a few drops of tonic and feel the silky soft texture of clean skin. Repeat every evening, and morning also if desired. Apply a few drops of Face Oil onto the face every morning, taking care to smooth from the chin upwards, and from the center outwards. Your skin will stay moisturized and fresh all the day

Indulgence Collection ($39.00) 

The cleanser and reviving tonic will delicately cleanse away impurities, whilst the Face Oil soothes and moisturizes and the sumptuous Line Softener, combining 20 different bio-actives, works to plump and hydrate with extra concentrated care.

o   Face Cleanser 0.17 fl. oz.

o   Floral Face Tonic 0.17 fl. oz.

o   Daily Face Oil 0.17 fl. oz.

o   Line Softener 0.17 fl. oz.

100% organic* (100% of the agricultural ingredients in our Floral Face Tonic are organically produced; however water cannot be certified organic)

Body Beautiful Collection ($32.00)

o   Body Oil with Arnica 0.17 fl. oz.

o   Body Butter 0.17 fl. oz.

o   Foot & Leg Balm 0.17 fl. oz.

o   Firm & Tone Oil  0.17 fl. oz.

Dr. Spiezia - Co-founder and Formulator

Medical herbalist and skin expert at The Walsingham Natural Health Center in Turo, Italy, Dr. Mariano Spiezia has been considered the father of the organic beauty movement in Britain and was voted one of the Top 25, “Who’s who in natural beauty” in 2012 and 2013, 2015 and again in 2016. Dr. Spiezia graduated in Medicine and Surgery in Italy in the early 1980s, and has since worked on combining orthodox medicine with the extraordinary power of nature.

The Bio-lipophilic Matrix ®

For years Dr Spiezia has studied these connections with the idea of empowering the ingredients he uses with a higher frequency to gain a positive resonance on people’s skin and overall health. The result of this research is the Bio-lipophilic Matrix®, which is now at the core of each individual Inlight skincare product.

The Bio-lipophilic Matrix® consists of a specific blend of pure organic, cold-pressed oils selected for their high bio-chemical affinity to the lipidic human skin layer. Prior to production, they are energized by Dr. Spiezia’s bespoke techniques, which combine ancient traditions with modern science. These techniques heighten the oils’ vital force and help re-attune the skin to harmony, health and beauty. This enhanced blend of oils forms the heart of every Inlight product.

The core feature of Inlight’s formulations lies most importantly in the synergy between the individual ingredients. Other key factors are Dr. Spiezia’s medical expertise and Inlight’s carefully designed manual production, including its herbal oil, the base of all INLIGHT products, obtained by infusing the selected herbs in oils. The resultant herbal oil is extremely rich in beta-carotene, antioxidants, and pigments such as chlorophyll.

Entirely Plant Based, Inlight Skincare is suitable for vegetarians and Inlight oils are suitable for vegans. In addition, all Inlight products are microbiologically and nickel tested in the high tech labs of the Centre of Homeopathic Medicine in Naples (CeMON).

Inlight proudly displays the BUAV accreditation to demonstrate that none of our products or their ingredients has ever been tested on animals.

Environmentally Mindful Packaging

o   Inlight packaging is all recycled (glass jars up to 98% recycled), recyclable or biodegradable, and Inlight only uses vegetable-based inks. Even maize filler is GM free and will biodegrade over time.

o   Inlight stunning eco-glam boxes contain no extra insert, everything we want you to read is printed on the beautiful interior. Just open the glue-free box and enjoy reading!

o   Every new material is subject to intense scrutiny to ensure we make the best environmental choice.

o   The use of plastic is minimal, and strictly where no realistic alternative exists. Where possible a recyclable plastic is selected (eg. our ointment labels).

o   Inlight re-uses packaging wherever possible.

o   Nothing is wasted, even herb pizza, left at the end of a production cycle, is fed to the cows on Roskilly’s organic dairy farm where Inlight has a workshop.

o   Inlight recycles or composts all office waste, including print cartridges and tea bags.

o   Inlight turns off electric appliances whenever possible.

o   All but one of Inlight's team walks to work.

Embracing the whole body from top to toe, our deeply warming Body Oil will rejuvenate, promoting suppleness and elasticity, whilst its partner the Firm & Tone oil with its high concentrations of active plant oils and astringent plant extracts will leave skin toned and smooth. Restorative Body Butter will pamper, soothe and replenish the skin with its rich formulation and our exquisite Foot & Leg Balm is the perfect answer to revive tired, aching feet and melt away dry, rough skin.

How to use: For the most beneficial effect, apply each of these products after a warm bath or shower when the skin is relaxed, warm and can readily absorb their bio-active nutrients. Massage gently into the appropriate area for long-lasting moisturizing effect.

I was luck enough to attend an event put on by Clif Bar for National Organic Week. It was a launch dinner at Café Belong restaurant, located at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto.

There was a great group of people with diverse backgrounds who attended. I had the chance to meet some wonderful people in the community. Renowned Chef and Food Network star, Brad Long designed a special local and organic menu. COTA provided guests with the latest news about their important work and the organic industry in Canada, including a preview of new national data about Canadian organic consumers. Clif Bar’s Matthew Dillon was n hand to share Clif Bar’s organic journey and the important role of organic farming in helping create a healthier, more just and sustainable food system.

September 17 to 25, 2016, marks this year’s National Organic Week, the largest annual celebration of organic food, farming and products across the country. With hundreds of events and thousands of retail promotions taking place across Canada, Organic Week showcases the benefits of organic agriculture and its positive impact on the environment, animal welfare, as well as our well-being. Supported by regional partners and coordinated by the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA), Canadian Organic Growers (COG), and the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), Organic Week shines a spotlight on why Canadians should choose to think before they eat.

“With the number of organic products on the market continuously growing, it’s easier than ever to go organic,” says Rochelle Eisen, president of COG. Many of Canada’s top organic farms, wineries, retailers and restaurants take part in Organic Week, offering Canadians the perfect opportunity to experience firsthand the bounty of Canada’s organic harvest. “Whether it’s hosting a potluck picnic for friends or sampling organic wine and beer, we encourage Canadians to help spread the word about how choosing organic means supporting sustainability and promoting animal welfare.”

Some new and exciting trends have been revealed thanks to the Canada Organic Trade Association’s second national consumer survey to be released later this year. The study aimed to understand consumers’ awareness of the benefits of organic agriculture, uncover consumers’ organic purchasing habits and gauge the level of trust Canadians have in organic and non-organic claims.

Key findings from the study show:

The face of organic is changing as more “millennials” are shifting towards organic in Canada:

· One in five (twenty-one per cent) shoppers from 18 to 34 years say they are buying more organic, while shoppers in older age groups are holding steady.
· Eighty-six percent of Canadians expect to increase or maintain their organic spending in the near future.
· The number of consumers that are regularly buying organic in the country is around 20 million (fifty-six per cent of Canadians).

“Governments are following in the footsteps of consumer trends,” says Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director of COTA. “Federal investment in the organic sector and provincial initiatives supporting farmers to transition to organic show how consumer-led efforts can truly make a difference. We’re proud to be involved in the continued growth of the organic movement alongside its passionate ambassadors this September.”

More and more Canadians are looking to reduce their exposure to synthetic chemicals and genetically engineered (GMO) ingredients with the aim of taking better care of themselves, their families, and the environment. Coast-to-coast Organic Week events range in scale, from smaller organic farm tours to community-wide organic festivals. Hundreds of health food stores, farmer’s markets and grocery chains will be showcasing organic products and educating consumers.

“With events taking place in communities all over the country, there are so many ways Canadians can support and get involved in the Organic Week celebration,” says CHFA president, Helen Long. “Last year, we saw everything from pickling workshops and farm tours to recipe contests and organic food and drink tastings. These happenings represent the creative ways Canadians are choosing to go organic and how they are making a conscious decision to protect their bodies and the environment, all while supporting local farmers.”

To find out more about Organic Week events or promotions being offered near you, please visit organicweek.ca.

Organic Week was made possible this year by champion sponsors UNFI Canada, Sobeys Inc., Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, Nature’s Path Foods, Clif Bar & Company, alive Publishing Group Inc, PC Organics, Mike and Mike’s Organics, Cal-Organics Farms, Yorkshire Valley Farm, Green Organic Vegetables, Field Farm Marketing Ltd., DOM International Limited, Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, Earthbound Farm Organic, Wholesome!, True Organic Juice, DeeBee’s SpecialTea Foods, Mumm’s Sprouting Seeds, Ecocert Canada, Organic Meadow, Pacific Organic Seafood Association, Organic Garage, The Homemade Organics Company, Fromagerie L’Ancêtre, Pro-Cert Organic, Patience Fruit & Co, The Big Carrot, Hippie Foods, Ethical Bean Coffee, Quality Assurance International, and Fairtrade Canada.

Joy McCarthy is a certified Holistic Nutritionist and founder of the hugely popular healthy living blog www.joyoushealth.com . She is the author of the Canadian bestselling book Joyous Health: eat and Live well Without Dieting. Her second book, Joyous Detox, comes out in December 2016.

I recently was sent a copy of the salad guide from Joy.  And since I am a figure athlete and I am in prep for a November show I have found it very useful in changing up my greens daily. The guide has beautiful pictures and the directions are easy to follow!

Get your free copy of Joy McCarthy's latest ebook, the 7-Day Sensational Salad Guide. It features seven all-new, exclusive recipes chock-full of superfoods, plant-based nutrition and all-around goodness! Something I know you probably appreciate.

Download your free copy at  http://www.joyoushealth.com/salad-guide/

Hey Everyone!

The Raw Juice Guru of Toronto that you always see me posting about. I also did their three day blogger challenge a fee weeks back and absolutely loved it. Well they went above and beyond for me last week.

After hearing about my motorcycle accident (cab driver was at fault) they sent over a day of juices for me to help with my inflammation. It had been a few days since the accident when the juices arrived and I was bruised and my knee was quite swollen. After a lot of rest and cleansing my body with the day of juices I felt better. I am still not 100% and waiting to see a plastics doctor that specializes in the hand since the sutures didn't heal the wound properly.

I am so thankful for my friends and for The Raw Juice Guru going out of their way to help me out and deliver the fresh juices right to my door step. Guys this company goes above and beyond for their clients. If you are ever in the Toronto area please check them out! www.rawjuiceguru.com I promise you that you won't be disappointed. They have the very best customer service and the freshest raw, organic, cold pressed juices in Toronto.