november - december 2008
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A Second Opinion MagazineTRANSCRIPT
Second Opinion | 1
FREE
November/December 2008
Second Opinion | 2
P.O. Box 51432 Fifth Avenue
Shell Lake, WI. 54871715.338.3499
www.lifecirclewellness.com
We provide comprehensive
midwifery care, including prenatals, postpartums, birth and well woman
care, massage, aromatherapy and yoga.
Gift Certificates Available
NEW
LOCATION!!
It all comes together in our new Smart Operating Suite.
See it for yourself at sacredhearteauclaire.org.
Extraordinary technology to heal the body.
Insight to heal the mind.
Compassion to heal the spirit.
thinkingchangeyour
715-834-9672 or 1-800-226-9672
[email protected] ext. 4
SAVE THE DATE
Farm and Home Added ValueProfiting from Renewable Energy and Regional Food
Come learn how to profit from the growing market for local food and renewable energy. Visit the trade show,
participate in round table discussions and eat your fill of great locally grown food!
Check out our website www.rivercountryrcd.org
January 22 & 23, 2009 • Mayo Civic Center • Rochester, MN
Farm and Home Added ValueProfi ting from Renewable Energy and Regional Food
Come learn how to profi t from the growing market for local food and renewable energy. Visit the trade show, participate in round table discussions and eat your fi ll of great locally grown food!
Watch for brochures in November. Call, email or check out our website for more information.www.rivercountryrcd.org
507-281-1959 ext. 4jeff [email protected]
VE
THE
DAT
E
11th Annual
MIDWESTVALUE ADDEDAGRICULTURE Conference
715-834-9672 or [email protected]
January 22 & 23, 2009Mayo Civic Center • Rochester, MN
January 22 & 23, 2009 • Mayo Civic Center • Rochester, MN
Farm and Home Added ValueProfi ting from Renewable Energy and Regional Food
Come learn how to profi t from the growing market for local food and renewable energy. Visit the trade show, participate in round table discussions and eat your fi ll of great locally grown food!
Watch for brochures in November. Call, email or check out our website for more information.www.rivercountryrcd.org
507-281-1959 ext. 4jeff [email protected]
VE
THE
DAT
E
11th Annual
MIDWESTVALUE ADDEDAGRICULTURE Conference
715-834-9672 or [email protected]
Give the Gift of Value this Christmas. Infinity Natural Health Servicesand Paul Gerst L.Ac.,C.Ht.,
Owner and Lead Presenter for Dragonfly SeminarsARE COMING TO MENOMONIE!
Call 715-790-1298 for more information and to
schedule your first appointment.
Appointments will be available Wednesdays and Thursdays at the
Helios Center, 815 E. Main St. beginning Wednesday October 1st
Paul has helped thousands of people recover from chronic health problems with his unique and
comprehensive approach. He is a state and nationally certified Acupuncturist and
Hypnotherapist. He is also trained in a gentle, yet extremely effective technique called Neurolink.
Second Opinion | 3
Contents 4 editor’s note5 balanced living7 green pages12 happenings in the valley
Healing Food8 Powerfood: Grapefruit9 Game On10 Made from Scratch
Body Balance16 Creating a Tradition of Exercise
Beauty natural 17 Give Thanks to Your Skin
great giFt guide 200819 This Year, Give Greener20 Green Your Gifts 21 Chirstmas Stats23 Enjoy a Green Christmas24 The Christmas Tree Debate25 10 Tips to Help Ease Holiday Stress28 Holiday Health Pitfalls30 Gift Friendly Eco-Donating30 Eco-Holiday Party
p 25
p 28 Holiday Health Pitfalls
p9 Game On
p 10 Made from Scratch
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Editor’s Note
The seasons have changed and winter is in the air. It’s that time of year when nothing sounds better than a hot cup of tea, a blanket, and a good book. The stress, chaos, and (sometimes) illness that comes with the season, we hope that this issue helps to heal and calm you season. Each one of us has to remember to stop, breathe, and take some “me” time. We all have decorations to put up and hours of baking to do, but we also have to remember that we need our own time too. I know that you’re a mom or grandpa but you are also you. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in making everyone else’s holidays so great that we forget to make ourselves happy. So find that sofa or yoga class and take some time for yourself.
We hope that our Great Gifts Guide can make your holiday shopping a little easier and greener. I know what it’s like to try to find the right gift for someone who has everything (Dad!). So we hope that the guide will not only give some great gift options that you may not have thought of but also give you some tips on how to give greener this holiday season.
I would like to give a huge Thank you to those who participated in and helped make the Eat Local Challenge this year such a success. We hope you enjoyed the local bounty found at the farmers markets as well as your local co-ops. It’s great to know and to connect with the farmers in our area and it’s become more important with the cost of things going up to look to our local resources for good, local food options.
Speaking of good local food options, go check out the NEW Just Local Food Co-op if you can. The store just moved to its new location down on Farwell Street in Eau Claire. It’s bigger, they have more of a selection, have new hours and it’s just an awesome environment to shop. Congratulations to them! happy holiday and Be Well.
--arwen Rasmussen, Editor
Office:1927 Ohm AvenueEau Claire, Wisconsin 54701P: 715.831.0325F: 715.831.1925E: [email protected]
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief:Arwen Rasmussen
Managing Editor: Jen Quinlan
Contributing Editor: Rebecca Gorski
Staff Writers:Heather Rothbauer-WanishDiane Wolfe
Distribution:Arkansaw, Barron, Bloomer, Camer-on, Chippewa Falls, Chetek, Colfax, Durand, Eau Claire, Edina, Eleva, Glenwood City, Hayward, Hudson, La Crosse, Menomonie, Mondovi, New Richmond, Pepin, Red Wing, Rice Lake, River Falls, Spooner, Stanley, Thorp, Viroqua, Whitehall, Willard, Winona, Woodbury
Advertising:Arwen Rasmussen 715-831-0325 Jennifer Quinlan [email protected]
All articles are the sole property of the writers. Opinions expressed in Second Opinion are the opinions of the writers or advertisers themselves, not the publication or its editors. Second Opinion is not liable for use of any artwork provided by advertis-ers. Please direct concerns to the advertisers.
Second Opinion | 5
Holiday BingingAs the holiday season and its many social ac-tivities approach, the American Psychiatric
Association’s (APA) Council on Addiction has put out a recommendation for safe and moder-
ate consumption of holiday libations. Their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Men-tal Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision
states that 60% of males and 30% of females have had one or more alcohol-related adverse life event. The APA suggests the need to use
common sense and prepare yourself for family situations where excessive drinking might be a part of traditional celebrations. Some other
general reminders: don’t drink and drive or combine alcohol with other medications, don’t drink if you’re pregnant or trying to get preg-nant, if your family has a history of alcohol abuse be especially careful of your consump-tion (even small amounts can lead to alcohol-ism or relapse when recovering from addic-
tion), and do not facilitate underage drinking. If alcohol will be part of your holiday season, please partake responsibly so the holidays can
stay as merry and bright as they should be.
balanced living Tips and ideas for a healthy and balanced life
Go green at the SupermarketRefrigerators are one of the largest power-guzzlers in the house so imagine what it’s like for a supermarket to keep things chilled 24/7. Pretty pricey. Refrigeration accounts for more than half the energy consumed in supermarkets, and more than twice what a typical supermarket might consume for light or heat. But these days supermarkets are looking to save energy and money in all corners of their stores. Refrigeration is one place where they are making some gains--and that’s good news for their companies and for the planet.
In 2007, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the ten charter members of their GreenChill Ad-vanced Refrigeration Partnership reduced greenhouse gas emissions from refrigerants by an estimated 2.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, an amount the agency says is equivalent to the annual emissions of 500,000 cars. And they saved an estimated $13 million while doing so. The EPA says that if supermarkets throughout the U.S. reduced emissions to this GreenChill average, grocers would save $67 million--while preventing the annual emission of 13 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and 157 ozone-depleting potential (ODP) tons. (ODP tons measure the potency of ozone-depleting substances that refrigeration systems release.) Now that’s cool.
In case you didn’t know, Gordy’s County Market in Eau Claire recently made the big chill switch. Thanks Gordy’s for being my eco- friendly neighborhood store. If you know of an other supermarket you want to see go greener, you may suggest to a manager to consider joining the EPA’s GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership. To learn more check out www.epa.gov/greenchill.
WHERE DOES YOUR MILk COME FROM? Cornucopia Institute, the organic watch-dog leader has recently updated their organic dairy scoreboard, which rates all organic farms in the country, large or small, based on their ethical approach to
milk production. To find our how how your milk scores visit www.cornucopia.org/dairysurvey/in-dex.htmlA few local farms from down the road made the list, and it’s awesome to see we’re in excellent company.5 cow rating - Outstanding: Crystal Ball Farms, Pastureland, & Castle Rock Farms4 cow rating - Excellent: Wisconsin Organics, Organic Choice, Orgnaic Val-ley, Sibby Farm, Organic Creamery, Cedar Grove Cheese, Westby Cooperative Creamery, Scenic Central Milk Production Co-op
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Klean Kanteen, $17.95, kleenkan-teen.com. Stainless Steel with polypro-pylene cap. A purists choice.
tHe SaFe Sippy, $14.95, the safesippy.com. Stainless Steel with polypropylene cap. Outer sleeve that is rubber doesn’t dent and is also insulated.
BornFree train-ing cup, $9.99, newbornfree.com. Polypropylene with a special spout to ease transition from bottle to cup.
tHinKBaBy trainer cup, $8.99, think-babybottles.com. Made from polyether sulfone, a high qual-ity medical grade plastic; the cup and packaging are specifically tested for phthalates, PVC and lead as well as BPA.
balanced living
Sippy SaFetyThe concerns over sports water bottles and the issues with leaching bisphenol-A (BPA) are now well-known, but have you considered your toddlers’ drinking cups? Infants and young children have developing reproductive systems and are much more susceptible to BPA exposure. With BPA’s estrogenic influence and link to altering hormones, it’s best not to expose infants to those chemicals. Start by avoiding cups with a #7 recycling code. For more info, go to www.chej.org/BPA_website.htm.
A few BPA-free sippy cup options:
What’s in Season?If you’re shopping at the farmer’s market, you know what’s in season and healthiest for you at that time of year. But in the grocery store, out-of-season produce lines the shelves in the name of convenience and modern food production methods. Out-of-season straw-berries, for example, have to travel great distances to reach you in January, re-quiring they be picked when unripe (and often less tasty) and damaging the envi-ronment. For a calen-dar of what’s in sea-son when, visit www.sustainabletable.org/shop/eatseasonal.
Going Artificial, maybe think twiceThe benefits of owning an artificial tree are
that it only costs you money once, you don’t have to water it, and it doesn’t lose its needles. But Richard Maas, a professor at the University of North Carolina-Asheville says these trees may contain lead, causing harm to your family and friends. “We have learned over the last 15 years that lead is a far more powerful neurotoxin than anybody ever dared suspect before.” Maas said. “Every year now, we see studies that come out that show that lead causes permanent brain damage, especially in infants and young chil-dren.” If you are concerned, Mass recommends,
“Keep children away from the tree. Do not allow them to touch the tree. If you touch the tree, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or handling food.”Also, do not vacuum dust from under the tree, especially with a vacuum that
does not have a HEPA filter. Vacuuming could spread lead dust through the air in tiny particles, creating an inhalation danger.
Second Opinion | 7
Green Pages..conscious businesses dedicated to being natural, organic and localHerbalists Without Borders Organizes
in Great Lakes RegionBy Gigi StafneIn the mid-1980’s while participating in an Anti-Violence
Against Women exchange through “Mujer a Mujer” I was called to assist with the development of a Rape Crisis Center in Mexico City and fundraise for several Central American women’s centers doing anti-poverty work. My life was powerfuly changed during that phase, especially by Central American exiles and refugees who were survivors of wartime violence. Alongside those critical organizing projects in Mexico were rural healthcare clinics. Struggling in economic recovery with government funding pulled, numerous clinics were merely shells of deteriorated build-ings. One hot afternoon at such a clinic, an energetic group of women organizers led us through a dingy door, opened it wide and explained how they overcame the odds. Through that door was a rich, diverse, green courtyard full of activ-ity...people and plants! The women workers had revitalized the clinic in traditional ways with medicinal herb gardens and healing arts, including massage, midwifery, acupres-sure and other empowerment workshops. Their clinic was thriving! I walked through that entry and never could go back to my old self.
Doing service work ‘back home’ in the states, one of my mottos became poverty is violence. Anti-violence and environmental work, then later natural~botanical medicine became my pathways of service and advocacy. In 2000 I co-organized an exchange to Cuba with my Master Herbal-ism students and several community healthcare and social workers. We learned of Cuba’s healthcare system, farming cooperatives and education system. Sojourns to Mexico to study indigenous plants followed, plus in Jamaica our herb-alists circle began donating books to rebuild a Children’s Library that had been ruined by a hurricane.
The international group Herbalists Without Borders is dedicated to promoting the use of traditional herbal medi-cines to support the healing of individuals and society. HWB is a network of advocates inspired to change the nature of commerce in botanical products so that the heal-ing benefits of the plants can be more equitably shared. At the international and North American levels, Herbalists Without Borders volunteer work falls into these 7 program areas:
Clinical Services• Fair Botanical Trade• Botanical Gardens & Seed Banks• Phytoremediation• Reforestation and Restoration Ecology.• Education• Publications•
Internationally, HWB has various projects in the works. Examples include work with village-based, small farmer-run cooperatives to develop programs that support healthy communities in the production of fair trade and organic
certified products. HWB is working to create village-based water treatment systems that use plants for purifying local drinking water. Another project aims to support and pre-serve herbal traditions through classes and village-friendly publications in local languages. Overall, organizers help facilitate long-term market relationships that foster dignity, small farmer autonomy, mutual respect and care for the Earth.
Herbalists Without Borders has a presence from the Great Lakes to New Orleans, from villages in Honduras to Asia and India. Projects are as diverse as the much needed “Common Ground Clinic” in New Orleans to a new research project in Honduras which entails the study of Eucalyptus Oil as an alternative to synthetic pesticide appli-cations for the prevention of malaria using treated netting such as in kenya.
The Wisconsin-Great Lakes Chapter of “Herbalists Without Borders” was organized in 2007, with momentum building in 2008, meetings being held at various locations in Wisconsin.
One of the first action projects of the WI chapter of HWB has been a series of Free Clinics hosting natural medi-cine, wellness and prevention in rural regions of Northern Wisconsin, traditionally underserved geographic areas. The initial Free Clinics have been located near Hayward, Wisconsin on the LCO reservation with the support of several natural medicine businesses and organizations, Northwoods Naturals and the Center For Healing Arts Herb & Eco School. This project was designed in response to the lack of access to health care in rural areas, along with the announcement that several satellite Veterans Administration clinics in Northern Wisconsin were about to be closed due to lack of funding (since the writing of this article, they did reopen.)
In 2008 the Wisconsin HWB Chapter focused on:Rural Natural Medicine Free Clinics• Land preservation project that is collaborative with • United Plant Savers in Northern WI to restore na-tive, medicinal plants that are disappearing such as goldenseal, ginseng, black cohosh and bloodroot and other significant medicinal plants “Plant Rescues,” in collaboration with United Plant • Savers, to rescue and replant medicinal plants that are threatened by development and urban sprawl
Look for Adventure Botanica (www.adventurebotanica.com) ethical eco tours that will focus on domestic and international exchanges featuring traditional medicine path-ways and meaningful volunteer experiences.
For more information on the WI-Great Lakes Chapter of “Herbalists Without Borders,” contact Gigi Stafne at 715.967.2300 or [email protected].
Second Opinion | 8
Did you know that grapefruit get their name because, despite their size, they grow in clusters like grapes. They are a refreshing available fruit at the time of the year when most other fruits are scarce.
Just half a grapefruit helps defend against everything from cold-season sniffles to heart disease and cancer.
HealtH BenefitsGrapefruits are full of vitamin C, a major antioxidant that
helps fight infection, may shorten the duration of colds, and protects against free radicals. Left unchecked, free radicals
damage cells -- this damage can contribute to the develop-ment of Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Red and pink grapefruits offer additional antioxidant benefits in the form of the phytonutrient lycopene. Found in red-tinted foods like tomatoes and watermelon, lycopene is associated with a reduced risk of some cancers and heart disease, and it may increase the skin’s resistance to sun dam-age.
Pink and red grapefruit also offer about 35 times more of the antioxidant vitamin A than their paler counterparts. That means potentially more protection from many cancers and heart disease, and increased support for the immune system and vision.
There’s more to this fruit than antioxidants, though. Grapefruits also offer potassium and folate. The potassium lowers blood pressure and is associated with a reduced risk of stroke, while folate, an important nutrient during preg-nancy, has been shown to boost energy levels and help ward off depression and memory loss.
Next time you eat one of these citrus marvels, leave the grapefruit spoon in the drawer. Instead, eat grapefruit seg-ments whole, as you would an orange, and you’ll get 50 percent more fiber. About half that fiber is insoluble, mean-ing it doesn’t dissolve in water, contributing to healthy di-gestion and supporting weight loss by making you feel full. Grapefruits also rank among the richest sources of pectin, a soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.
How to purcHase: Chose a firm, unblemished fruit that feels heavy for its size.
How to store: keep refrigerated for several weeksMenu tips: scatter grapefruit over spinach salad for a
summer-like zing and to get the most from your greens since the vitamin C in the fruit helps to absorb other nutri-ents in salads. The lycopene in Ruby Red grapefruit is best absorbed when combined with some fats; a great partner for nuts or salad dressing.
cooking tip: Since vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from plants, scatter grapefruit segments over spinach salad to get the most out of your greens. Add some nuts or cheese, too; the lycopene in Ruby Reds is best absorbed when com-bined with some fat.
healing foods
Nutrition Breakdown1 lg grapefruit: 322 grams approxCalories 106 caloiresFat 0 gramsFiber 5.5g Folate 33 mcgVitamin C 114 mgLycopene 3.768
Power Food : Grapefruit
Be in tHe Know: Compounds called furanocoumarins present in even small
amounts of grapefruit (and its juice) can significantly increase the blood levels -- and side effects -- of many
oral prescriptions, including some cholesterol and blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives, and estrogens. Ask your doctor about poten-
tial interactions. Researchers are working to tap into this phenomenon with the hopes that someday probationers
will be able to prescribe grapefruit along with lower doses of medication.
Second Opinion | 9
Golden Hills BuffaloNot just good, but Good for you!Our buffalo roam on grass pastures
and are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which aregood for heart health.
Available at Just Local Food Co-opNutrition Facts (100 grams of meat)Bison: fat: 2.42 g; calories: 143; cholesterol: 82 gChicken: Fat: 7.41g; Calories: 190; Cholesterol: 89 g
N44867 Cty Rd EOsseo, WI
Did you know that wild game such as elk, bison, venison and grass fed beef are lower in cholesterol and fat than your regular Holstein burger? In fact, they have half as much fat as chicken and are packed with more vitamins and minerals. Take advantage of these meats this barbeque and hunting season.
Bison: David Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association says that bison has a slightly sweet flavor, the way meat tasted before it was mass produced. Buffalo is a more nutritious option than cattle. Three ounces of buffalo meat provides 40% more protein than regular beef, as well as 32% zinc and 42% of antioxidants selenium.
local linK: golden HillS BuFFalo, oSSeo, 715.597.2517
elk: Raised on grass, elk has a milder tem-perament but a more full flavored taste. Elk is lower in cholesterol than beef, bison, venison and even chicken. And with 25 to 30 grams of protein, it is considered the nirvana of nutri-tion in the meat world.
local linK: elK MoSS rancH, eau claire, 715.836.9095, www.MoSSelK.coM
Venison: the flavor of deer meat depends largely on their diet. Farm raised deer are not dashing around and leaping over things which means more fat on their bones and a milder flavor of meat. Of all of the meat op-tions, venison has the most vitamin B12 and
iron which translates to more oxygen and a healthier nervous system for you.
local linK: triangle a red deer rancH, auguSta. 715.286.2167
ostricH: While more tender and leaner than beef or bison, it is considered the other red meat because with such small breasts they have bareley any white meat on them. Dianna Westmoreland from the American Ostrich Assocation says that ostrich is a great source of iron. Because they are natu-rally resistant to disease, they are mostly raised on grass and free to roam. The AOAs seal on the package indicates the animal was raised hormone and antibiotic free.
local linK: golden dreaMS oS-tricH FarM, 15 MileS S. StevenS point, 715.366.2432, www.oStricHMeatS.coM
Game On…5 tips forcooking
Don’t overcook. 1. These meats are very lean so avoid cook-ing them past medium rare. Otherwise, they will become dry, tough and chewy.Preserve the 2. meat’s juices. If you’re making burgers, never press the meat with a spatula. Doing so squeez-es out the flavor-ful juices. Know your cuts. 3. If you’re using a tender cut, cook it quickly over high heat – think grilling, sauté-ing or broiling. Thicker cuts should be roast-ed at low heat.Let roasts stand 4. before cutting. You should let meat rest at least 10 minutes before slicing to let the juices re-circulate.Season Freely. 5. Game lends itself to stronger flavors, so don’t be afraid to spice things up.
521 E 2nd Street, Downtown Menomonie(715) 235-6533 menomoniemarket.org
Menomonie Market Food Co-op
Open 7 Days! M-F 7-8, S-S 8-7
Gift CardsPet Gifts Gift Baskets
Catering
tHe graSS iS alwayS greenerChoosing free range, grass fed meat
makes healthy sense. Here’s why. it’S HealtHier. Compared to feedlot
fed animals, free range animals like beef and bison have less fat, cholesterol and calories. There is also more vitamin E & C, beta-carotene, and omega 3 fatty acids.
Free range iS Better For tHe environ-Ment. Feedlot and caged animals deposit so much manure in such small spaces that when the manure is cleaned away it is often dumped close to feedlots, causing issues with ground water pollution. When animals are raised outdoors on pasture, their manure is spread out over a wide area of land acting as a natural organic fertilizer.
it’S Better For tHe aniMalS. Feedlot an-imals are fed a diet of grains which is an unnatural diet considering that their sys-tems are designed for high fibrous grasses and plants. When they are switched from pasture to grain, many suffer with a num-ber of disorders which often have to be treated with antibiotics.
Second Opinion | 10
Made From ScratchA Mother’s Devotion to Managing Her Son’s Health Challengesby Matt Kulasiewicz
If you have kids you worry. It’s that simple. You peek in their rooms at night just to get a glimpse of their chest moving up and down so that you can go to sleep knowing that they are breathing. You worry if they’ll make friends at school or who will take care of them if something happens to you. You worry about having enough money to send them to college, or simply if they are enjoying their life. But what if your number one worry every day was what they were putting in their mouth. Not, “Oh, I hope he isn’t eating too much junk food today.” I mean, “I need to know what is going in his mouth so that he won’t die.”
Dorie Fink, co-author of Simple Choices for Healthier Eating with Sondra Lewis, has this in the back of her mind
every day. Fink, whose seven-year-old son Justin has a plethora of food allergies, says she has always had an inter-est in cooking, but never knew how critical it would be to her family’s health. Her son was a year old when Fink and her husband discovered he had life-threatening allergies to several foods as well as a variety of environmental aller-gies.
Fink, 35, a teacher by trade, decided to educate herself about her son’s condition and find ways to feed him foods that nourished his body and that were similar to what oth-ers ate. “It wasn’t until I started ‘pulling’ food apart and looking at what was really in everything we were eating, that I realized how much junk is in so much of the food we can buy. I started discovering how various ingredients impacted not only my son’s well being, but the well being of all of us.” As Fink and her family have slowly changed their eating habits over the years, they have been amazed to find how much food can affect their physical, mental and emotional well being. “For us it’s not just an issue of find-ing food that’s safe for our son, but finding food that helps us all feel better.”
Fink put her training as a teacher to the test and began teaching herself what needs to be done so that her son can live a healthy life. She decided that the things they eat will come from products she trusts. Many meals are made from scratch (she claims they aren’t complicated!) and other
Begin a Transition to Healthier Eating
ISBN: 978-0-9643462-8-4 $19.95
Simple Choices for Healthier Eating A great resource of tips, tricks and tidbits. Recipes include vegetarian, gluten-free
and heart-healthy options. Available at Just Local Foods,
Borders, Amazon.com and anywhere books are sold.
For excerpts and sample recipes, visit www.SimpleChoices4HealthierEating.com.
A Great Gift Idea!
available at Borders, amazon.com and
anywhere books are sold
Second Opinion | 11
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meals are carefully selected so that she can guarantee a healthy meal for not only her son, but her family as well.
This all seemed like a monumental task to me, so I invited Fink, our next door neighbor, to our house to watch her in action. We live in a small ranch home on the north side of Eau Claire giving Fink a square-foot section of our countertop to make Chicken Chunks for our two girls. I would’ve had the kitchen looking like a war zone, but Fink talked and cut. “People have a different image of these in mind”, which I can attest to. I compare everything “chicken chunked” to a McDonald’s Chicken McNugget. Fink’s Chicken Chunks are from 100% pure chicken breast and lightly seasoned to perfection. They are baked, not fried. I can tell you for a fact that my girls loved these, and the honey-Dijon mustard she whipped up in a matter of min-utes made me rethink ever hitting the drive-thru again. Fink tells me she is more of a presenter than a chef, but watching her in action tells me that she has created a perfect marriage between the two.
Eating healthy can be overwhelming; especially if you’re used to the processed foods we consider the norm nowa-days. The way their book is set up, Fink and Lewis make you feel as though putting the right foods in your body is something attainable. The index is immaculately organized, side dishes clearly presented and prep times noted. Activi-ties for kids and ways they can help are labeled as “Little
Chefs” accompanied by a smiling cartoon chef face. I can tell you for a fact that Fink’s son seems like your
typical American kid. We’ve been neighbors for a year and I see him as a bit of a maverick. I see him rollerblading in their driveway while jumping over the cracks, laughing as he goes down their slip-and-slide, and hitting a whiffle ball over the trees as he plays with his dad.
Fink and Lewis’ cookbook allows Fink’s family to maintain normality in their family in terms of meals they eat and provides them with a long-term plan of healthiness. My wife and I have a choice as to what we will make for dinner; it could come out of a box or a paper bag, but one hundred feet to our west at the Fink residence I know it isn’t the same. This experience has opened our eyes to eat-ing better and this is the first cookbook we reach for when we make a meal knowing that it is easy to use and that we will all benefit from it.
Second Opinion | 12
November 1Angel Care Workshop: Psychic Development, 9 am - 5 pm, Ramada Convention Center, Eau Claire$90 in advance, $100 at the Door. Judy Meinen will lead you on an exploration of angels, energy fields and intuitive guidance. For more information, or to register, call 715.832.7250, email [email protected], or visit the website: www.angelcarehealingtouch.com
Metaphysical Fair, 9 am - 5 pm, Ramada Con-vention Center, Green Briar Rm, Eau ClaireFree Admittance, Several Healers and Psychics will be available. Check the website for an update on the vendors: www.angelcarehealing-touch.com.
November 2THRESHOLD SINGING Threshold Singers sing in hospices, hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. The reper-toire includes hymns, the Beatles, Bach, and more.” You need not be able to read music, but you should be able to “carry a tune.” For more information contact Ruthie Rosauer at 715-552-8090 or [email protected] 3:00 pm; Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 421 S. Farwell St. Eau Claire
November 5Discovery Workshop 1:23pm, An experiential, hands-on workshop using a combination of breath, touch, movement, and focus to create and allow inner awareness. The results are often a sense of relaxation, inner peace and confidence. These exercises are unique in that they cue the nervous system in a genuine gentle way to create sustainable changes in percep-tion of life, reaction to stress, and relationship to others. Cost $ 35 Helios Wellness Center 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
Discovery Workshop 1:23pm $35.00, 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
November 6Discovery Workshop 6:23pm $3500. 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
Discovery Workshop at 6:23pm, An experien-tial, hands-on workshop using a combination of breath, touch, movement, and focus to create and allow inner awareness. The results are often a sense of relaxation, inner peace and confidence. These exercises are unique in that they cue the nervous system in a genuine gentle way to create sustainable changes in percep-tion of life, reaction to stress, and relationship to others. Cost $ 35 Helios Wellness Center 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
November 7Great American Smoke-Out, 1:00-3:00 pm, $50ulie 715-833-1096 www.heavensenthypno-therapy.com
November 7- 9 Become an Infant Massage instructor!
Classes in Madison, [email protected]
November 8Deepening the Breath Following up on Scott Anderson’s workshop on the breath, this workshop will present ways to gently deepen the breath. We will continue the exploration of blocks to the breath, using attention, acceptance, and the breath itself to invite movement toward what has often been called the full yogic breath. For experienced students. Instructor: Sandra Helpsmeet10:45-12:45 pm at the Yoga Center of Eau Claire. Cost: $25. Call Sandra at 715-830-0321 or email [email protected].
Wellness Clubs, www.wisconsinwellnessdirec-tory.com, Acoustic Cafe 10am
November 9SINGING MEDITATIONSinging brings joy and a spiritual dimension to our lives. You don’t have to be an experienced singer nor able to read music. Sufi, Jewish, Neo-pagan, Taize (Christian), and other music will be included as we create a community of voices in harmony, mantras, chants, and rounds. 6:00 - 7:00 pm; Unitarian Universalist Con-gregation, 421 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire. For more information contact: Ruthie Rosauer at [email protected] Website: www.singingmeditation.com
6:30 - 8 pm, Spirit of Living Network Meet-ing, Altoona Public Library, 1303 Lynn Ave, AltoonaFree Admittance , Dr. Dan Czelatdko of Tenold Chiropractic will present “When Hormones Go Wild - A Healthy Approach To Being Normal.” www.angelcarehealingtouch.com/SOLN
h a p p e n i n g s i n t h e Va l l e y november/December 2008Events are subject to change; call ahead for details. Calendar event listings are free. Send your listing to [email protected]
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Just Local Food Co-op1117 S. Farwell, Eau Claire, WI
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Our mission is to provide delicious food, local products, and loving and dedicated service in order
to promote healthy people and a healthy planet.
Second Opinion | 13
November 11Free Hypnosis - Stress Reduction, www.HeavenSentHypnotherapy.com, [email protected] 9pm La Leche League of Eau Claire, 6:30 pm,The Baby Arrives: The Family & the Breastfed Baby City-County Health Dept. WIC office, 720 2nd Ave. Eau Claire
Rural Women - Come together to develop support by learning from one another and sharpening listening skills, to learn from the reality around us and from our own hearts. Offered in collabora-tion with Clark County agencies and Memorial Medical Center. Overnite accommodations are available. FREE, commuters wel-come, Christine Center, Willard, WI (715) 267-7507, [email protected]
November 12NOW, That’s What We’re Talking About (Formerly 4th Leg), 1:23pm FREE 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
Creating Gift Baskets at Wholistic Healing Arts Center, 1119 Regis Ct #210.11:30am-1:00pm and 6:30-8:00pm, Learn blending tech-niques and recipes to keep or share. Fee includes all supplies, recipes and handouts. $20 Regis-ter by November 10th with Joyce Sobotta 715-878-4474/ cell 715-828-0117
Now That’s What We’re Talking About class at 1:23; In this class we explain the woven science, philosophy and individuality of Network Spinal Analysis and So-mato Respiratory Integration Care. Free. Helios Wellness Center 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
November 13Now That’s What We’re Talking About class at 6:23 In this class we explain the woven science, philosophy and individu-
ality of Network Spinal Analysis and Somato Respiratory Integra-tion Care. Free. Helios Wellness Center 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
THRESHOLD SINGING Threshold Singers sing in hos-pices, hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. The repertoire includes hymns, the Beatles, Bach, and more.” You need not be able to read music, but you should be able to “carry a tune.” For more information contact Ruthie Rosauer at 715-552-8090 or [email protected] 6:30 (First Baptist Church, 416 Niagara St. in Eau Claire)
November 14-16 Become an Infant Massage instructor! Classes in Woodbury, MN [email protected]
November 14-16Bridges to Contemplation with Thomas Merton A weekend retreat drawing from the writings of Trappist monk Thomas Merton.FREE, commuters welcome. Christine Center, Willard, WI (715) 267-7507, [email protected]
November 14-16Yoga: Santosha (Contentment, SatisfactionJenifer Ebel presents a yoga seminar with the focus of santosha as the very foundation of a life of contentment and equanimity.Tuition: $200, plus meals and lodgingCommuters welcome, Christine Center, Willard, WI (715) 267-7507, [email protected]
November 15 AYURVEDA AND YOGA FOR TEENS 12:00-3:00 pm at the Yoga Center of Eau Claire. Cost: $30.00 pre-registration, $40.00 at the door. For 12-18-year olds. Proper nutrition also lowers anxiety and
depression and raises test scores. Come to this workshop to get ideas for loading up your breakfast with ingredients that will make you above average! We will also learn a simple yoga sequence that teens can do everyday to help them transform their lives for good. Email [email protected]: Patricia Wickman
November 17La Leche League of Eau Claire, The Art of Breastfeeding & Avoid-ing Difficulties, 10:00 am, at Hope United Methodist Church, 2233 Golf Rd.
November 19Working With Mirrors class: 1:23pm, We open the doors to the intricacies of Network Care. Come learn the jargon and the connections between spinal ten-sion, phases, gateway, entrain-ment, levels, rhythms and care. FREE. Helios Wellness Center 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
November 207-8 pm, FREE Medium Class, Julie Geigle 715-833-1096
Working With Mirrors class: 6:23pm We open the doors to the intrica-cies of Network Care. Come learn the jargon and the connections between spinal tension, phases, gateway, entrainment, levels, rhythms and care. FREE. Helios Wellness Center 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
November 22BodyLab’s Discover Fall Fest, Northwest Sports Complex, Spooner, WI, 10am-4:30pm
Mudra MeditationThis workshop will give you the opportunity to learn more about mudras, widely and often uncon-scioulys used hand gestures,and explore their effect on you thru
energy flow, balancing the nervous system and brain, enabling focus, and affecting mood. Instructor: Sandra Helpsmeet10:45-12:45 pm at the Yoga Center of Eau Claire. Cost: $25. Call Sandra at 715-830-0321 or email [email protected]
November 2612:00 Noon @ The Goat Coffee House, Water Street , Wellness Clubs www.wisconsinwellnessdi-rectory.com
DecemberDecember 3Discovery Workshop: 1:23; An experiential, hands-on workshop using a combination of breath, touch, movement, and focus to create and allow inner awareness. Cost $ 35 Helios Wellness Center 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
December 4Discovery Workshop 6:23pm, An experiential, hands-on workshop using a combination of breath, touch, movement, and focus to create and allow inner aware-ness. T Cost $ 35 Helios Wellness Center 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
Spirit of Living Network Meeting, Altoona Public Library, 1303 Lynn Ave, Altoona, 6:30 - 8 pmFree Admittance. Judy Meinen, RN, ATP, will present “Messages From Your Angels.” www.angel-carehealingtouch.com/SOLN
Creating Gift Baskets5:00- 6:30pm at Shenandoah’s Art and Gift in OsseoLearn blending techniques and recipes to keep or share. Fee includes all supplies, recipes and handouts. $20.00. Register by December 2
December 5Weight Loss Workshop, 1-3:00 pm, $50Is losing weight on your list of New Year’s resolutions? Let
Therapeutic Coaching® • Reiki Practitioner Qi Gong Instructor • Journey Facilitator
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David Liberto CTC, TM 715-308-0833
Ellen Liberto CTC, TM
715-308-3328 [email protected]
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Second Opinion | 14
spirituality Discussion group MeetingeVery weDnesDay, 7 pm - 10 pm FREEBorders Bookstore, Eau Claire715.832.7250An informal gathering to discuss Angels, healing, paranormal and psychic phenomena, and other fun topics.
Healing cHoices tai cHi classes2711 Pleasant Street • EC852-0303 • All classes 1 hour.Tai Chi -tuesDays & tHursDays: 6:00pm & 7:00pmTai Chi - weDnesDays: 10am & 11amKarate/Bujinkan/Self Defence - MonDays & fri-Days: 5:30 & 6:30pm
pilates yoga anD BeyonD4913 River Glen Court, Eau Claire, WI 54703832-7335. Drop-in rate $15.00Monday 5:30pm - yogaWednesday 4:30pm - yogaWednesday 5:45pm - pilates/yoga comboThursday 12noon - pilates/yoga comboSaturday 8am - pilatesSaturday 9:15am - yogaNewcomers: call 715.832.7335 or [email protected]
nia classesStacey Beck, 533-0464 Tuesday 6:15-7:15pm Thursday 5:45-6:45 pm.Open to members and non-members • Highland Fitness, East Ridge Center, Eau Claire
nortHern tHunDertHirD MonDays @ 7:30p, 405 S. Farwell St. Suite 23 in Eau Claire. Join this grassroots organization to discuss issues relating to envi-ronmental & social justice in WI. 833.1140 or www.northerthunder.org
tHe yoga center412 1/2 Water Street • Eau Claire • 830-0321Monday 9:15-10:45 am Multi-level Patricia12-12:45 pm Beginners Sarah1:00-2:00 Chair Yoga, Sr Center5:30-7:00 pm Continuing Sandra7:15-8:30 pm -Beginners SandraTuesday2:00-3:00 Pilates Anna5:15-6:45 pm Multi-level Nancy 7-8:30 pm Buddhist MeditationWednesday 9-10:30 am Multi-level Sarah5-6:15 pm Beginners Donna 6:30-8pm -Multi-level DonnaThursday7-8:30 am Multi-level Sandra5:30-6:30 Happy Hour Yoga AnnaFriday9:15-10:45 Yoga&Ayurveda Patricia12-12:45 pm Multi-level SarahSaturday9-10:30 am Multi-level Vinyasa RobinCheck website for changes: www.infinitejoy.com/yoga
Hypnosis toDay with Richard Marano B.S., C.H. from Hypnosis Center of Eau ClaireEvery Wednesday - 8pm & every Friday at 11am CTV(Channel 11)
la lecHe league/BreastfeeDing support GrouptHirD MonDays, 10am Hope United Methodist on Golf Rd. in Eau Claire. kristin 514.1026 seconD tuesDay of each month, 6:30 pm, at the City-County Health Dept. WIC office, 720 2nd Ave. Eau Claire
wellneSS cluB - luncH BuncHThe Goat Coffee Houselast weDnesDay12-1pmBe a part of a new movement to ed-ucate and support people exploring holistic care! Sponsored by www.WisconsinWellnessDirectory.com
MediuM claSSEvery 3rd tHurSday. FREEHeaven Sent Hypnotherapy3548 Cypress Street * EC Call Julie to register at 715-833-1096 or www.heavensenthypno-therapy.com Learn about earthbound spirits and connecting with loved ones who’ve passed.
yoga pilateS witH rHonda Bennett (715) 699-0984: $12 per sessionSundayS 11:00 @ SilvastueSdayS 5:30 p.m. @ Elementary School
Body & Soul FitneSS: “wHere FaitH and FitneSS Meet”Chippewa Valley Bible Church, 531 E. South Ave, Chippewa FallsContact Katie Wendt, ACE-Certified Instructor, for more info or to indi-cate child-care needs or visit www.bodyandsoul.org to find a class near you.
Monday, Wednesday, FridaySept. 8 - Dec. 19, 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Body & Soul FitneSS: “wHere FaitH and FitneSS Meet”Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church, 123 West Hamilton, Eau Claire Starts Monday, September 22, 2008 for 12 weeks every Monday, Wednesday, FridayNo Class 11/24-11/28; call for hoursAndrea Berge, instructor; [email protected]
coMplete Motions llcHoly yoga & pilates www.completemotions.com or 218-331-2211Holy yogaMondayS 6:00-7:00pm, St Felix School, Wabasha, MNtueSdayS 5:15-6:15pm, United Methodist Church in Durand, WItHurSdayS 7:00-8:00am, St. Eliza-beth’s Medical Center, Wabasha, MNtHurSdayS 4:30-5:30pm, Pepin Art & Design Center in Pepin, WI
pilatesMondayS 5:30-6:00pm, St. Felix School in Wabasha, MNNo classes 11/20, 11/27, 12/23, 12/25, 12/29, 12/30
Weekley events
hypnotherapy jump start your pro-gram!! Fee includes a free weight loss CD or oil.
December 6Breath & Meditation 101This workshop is for beginners, or for those students who feel they have not yet found their breath. You will leave with some simple practices you can use at home to continue to befriend your breath and move toward meditation. Instructor: Sandra Helpsmeet10:45-12:45 pm at the Yoga Cen-ter of Eau Claire. Cost: $25. Call Sandra at 715-830-0321 or email [email protected]
December 5-7Become an Infant Massage instructor! Classes in Menomonie [email protected]
December 7THRESHOLD SINGING Threshold Singers sing in hos-pices, hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. The repertoire
includes hymns, the Beatles, Bach, and more.” You need not be able to read music, but you should be able to “carry a tune.” For more information contact Ruthie Rosauer at 715-552-8090 or [email protected] 6pm Unitarian Universalist Con-gregation, 421 S. Farwell St. Eau Claire
December 9La Leche League of Eau Claire6:30 pm The Art of Breastfeeding & Avoiding DifficultiesCity-County Health Dept. WIC office, 720 2nd Ave. Eau Claire
December 10Now That’s What We’re Talking About class at 1:23In this class we explain the woven science, philosophy and individu-ality of Network Spinal Analysis and Somato Respiratory Integra-tion Care. FREE Helios Wellness Center 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
December 11Now That’s What We’re Talking About class at 6:23 In this class we explain the woven science, philosophy and individu-ality of Network Spinal Analysis and Somato Respiratory Integra-tion Care. Free. Helios Wellness Center 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
December 12-14Wisconsin Weekend Myofascial Release Feast This seminar is offered for myo-fascial release therapists and by myofascial release therapists.Christine Center, Willard, WI (715) 267-7507, [email protected]
December 14SINGING MEDITATIONSinging brings joy and a spiritual dimension to our lives. You don’t have to be an experienced singer
nor able to read music. Sufi, Jew-ish, Neo-pagan, Taize (Christian), and other music will be included as we create a community of voices in harmony, mantras, chants, and rounds. 6:00 - 7:00 pm; Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 421 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire. For more information contact: Ruthie Rosauer at [email protected] Website: www.sing-ingmeditation.com
December 15La Leche League of Eau ClaireNutrition and Weaning10:00 am, at Hope United Meth-odist Church, 2233 Golf Rd.
December 17Working With Mirrors class: 1:23pm, We open the doors to the intricacies of Network Care. Come learn the jargon and the connections between spinal ten-sion, phases, gateway, entrain-ment, levels, rhythms and care. FREE. Helios Wellness Center
Second Opinion | 15
h a p p e n i n g s i n t h e R e g i o n november/December 2008Events are subject to change; call ahead for details. Calendar event listings are free. Send your listing to [email protected]
715-235-7333 or [email protected] 18THRESHOLD SINGING Threshold Singers sing in hos-pices, hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. The repertoire includes hymns, the Beatles, Bach, and more.” You need not be able to read music, but you should be able to “carry a tune.” For more information contact Ruthie Rosauer at 715-552-8090 or [email protected] 6:30 pm (First Baptist Church, 416 Niagara St. in Eau Claire)
Working With Mirrors class: 6:23pm We open the doors to the intrica-cies of Network Care. Come learn the jargon and the connections between spinal tension, phases, gateway, entrainment, levels, rhythms and care. FREE. Helios Wellness Center 715-235-7333 or [email protected]
December 19-21Icons of Mary: Face of Mercy Contemplate and explore together icons and images of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Understand com-passion and mercy mirrored and accessible even today.FREE, commuters welcome. Christine Center, Willard, WI (715) 267-7507, [email protected] December 20RESTORATIVE YOGA WORk-SHOP Step away from the holiday madness and spend an afternoon visiting your “good friend” --your breath. This class will provide you with the opportunity to give yourself some rest and relax-ation. Love, kindness and respect toward ourselves can lead to deep recuperation and healing as well as prevent imbalance and illness. Instructor: Patricia Wickman 12:00-3:00 pm at the Yoga Center of Eau Claire. Cost: $30.00 pre-registration, $40.00 at the door.
Email [email protected].
December 27 to January 1, 2009Winter in the Woods The Christine Center offers its splendid setting, sustained peace and warm hospitality for the perfect holiday getaway. Enjoy the camaraderie of the Center’s guests and the rich and varied community life of the Center and its environs.Includes Conversations with Henry Eisenhauer. Henry is the Center’s perennial wisdom philosopher and member of the
Center Board of Directors. He is a member of the Institute of Noetic Sciences which he credits for help-ing him bridge modern science and ageless wisdom traditions.Christine Center, Willard, WI (715) 267-7507, [email protected]
yoga & depreSSion November 1, 8, 15, 22, December 6 & 13, 2008, 3:00-5:30 pm at the
Yoga Center of Eau Claire. This series of classes will focus on using yoga philosophy and tech-nology to build a practice that can mitigate the effects of depression. The class will draw from yoga programs that have been used in several parts of the world to address depression, and will make use of simple yoga movements and postures, breathing, imagery, and meditation. Taught by Sandra Helpsmeet, LMFT, RYT. Cost: $180. Participants
must speak with the instructor prior to the class. Call Sandra at 715-830-0321.
November 6Digestive Consquences of Aging and What To Do About It, Owatonna, MN Chamber of Commerce, Lower Level7:00 pm Thursdays, Dr. Corey Schuler, D.C.
November 8Soups of the World with Arlene Vrlec, 11 to 2 p.m.Join us as we make Portuguese Fisherman’s Stew, Punjabi Adzuki Bean Soup, Italian Wed-ding Soup, and more. We’ll ac-company our soups with home-made croutons and crusty bread. The People’s Food Co-op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601, 608-784-5798
November 13Cuban Classics with Arlene Vrlec, 7 to 9 p.m.As we explore some of the history of Cuban cooking, we’ll make Moros y Christianos (black beans and rice), Lechon Agado (Cuban-style roasted pork with papaya mango salsa), Platanos Dulce (baked sweet plantains), and finish with Flan de Coco y Ron (coconut rum flan). The People’s Food Co-op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601, 608-784-5798
Digestive Wellness Series: Arthritis and DigestionOwatonna, MN Chamber of Commerce, Lower Level. 7:00 pm Thursdays. Dr. Corey Schuler, D.C.
November 20World Vegetarian: Southeast Asia with Arlene Vrlec, 6 to 8 p.mThis is the first class in a series of vegetarian cuisine from around the world. We’ll start by making our own vegeterian dishes: curry pastes, Thai Veg-etable Curry with Lemon Grass Rice, Sweet and Hot Vegetable Noodles, Vietnamese Spring Rolls, and more. The People’s Food Co-op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601, 608-784-5798
Digestive Wellness Series: Muscle Pain and DigestionOwatonna, MN Chamber of Commerce, Lower Level, 7:00 pm Thursdays, Dr. Corey Schuler, D.C.
December 2It’s Party Time! with Arlene Vrlec, 6 to 8 p.m.Scrumptious appetizers: Greek Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, Sesame Chicken Sticks, Olive Basil Cheese Paté and sweet
Italian Amaretti your holiday guests will love. The People’s Food Co-op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601, 608-784-5798
December 13Holiday Cookies & More! with Arlene Vrlec, 10 to 2 p.m.We’ll bake Viennese Linzer Cookies, Mint Spritz with a kiss, Chocolate Snowballs, Cranberry Almond Biscotti and the Italian holiday bread Pannetone and go home with holiday treats to share! The People’s Food Co-op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI
54601, 608-784-5798
December 16A Taste of Tunisia with Arlene Vrlec, 6 to 8 p.m.We’ll learn about the cultural influences on Tunisian cook-ing as we prepare Coriander Chicken with Couscous, Fish in Tomato Sauce, Slata Tunisia (mixed salad), and Harissa, a commonly used spice paste. The People’s Food Co-op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601, 608-784-5798
UWEC WELLNESSCross Training-Birkie sTyle : Mon & Wed @ 6pm
November 10th - December 10thresToraTive yoga : Mon @ 5:15pm
November 10th - December 8thsCenTsaTional oils : Tues @ 5pm
November 11th and 18thWebsite for more information:
www.uwec.edu/recreation/Wellness or call Paula Ramminger at 715-836-3470.
Second Opinion | 16
body balance
Creating a Tradition of ExerciseTis the season to practice traditions and develop new ones. It’s easy to get caught up in seasonal festivities and let the
tradition of exercise fall by the wayside. These five tips can help you stay motivated to work out – making them part of your normal daily routines can be a very healthy habit!
Keep it fun. If you don’t love exercise, it requires more self-control to do it. So find something you love (yoga, 1. pilates, dance, something you did as a kid, a specific sport, etc.) and embrace it as your chosen method of exercise. You’ll be far more likely to fit it in if it’s something you look forward to and truly enjoy.Make it a morning ritual. Your self-control reserves are highest in the morning. Not only is it cooler (you’re less 2. likely to get really hot and sweaty), but it can also be easier to stay motivated when you start your day with exercise. Pat yourself on the back. Rather than holding your self-rewards for after you’ve accomplished your workout goals, 3. treat yourself first in some small way. Maybe you allow yourself to read from your favorite book or eat a special healthy snack before you workout, but whatever your “get started” reward is, research shows it can improve your mood and boost your willpower.Make it musical. Besides listening to fun, energizing music while you workout, listening to motivating tunes in your 4. car as well can help you head to the gym instead of heading home. A song you love that gets you energized after work can help boost the desire to exercise.Allow for a nap. Fatigue breeds decreased willpower, so if you’re exhausted, take a little nap before heading to the 5. gym. It will charge you up mentally and physically and will likely boost your discipline enough to help you get on your shoes and get to the gym.
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Second Opinion | 17
beauty natural
Give Thanks to Your Skin Autumn is filled with fruits and roots that are healthy and nutritious for not only your body but also for your skin. As the
holiday season begins, try feeding your skin as well as your belly. Prep your skin for winter woes with these traditional Thanksgiving treats:
puMpKin.• The pulp in pumpkins contains an enzyme similar to alpha-hydroxy acids, making the pulp an effective exfoliator for any skin type. Puree a bit of pumpkin in the blender, apply to your face, and let it set for about ten minutes before wiping it off. Institut DERMed’s Pumpkin Exfoliating Cream ($32, 1 oz; www.idermed.com) is also a good choice.cranBerry.• This berry’s rich color comes from the fruit’s proanthocyanidins, antioxidants that may be 35 percent more potent than vitamin C. This berry’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties also make it a great acne fighter. Try a toner like Lotus Moon’s Clarifying Tonic ($24, 4 oz; www.lotusmoon.biz). wild yaM.• Throughout time women have used wild yam to balance hormones, but the Aztecs in particular were known for using the root to rejuvenate their skin. Its plant-based phytoestrogens simulate human progesterone and bestow its anti-aging properties and ability to promote collagen growth. Slather on REN’s Wild Yam Omega 7 Firming Body Repair Cream ($57, 200 ml; www.renskincare.com) to keep skin elastic.
People’s Food Co-op. Good food. Good health.People’s Food Co-op. Good food. Good health.
People’s Food Co-op315 Fifth Avenue Southdowntown La Crosse, WI608.784.5798 • www.pfc.coop
• local foods• fresh seafood and local meats• organics• specialty & ethnic foods• deli• organic body care• vitamins & supplements• homeopathic healthcare and so much more …
• local foods• fresh seafood and local meats• organics• specialty & ethnic foods• deli• organic body care• vitamins & supplements• homeopathic healthcare
Hackberry’s Bistroover the People’s Food Co-op
315 Fifth Ave. Southdowntown La Crosse
608.784.5798ext. 243
and so much more …
americanmindfullness.com800-595-4053
Mary L Dennis, MSE, LP, LMFT & Kenneth L. Dennis, Ph.D., LP
Healing CirclesHealing GemsAssisted Meditation
americanmindfullness.com800-595-4053
Mary L Dennis, MSE, LP, LMFT & Kenneth L. Dennis, Ph.D., LP
Healing CirclesHealing GemsAssisted Meditation
americanmindfulness.com800-595-4053
Mary L Dennis, MSE, LP, LMFT & Kenneth L. Dennis, Ph.D., LP
Healing CirclesHealing GemsAssisted Meditation Improve your fitness, your health, your wealth.
Visit www.paths-to-fitness.com or call 608-797-1990
Are you looking for balance?
Second Opinion | 18
Every year, the stress of finding The Perfect Gift inflicts individuals of all ages across the country. However, studies report that in recent years, the shift from giving things to experiences has been notable. Trend watchers indicate eco gifts, gifts made of re-cycled materials or produced by companies who use sustainable practices, topped the charts in 2007 for “unique” gifts. They predict 2008 will reveal a con-tinuation of this trend, as eco awareness continues to become more mainstream. Watch for broader eco gift offerings, increased eco tourism/travel as people prepare to visit loved ones in distant locations, and a greater focus on gifts related to physical and mental wellbeing. Charitable giving is anticipated to be big again this year, too, despite reports of the weakened U.S. economy. This year, instead of giving your brother another
pair of socks or your mother another hand-made crocheted potholder, how about giving something of substance? This special guide is designed to help make doing
so a little easier. We’ve done our homework to find local options, online suppliers, and environmentally conscious providers – and we’ve put it all together in our 2008 gift guide. We hope you’ll find it useful and empowering. Happy shopping!
Great Gift Guide 2008
Second Opinion | 19
Here are some top green retail sites that can help you in your holiday shopping – these companies embrace con-scientious gift-giving, provide unique alternatives to the same old toxic stuff that lines shopping shelves every year, and support greener living in general.
www.commonsense.com • – selling sustainable living products from energy efficient fans to compostable paper plates and cups to non-toxic cleaning supplies. With over 1400 items, chances are good you’ll find something unique and innovative that you may have never thought could have a “green” version.www.greenearthmarket.com• – partners with World Vision, this unique retailer offers green products in the following categories: home & office, people & pets, garden & outdoor, and seasonal & gifts. Not only are they a 100% carbon neutral company, but all their products have to meet one or more of these criteria: produced locally (North America); natu-ral, organic or recycled materials; from Fairtrade sources or benefiting disadvantaged groups; energy efficient; encourage re-use and/or discourage use of disposables that create waste. www.Greenforgood.com• – This group’s primary goal is to help green the world one step at a time through community, education and business. Indi-viduals, companies or organizations are welcome to
join the Green for Good community and take advan-tage of the many available features and activities. Site offer informational articles and resources as well as a marketplace where you can do your green shopping.www.heifer.org • – give a gift of a flock of chicks, a goat, or many other livestock in the name of a friend or family member. Help end world hunger and pov-erty with a gift that changes the world. Recipient of the gift also receives Heifer’s bimonthly magazine with articles on sustainable farming, how projects are evolving, and how gifts of livestock are affecting people’s lives around the globe.www.suburbanhabitat.com• – Find products, infor-mation, and advice to create and maintain balanced, natural, backyard garden ecosystems. Habitat build-ing blocks (water, food and shelter) are available for birds, butterflies, ladybugs, humans & more! Order live ladybugs, praying mantis eggs and nematodes and grow a flower garden that keeps beneficial insects around.www.thekarmamarket.com -• Handmade. Fair Trade. karma Market brings you stylish, handmade, af-fordable and socially conscious gifts helping to lift artisans from poverty through a positive trading environment.www.throwplace.com• – Ready to cycle out some old stuff before new gifts come in? Post and find items to reuse, recycle, and refurbish at this online market where individuals, charities, nonprofits, and businesses can exchange excess goods and surplus inventory free of charge.www.Zerofootprint.com• – purchase carbon offsets as a unique gift that makes a difference. The Zero-footprint group of companies empowers communi-ties, companies, and organizations to live ingenious-ly in a low carbon world
tHiS year, give greener
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Gift Guide
This Christmas give something sweet!Beeswax Candles• Lip Balm• Hand Cream• Homemade Soap• and, of course, Honey •
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Find us at Just Local Food, Eau Claire
Second Opinion | 20
The hustle and bustle of theholidays will soon be upon us.
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You’ve made your list and checked it twice. There is a plethora of gifts that you now have to make presentable to family and friends. But what about the environment? All of those lovely gifts soon translate into large piles of boxes, gift wrap, and plastic packaging destined for the landfill. Luckily, there are alternatives to traditional holi-
day packaging. Every year, Americans throw away 73.5 million tons of packaging, making up 28 percent of all solid-waste in landfills. From recycled paper wrap and raffia ribbon, to thrift store finds and creative minds, here are a few ways to lessen your environmental impact this holiday season.
wrapping paperA vast array of colors, textures, and sheens await holi-
day shoppers looking for the ideal way to wrap their gifts this holiday season. However, you needn’t consume virgin resources to cover your wish list this year. Alternatives to traditional wrapping paper include materials like hemp, flax, and organic cotton, as well as recycled newspapers and maps. With a variety of products to choose from, it’s increasingly easy to meet your holiday needs.
Paporganics’ line of hemp-blend wrap is made from 90 percent post-consumer fiber with 10 percent hemp and
comes in both holiday and traditional designs ($4.50 for 2 sheets of holly or snowflake wrap, www.paporganics.com).
Tree-free gift wrap made from hemp or flax fiber can be ordered from Granola Groovy ($1.99 Canadian per sheet; [email protected], 250-477-0146).
Wrapping paper can be as creative as you are. Try using old calendar pages, Sunday’s comics, or even old maps. You can also use Mapwrap, which is made from surplus New York City subway maps ($3/2 sheets, www.forest-saver.com).
But I need a bow on top! Instead of ribbon, why not use raffia ($4.95/8 oz. bag; www.papermart.com). Or-ganic cotton tape will also tie things up nicely ($.85/yard; www.pmorganics.com). Hemp twine can be bought in bright colors ($2.39/325 ft.; www.globalhempstore.com). Local craft stores are a great resource for hemp and raffia string and ribbon, and thrift stores offer an array of reus-able bows.
a word on giFt BagSGift bags come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but
unless you’re reusing last year’s bags, you’re contribut-ing anew to the holiday waste stream. Instead of buying a traditional gift bag, try one made of natural fibers or recycled content, or make your own.
green your giFtS
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Gift Guide
Second Opinion | 21
Organic ProduceOrganic Grassfed Meats & “Real Milk”
Please call for Initial visit (715) 568-1867 (Member Program)Kelwin, Nancy, Luke & Andrew Anderson
Wed - Sat 9:00 - 6:00 Bloomer, WIwestonaprice.org & realmilk.org
DecKing tHe wHite HouSe18 ft., 6 in. - Height of the White House
Christmas tree.
17 - Number of decorated trees in the White House.
1,089 - Feet of garland strung throughout the first
mansion.
4,638 - Red ornament balls.
269 - Wreaths in the White House.http://christmasspirit.wordpress.com/2006/12/19/count-ing-on-christmas-statistics/
cHriStMaS StatS:
47% - People who say they’d
toss a holiday fruitcake in the trash
without delay.
11% -People who say they would
make time to regift a fruitcake.
$15.8 billion - Amount spent on new holiday decorations in 2005.
22 million - Households that do not plan to have a Christmas tree this year.
32.8 million -Real Christ-mas trees sold in 2005.221 feet - The tallest Christ-
mas tree, a Douglas fir, erected at Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle, Wash., in 1950.
1.9 billion Number of Christmas cards sent to friends and loved ones every year, making Christmas the largest card-sending occasion in the United States. (Source: Hallmark research)
1 million Number of packages delivered by the U.S. Postal Service every day through Christmas Eve. The busiest deliv-ery day: Dec. 21.
20 billion Number of letters, packages and cards de-livered by the U.S. Postal Service between Thanksgiving and Christ-mas. (Source: U.S. Postal Service)
Gift Guide
Joyce Sobotta
Aromatherapy & Reflexology Healthy Girl products also available at Just Local Food Co-Op and Path to Health Massage
Save 10% on all Healthy Girls products &
therapeutic essential oils!
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715.878.4474 cell 715.828.0117
Great Gift for the Pet Lover: Canine Sports Massage
Spa Services
Banbury Place, Eau Clairewww.the-beastro.com
715.864.3263
The Beastro Dog Daycare & Wellness
Second Opinion | 22
Hahn’s has long since been known for having the best meat in town. Did you know that we also carry locally raised beef, lamb and elk?Make your holiday dinner extra special with a cut of meat from
Hahn’s Market.
Hahn’s Market would like to make your Holiday SeaSon as
stress-free as possible this year. We have a wonderful selection of gift baskets and boxes on hand to help make your gift buying that
much eaSier. Our gift baskets start at only $14.99. Many of our baskets also include locally made
products, be it a wine, cheese, soap or a lotion. Hahn’s can make it for you.
Give the Gift of Pilates by Penny for the quality and integrity of over 11 years of
professional instruction. Penny is continually training with the best in the Pilates world so she
can offer you a truly personalized body strengthening and sculpting exercise program.
Penny’s teachings of Pilates will take you through the rest of your life with...
Improved Posture & •AlignmentCore Strength•Better Balance & •ProprioceptionCorrect Breathing•Body Awareness•Flexibility & •Coordination
Work the Muscles from the Inside Out
Penny CrochiereSTOTTCertifiedPilates,GroupSpeaker,
Consultant,andPractitioner715-296-0836
Second Opinion | 23
Eclectica on Grand106 West Grand Avenue
(715) 834-7811Looking for one-of-a-kind
Holiday gifts? We have what no one else will have, and everyone will want:
Stone and Tribal Jewelry; Kashmir and Silk
Velvet Shawls; Exquisite An-tiques, Local Historical
Item and other curiosities. Enjoy giving them something
extraordinary… Open Daily ~ Extended Holiday Hours
Gift Certificates Avail-
able; All Major Credit Cards Accepted
The Holidays are here: there is a chill in the air, snow on the ground (hopefully), and you can hear the cash reg-isters ringing. While the holidays bring out the best in us when it comes to treating each other, it is a different story when it comes to Mother Earth. Christmas is actually an environmentalist’s biggest nightmare. We have mountains of garbage, trees that must be disposed of, and tons of flashing lights and blow up lawn ornaments that are using up energy. But with a bit of thinking and tweaking, we can make this Christmas more eco-friendly for each other and the environment.
giving green Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, Americans
throw away a million extra tons [900,000 metric tons] of garbage each week, including holiday wrapping and packaging, according to Robert Lilienfeld. Lilienfield is co-author of the book Use Less Stuff: Environmental Solutions for Who We Really Are.
Gift Wrapping: So why not recycle holiday gift wrap or ribbon? If every family reused only two feet of holiday ribbon, the amount saved --38,000 miles-- could circle the Earth. And not all gifts need wrapping. Instead of buy-ing the 900th pair of socks for mom, why not give her a massage or “I’ll make three dinners” gift certificates. I am guessing she will enjoy those experiences better and you’ll be saving on paper and adornments. It’s a win-win situation. Plus, the best part of Christmas is supposed to be spending time with your family and friends.
Tree Recycling: Christmas wouldn’t be the same without that sparkly, festive tree in the living room. But what to do in January when the tree is starting to lose its needles all over the house? Why not recycle your tree? Recycling fresh trees after Christmas can make a huge difference in reducing holiday waste. Instead of taking up space in the landfill, trees can be ground into wood chips, which can be used to mulch gardens or parks or to prevent erosion at a local watershed. To find a place that recycles Christmas trees near you, visit www.earth911.org.
Low-Energy Lights: The newest energy-saving stars on the holiday scene are Christmas lights made with light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. LEDs came out in 2001 and incorporate the same computer-chip technology used to light calculators and watches. The lights are 90 percent more efficient than traditional Christmas lights. Accord-ing to one U.S. Department of Energy study, if everyone replaced their conventional holiday light strings with LEDs, at least two billion kilowatt-hours of electric-ity could be saved in one month. The savings would be enough to power 200,000 homes for a year, according to Holiday Creations in Colorado. karyn Atwood, Holiday Creation’s director of domestic and commercial sales, says the LEDs release little heat, and they last about 200,000 hours. In the unlikely event that one does burn out, she said, the rest of the lights keep on glowing.
MAIN STREET MARKET
Whole Foods Cooperative 1 South Main Street Rice Lake, WI 54868
(715) 234-7045
Char Tarashanti Certified Feng Shui Consultant
~Residential~Commercial
507-289-0720; [email protected]
Bring balance and wellness into your life!
enjoy a green cHriStMaS
ClearWater Massage Buy one hot stone
gift certificate receive the second for $20.00.
For details call 715.831.2111
Gift Guide
Second Opinion | 24
This year give the gift of Good Eats!gift certificates aVailaBle
gift Boxes aVailaBle
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Brewery Tours Sat. at 1 PM12 miles west of Chetek
20+ styles of unpasteurized beer www.vikingbrewing.com
715-837-1824Try Our Spiced Christmas Beer
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Holiday Gift Boxes & Packs…
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The Bullfrog Fish Farm - Dedicated to the genius of "BULLFROG FRESH" RAINBOW TROUT & Smokin’ GOOD FISH!
Using a rural way to tell a story...
More info @ (715) 664-8775 or www.eatmyfish.comSmoked offerings also available @ Just Local Foods - Eau Claire WI
President Theodore Roosevelt once banned a Christmas tree in the White House for conservation reasons -- much to the dismay of his children, who defied their father by sneaking a tree into their room. Today, very few ornamental holiday spruces, pines, and firs come from forests, but that doesn’t mean they come without environmental costs.
Nearly all cut Christmas trees in American homes --about 33 million a year-- are farmed on one million acres of U.S. land, according to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). “While many tree farms have been planted on previously clear-cut land, some farmers may cut existing forest to establish plantations,” suspects Richard Spencer, programs director of EarthCulture. Much of the time her-bicides and insecticides are used to keep weeds and bugs under control. Spencer adds, “A tree farm is not a forest; it’s not even a home for birds and other species.”
Having a tree in the living room is a tradition most of us won’t give up, but there are several options that we can consider when it comes to making our holidays a bit greener.
You could grow your own fir, pine, or spruce tree in the garden and decorate it each year. This also allows the whole street to celebrate with you. This is not a new idea and is an excellent activity that encourages children to be outside in the fresh air. Before you select a tree,
make sure it likes your climate. For example, Balsam firs are magnificent, but will do well only in cold climates. Also, ask about the tree’s “mature size.” An adorable five foot tree could wind up reaching 60 feet high and 30 feet wide! It will grow with your children and become a poignant memory of home, hearth, love and Christmas warmth. And while your special Christmas tree is growing, it will be a source of endless fun for the children to play around and decorate each year.
You can also choose a potted dwarf Christ-mas tree. A living breathing tree is not only better to look at, it is working for you. It absorbs CO2 and there is no need to discard it after Christmas, because it can continue to oxygenate your home, balcony, or courtyard, long after the Yule-tide has passed again for another year. You could also choose to plant your living tree at Easter, the season of death and rebirth, as part of a new tradition of remem-brance. There are many varieties of dwarf conifers that come in pots and grow to various heights. Check your nursery for the latest varieties.
Small on space? A bonsai Christmas tree might be right up your alley. These plants last a long time and can be cut and shaped over and over. These are good for your stress and the environment.
tHe cHriStMaS tree deBateGift Guide
Second Opinion | 25
1MaKe a liSt and cHecK it twice. Whether you are planning the feast, looking for gifts or just in charge of
arrangements, making a list of things that need to be done or items that need to be purchased, helps to take the guess-work out of what needs to be done next. Plus if you stick to the list you can save money by not impulse buying and by taking advantage of any sales that come along. This way you know ahead of time what needs to be taken care of and it should eliminate some of the last minute stress worrying about what might have been forgotten.
2 taKe a tiMe out. Make it a routine to take time out for you. Spend 10-15 minutes, a couple of times a day, re-
laxing, exercising, listening to music, doing yoga, reading a book or taking a walk. The point is to spend some time recharging your battery. Whatever you enjoy doing, give yourself permission to decompress a couple of times a day and you’ll be amazed at how much more energy you have. Plus this helps to keep you focused on the task at hand while helping to eliminate stress throughout your day.
3Start SHopping in advance. Make you list early and start keeping an eye out for deals. Start keeping your
eyes open for gifts throughout the year and by the time Christmas rolls around, or any other holiday for that mat-ter, you will already be prepared. Plus this helps you to save quite a bit of green in the long run if you only buy items when they go on sale. Best of all you eliminate all those last minute hassles when looking for gifts which can save you time and a whole lot of stress.
4don’t Forget to taKe care oF you too. Things like sleep, diet and exercise have a profound effect on how
much energy we have and how well we handle stress when it comes up. Help yourself to stay on top of your game by making sure your body gets enough sleep, the right foods and moderate exercise. By taking care of your-self you will find you have more energy and things don’t stress you out as much as they used to.
5you don’t Have to Be everywHere at once. Married couples especially are subjected to this very com-
mon holiday stressor. They feel they have to attend all the family functions, no matter how hectic it may be for them. Decide before the holiday season where you will be going this year and then next year you can attend the other side. Or you can attend one family gathering one day and the next day attend the other, provided they are within a reasonable driving distance. The point is to take charge of your holiday obligations and decide in advance what you will and won’t be doing, thus eliminating stress and allow-ing you to have a more enjoyable holiday season.
6 create a Budget and SticK to it. We all want to give the best gift we can possibly afford. Sometimes
however we get a little carried away. Take heart however, great gifts can be found that won’t break the bank or your budget. By knowing in advance what you want to get, you can take advantage of any sales that come along. Each item you purchase has already been budgeted for, so when you only purchase it at the sale price you are saving yourself money. And saving yourself money is a great way to reduce stress, besides it’s not necessarily the cost of the gift but instead the thought that counts anyways.
7Buy green. Recycled items not only help the environ-ment, items that are made of recycled products tend
to cost less too. For a list of recycled gift ideas, looking online is a great place to start. Remember to create your list and stick to your budget. A smart shopper is a happy shopper and the more time and money you save, the less stressful those holidays will seem.
8 Stay at HoMe tHiS year. The holidays don’t always have to be filled with constant running, various respon-
sibilities and countless obligations. Have the family stay home this year. Spend time baking cookies, playing in the snow, making decorations, playing games, finding and decorating the tree and whatever else you can think of do-ing. You’ll be spending quality time together as a family, while creating new holiday traditions and precious memo-ries for years to come. Plus by eliminating all the running around you’ll find the holidays much more enjoyable and less stressful.
10 tipS to Help eaSe Holiday StreSSby Angelique Ellerman
Don’t let another holiday season wear you down and frazzle your nerves. Following are some ideas that can help make Christmas, Thanksgiv-ing and other holidays more enjoyable and less stressful.
Gift Guide
Second Opinion | 26
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9give yourSelF a Holiday. Before or even after the holidays, take a day or two to do something that you
want to do. Whether it’s a small getaway or just a day at the spa, doing fun and relaxing activities will help you to unwind and recharge. Go golfing, get a massage, try yoga, go to a movie, go for a walk, whatever you choose to do, you’ll find the holiday season more enjoyable and less chaotic.
10 SHare tHe Holiday reSponSiBilitieS. You don’t have to try to be superman or superwomen during
the holiday season. Ask other family members to help with some of the planning and preparations. Sharing the responsibilities helps to take stress off of you while allowing others to have a chance at helping plus giving them a sense of accomplishment. Everyone will feel a sense of camaraderie, plus this is a great way to recon-nect with various family members. After all the holidays are all about family, so the family gathering should also be about giving and receiving help during the festivities. Holidays are stressful enough as it is. With everything we do, plus our various responsibilities, it’s a wonder we survive intact.
Don’t let another holiday season make you want to head for the hills. By taking time for you and eliminat-ing holiday stressors, you enable yourself to give more to your loved ones, without wearing yourself so ragged. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed by all, so try to remember this year to give to yourself as well as every-body else. After all, the holiday season really is all about giving. Take care and Happy Holidays :-)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/stress-management-articles/10-tips-to-help-ease-holiday-stress-538863.html
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412 1/2 Water St. Eau Claire, WI 54701715.831.7918 www.gaiamassageandyoga.com
Gift GuideInterna
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Laurie Franks, OwnerCertified Colon Hydrotherapist
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Internal HealthColon Hydrotherapy
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Second Opinion | 27
Radiant Living AyurvedaInvest in your loved one’s health
this holiday season! 4 Consultation Package: $235•4 Individualized Yoga Lessons: •$235Ear, Nose, Throat & Eye •Therapy: $60Abhyanga--Warm oil skin therapy: •$75Abhyanga and Shirodara: $100•
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Find us at :Mega FoodsFestival FoodsJust Local Food
This holiday season, 72% of fruit cakes will wind up in some place
other than your mouth. This year, give Olive Salsa!
www.heifer.org
The best gifts don’t need unwrapping.
Do a world of good: give the gift of hope
this season.
Would you like to help end hunger and
poverty as a volunteer for
Heifer International?
If so, please contact Chris Quinlan at 715.637.4343 or
612.670.4993
Do a world of good: give the gift of hope
this season.
Second Opinion | 28
puB nigHtIt’s the holidays and you know your best friend from
high school is going to want to see what the social scene is like at the local waterhole. Here are some tips to make the night more fun for you and your waistline.
Get a good seatWhen you drink, you are willing to eat anything and it’s
easy to polish off four servings of buttery corn when you are enjoying yourself. Also you should note that most of the complimentary snacks are nesting grounds for loads of bacteria. You can’t tell where another person’s hand has been, so maybe it’s a better idea to keep yours to yourself.
Double Fist itIf you get a little buzzed, it’s easy to keep going. Try
to avoid the hangover in the morning (and the extra 1000 calories those three mai tais have) by alternating every alcoholic drink with a glass of water. You may thank your-self in the morning
Sip SmartlyInstead of long islands, try light beer. If you aren’t a
beer drinker, cut the calories by ordering a wine spritzer made with seltzer. Vodka or scotch and soda is even better. Remember that women metabolize alcohol at half the rate that men do, so don’t try to keep up with the crowd.
tHanKSgiving dayYou don’t have to choose between unbuttoning your
pants like grandpa after dinner or hurting your Aunt’s feel-ings by saying no to a third helping of her sweet potatoes. Try these tips on for size.
Fake the Food Coma“People feel pressured when a relative prods, ‘Eat, eat,’”
says Brian Wansink, Ph.D., author of Mindless Eating:
Why We Eat More Than We Think We Do ($25, Bantam). “But new studies show the day after a dinner, the host doesn’t remember how much people ate, just how many times people got seconds.” Decide how much casserole you want and put less on your plate. The cook will be delighted when you politely go for just a tiny bit more.
Splurge SelectivelyIf you want to go crazy on the pigs-in-a-blanket, that’s
fine. Just remember that when it comes to dishing out the main course. Or you could pass on the appetizers and choose the skinless turkey and veggies all you want at din-ner and not feel any guilt. Plus, Aunt Mable is more likely to hassle you to eat at dinner than she is if you aren’t eat-ing her crab dip.
Make a Game PlanEat protein first. Protein is the most filling of foods, and
its nutrients shut off the brain’s hunger signals. Eat your veggies second and then go for the starches. By the time you reach the carbs, you’re less likely to overeat because your brain has caught up to your stomach. Remember, it takes 20 minutes for the hunger signals to stop, so eat slowly and savor the secret gravy recipe.
Bring ItPeople love it when you think of them, so bring a dish
to pass, even if it is your mother’s house. That way you will get something that you feel is good for you and your mother will be delighted that you thought of it.
Slice Up Your SliceGo ahead and eat some pie. keep in mind you can shave
off 100 calories a piece by forgoing the crust. With this method you can have more pumpkin pie at only 220 calo-ries per serving rather than 320. What a deal!
Holiday HealtH pitFallS
In terms of staying fit, this is the season that is the hardest on all of us and definitely not the time to begin dieting. On the other hand, we don’t want to turn into the Grinch who stole cookies because we have told ourselves “no” one too many times. There’s a fine line between indulgence and overindulgence and remember it is ok to have one, but not 21!
The good news: The average person doesn’t pack on that rumored 10 pounds over the holidays; studies show it’s really one to three pounds. The bad news: if you gain a little each year and don’t take it off, it adds up. The answer? Plan for situations and avoid the weight gain altogeth-er. Here, top experts help navigate the stickiest holiday scenarios, so you can wake up feeling energized and guilt-free on New Year’s Day.
Gift Guide
Second Opinion | 29
party centralBetween the family, the office, and friends, you’ve got
more parties to attend than you can count. Eat Before you Meet Have a pre-party snack before an engagement. A mix of
protein, carbs, and fats will keep you satisfied longest; try fruit and cheese, or a cup of low-fat cottage cheese. Once you arrive, look for the healthier options, like crudités, shrimp, and chicken skewers. Go ahead and enjoy the cheese dip and French silk pie, just don’t “save room” by starving all day.
Be aware of your surroundingsIf you stand in the kitchen you are more likely to mind-
lessly eat off of platters and out of bowls. So get a plate and go and sit in another room. It will keep your from the temptation to eat everything in sight.
Pour a tall skinny oneStudies show that the easiest way to down calories is
from drinking. Be careful of which glass you choose. Tall, skinny glasses hold less than wide-mouth wine glasses. It’s easy to forget how many times you have been refilled, so decline to be refilled and always go for a fresh new drink. And for each one, take a napkin. That way you can keep a count of how many you’ve had.
Sleep It OffIf you’re out a lot, make sure you get enough shut-eye.
The average person needs eight or nine hours, more in winter because our bodies are pro-grammed to sleep when it’s dark. People who don’t sleep enough are more prone to weight gain because of hormone disruptions.
deceMBer 27Festivity fatigue sets in. You wake up hung-
over, bloated, and not wanting to see anything red or green for at least 11 months.
Cut Out the Hair of the DogInstead of more booze at brunch, down tomato
juice. The fructose will help your body metabo-lize alcohol more quickly. Use it to wash down a magnesium supplement, such as GNC Mag-nesium 500 ($7, drugstore.com), to help remedy the depletion that occurs when you drink alcohol.
Chill OutHit the gym for some yoga, watch TV mara-
thons, meditate. High stress situations tend to lead us to gain weight. Good news is just 10 minutes of yoga a day can keep your levels normal. Exercise also helps. But you should work out to maintain fitness and sanity, not for a full-body makeover.
oFFice gorgieS Does the coffee table at the office look like a cookie factory
exploded? Try these savvy tips to keep the cravings at bay. Keep Your Normal RoutineEven though you’re suddenly working in corporate candy land,
you are less likely to indulge if you have a good, fiber-rich break-fast and a good lunch with vegetables and protein. This way only one cookie may tempt you, not the whole plate.
Hold Out for the HolidayAsk yourself, is it worth the calories? You can get M&Ms any-
time; just because they are now red and green doesn’t make them taste different. But if it is something Marcy, the Julia Childs from accounting made, let yourself have a little piece. This way when the holiday does come, you haven’t been binging on gingerbread for three weeks.
Out of Sight, Out of MindIf you don’t want to be tempted by your third gift of holiday iced
cookies, repack them and ship them to someone you love. Or at least keep them off of your desk. Studies show that you will eat half as many pieces of candy if that bowl is at least six feet away from your work station.
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Second Opinion | 30
Eco-Holiday PartyIf You Don’t Have Enough Dishes for EveryoneInstead of the ordinary disposable dinnerware, try using plastic plates from Recycline, who makes them from old yogurt containers. And to discourage guests from leaving glasses everywhere, give everyone a stylish drinking glass as a party favor. You leave it, you lose it.If You Want a More Sustainable Alter-native to FlowersHead to the farmers market to pick up gourds, squashes, little apples and pears, whole nuts in their shells, and pomegranates. They look great on a table, and when the party is over, you can eat the centerpiece.If You Prepare Too Much FoodCook with smaller portions in mind. Instead of 6 ounces of protein per person, prepare 3 to 4. For dessert, a pie that would normally feed 8 will serve 16. If you still have leftovers, host a leftover party for friends, where everyone brings the remnants of their respective feasts. Then you can vote on whose leftover was the best.
giFt Friendly eco-donatingThis season, think outside the gift-wrapped box
when it comes to holiday presents. Donate money toward buying a cow, hen, goat, or chick through Heifer International, an Arkansas-based nonprofit that provides livestock and sustainable agriculture training to alleviate hunger and poverty in more than 45 countries.ABC Home and Planet Foundation allows altruistic
givers to choose which cause their “gift of com-passion” will benefit, including African rain-forest conservation and reading classes for Afghan girls. Mother-daughter combo Frances Moore Lappe and Anna Lappe take donations at their Small Planet Fund, an organization that backs the development of healthy eating around the world.
Gift Guide
Second Opinion | 31
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