The Hain Celestrial Group, Inc., and Sara Snow Make Going Green Easy
1. Shop early, shop often. Getting to the store early gives you the best pick of the day’s produce and other fresh foods. Buying in brief trips every day or two helps make sure you purchase just what you need, instead of over-stocking.
2. Buy organic for better health. Evidence shows that the level of organophosphate pesticides in our bodies goes down when we switch to a diet of organic foods -- and rises again when we eat conventional foods. It may not be practical to make everything you buy organic, but the more the better.
Thankfully, many companies are now offering organic options, such as The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., whose products are all-natural and who offers a wide range of products that are made with organic ingredients, such as Garden of Eatin’® tortilla chips, MaraNatha® nut butters, Spectrum® Organic oils and Health Valley® Organic cereal bars.
3. Go for the brightest of the bunch. In produce, naturally bright colors are usually a sign of high nutritional value and valuable antioxidants. (Antioxidant levels can be up to thirty-percent higher in organic foods.)
4. Choose high-fiber, whole-grain foods! For more complete nutrition, look for fruits, vegetables, pastas, cereals & other foods that are rich in whole grains and fiber. They’ll also keep you fuller, longer!
Garden of Eatin’® MultiGrain Tortilla Chips are made with organic grain and flaxseed. In addition, Health Valley® Organic Chilis have 7-10g of fiber per serving, making them also a good source of fiber.
5. Go vegetarian once a week. Not only does meat cost you more money than its weight in vegetables, it also costs the environment a lot more in resources. (For example, producing beef uses as much as 40 times as much water as growing vegetables.) Eating vegetarian just a couple of days a week can cut your food bill and help preserve natural resources.
The good news is that MaraNatha® almond butter has 7 grams of protein per serving! Enjoy that with Westsoy® soymilk to help minimize the environmental effects of harvesting cow's milk and you have a great-tasting 100% vegetarian option.
6. Get real. Cut down on processed, prepared foods and rediscover your kitchen. The foods you’ll make are often much healthier than those you’d get from a package or at a restaurant. And, to stretch the dollar a little, save your leftovers to enjoy the next day.
7. Steer clear of GMOs. The use of Genetically Engineered foods (GMOs) is an issue of paramount importance facing the natural and organic food industry. At The Hain Celestial Group, we are taking steps to respond to growing consumer awareness and concern about the presence of GMOs in food. All organic products are produced without the use of GMOs, and our goal whenever possible is to do the same for our natural products (those that are not organic).
Garden of Eatin’® tortilla chips are made with no genetically engineered ingredients and contain no trans fats or hydrogenated oils. Plus, they’re all-natural and certified kosher - so you know that what you’re getting is the best it can be each time you rip open an irresistible bag.
8. Buy the season/Buy local. Learn the seasons for your favorite produce items. Frequent your local farmers market, farm-to-table club, or CSA (community supported agriculture), to stock up when supplies are abundant and prices are at their best. Buy foods such as blueberries, corn and peas at their peak, and freeze some to enjoy year-round.
9. Stay hydrated. Herb tea is a great alternative to water, and because it’s caffeine-free, it hydrates without any side effects. Try brewing some herbal tea in the morning and sip it hot or cold throughout the day. Try adding fresh mint or lemon for an extra kick of flavor.
Celestial Seasonings® has a full array of herb teas that are made from many plants using not just the leaves, but the flowers, roots, bark and seeds as well. By blending the flavors of different herbs, the teas provide an infinite variety of healthful and delicious beverages to be enjoyed hot or cold!
10. Shop the perimeter. Most grocery stores keep the fresh foods on the outside aisles. That’s where you should start filling your cart or basket. Spend less time roaming the interior aisles where the packaged and processed foods are kept.
11. Season your foods for extra flavor, not added fat. Skip the margarine and try herbs instead! Fresh herbs are –great -- you can keep a few pots of your favorites growing on your windowsill all year long. Dried herbs also do wonders to liven up everything from scrambled eggs to spaghetti sauce.
Spectrum® has a commitment to offering healthier cooking oils that range from artisan olive oils to trans-fat-free shortening. The vast majority of the Spectrum® line of products, such as their Organic Olive Oils and Sunflower Oil, are USDA organic and all use expeller pressed oils
(oils that are made without chemical solvents used for extraction)
that preserve their natural flavors and nutrients.
