Demystifying Organic Labels

With our increasing awareness of buying local, organic and natural foods, we are bombarded with a variety of food labels. But do you know what they really mean? To start, here are some tips when buying Organic:

"100 Percent Organic"
This food contains only an organically grown single ingredient or is made from individual ingredients all independently certified as organic. Only organically certified processing aids can be used. The label can display the USDA Organic seal.

"Organic"
This food is greater than 95% certified organic. Up to 5% of the ingredients may be nonagricultural substances, but they cannot be produced using excluded methods, such as the application of sewage sludge, processing with ionizing radiation or the addition of synthetic substances, sulfites, nitrates or nitrites. The label may display the USDA Organic seal.

"Made with Organic Ingredients"
Multi-ingredient products that are 70% to 95% organic. The label may include the words "made with (listing up to three organic ingredients) on the front panel. The nonorganic ingredients must be produced and handled without use of excluded methods. The label may not display the USDA Organic seal.

"Not enough to bother"
Products with less than 70% organic ingredients may only list the organic ingredients on the ingredient label, not the front panel. The nonorganic ingredients may be produced, handled and assembled conventionally. The label may not display the USDA Organic seal.

Happy Shopping!

Thanks to Erin Zimmerman Williams

Youthful Beauty...Naturally

All-natural beauty products help you look and feel your best. By choosing non-toxic, nutrient-rich personal care, you're supporting health as well as beauty!

Scrubs:

Refreshing and rejuvenating, natural salt or sugar scrubs leave skin feeliong smooth and supple, while removing dead skin cells and promoting circulation. Make your own with salt or sugar, apricot or almod oil and a few drops of essesntial oils like lavendar or rosemary.

Moisturizers:

The right natural moisturizer won't just feel good, plant-based products with nourishing shea butter, cocoa butter and natural oils can help prevent psoriasis, eczema and acne. They also fight wrinkle-causing environmental damage by locking in skin's moisture.

Beauty Supplements:

For a great boost, look for skin-protective nutrients found in grape skins, hyaluronic acid, coenzyme Q10, collagen and vitamins A, C and E.

The Back Rub Company offers a course called Making Scents at Work. Schedule in Phoenix by April 15th and get 1/2 off!

Five Quick Tips for Healthy Eating

If you can learn kitchen shortcuts to delicious and healthy meals, you can change your lifestyle.

Try these tips to cut salt, fat and calories:

Add flavor without adding salt. A bit of lemon juice can make a small amount of salt seem like more. Or perk up bored taste buds with vinegar and pepper.

For dips or spreads that call for cream cheese, substitute half a cup of ricotta cheese blended with half a cup of fat-free cream cheese. Serve with raw veggies.

Add evaporated fat-free milk to soups and casseroles in place of heavy cream. Bulk up casseroles, stews and soups with beans and vegetables.

Cradle your pie filling with a crust of graham crackers instead of pastry dough.

Use applesauce instead of butter and oil in baked goods. A half cup of applesauce equals one cup of butter or oil.

Treat your employees to a healthy cooking class or a wellness workshop right in the office.

Contact us for more information about scheduling services for your organization.