Author: Evan Friedley

Top vote for our Staff Pick of the Week goes to RAWFit High-Protein Powder from our friends at Garden of Life! Not only is RAWFit the perfect plant-based protein supplement to include as part of a health and fitness, weight loss or energy-boosting plan, it's a nourishing, convenient and satisfying product too. Just add a scoop to your favorite milk or milk replacement beverage, blend, drink and go! Check out Garden of Life’s blog for inspiration, great recipe ideas and stories. And what perfect timing to win top votes! Not only is RAWFit on sale, there's a $3.00 savings coupon available - just ask our friendly wellness staff for one. Plus, take home a FREE Genuine Blender Bottle with purchase of a 16-ounce container of RAWFit and a FREE Jump Start Your Weight Loss booklet.

Valley Natural Foods is proud to feature Green Earth Growers, a small wholesale greenhouse company, established in 2004, located just south of the Twin Cities in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Products include custom plugs, bedding plants, unique annuals, tropicals, heirloom tomatoes & peppers, and much more. Learn more at http://www.greenearthgrowers.net.

By: Loris Sofia Gregory, Healthy Kitchen Coach, Apple Valley, MN Most of us look forward to traditional comfort foods this special time of year, usually anticipating the pleasurable sights, smells and tastes of our family holidays. What dishes are on your “must serve” holiday list? Does everyone in your family agree or do you stress yourself out trying to satisfy everyone’s favorite food memories? What about potential rising numbers on the bathroom scale during the next few months?  Just thinking about holiday cooking and eating does not have to raise your blood pressure. Holiday feasts and treats can include superfoods, offering more nutrition per calorie without straining your waistline or wallet. Click to read more about the fresh, local and global rainbow of holiday superfoods and spices to consider. These fresh foods offer power-packed energy and strong immunity for happier healthier

Imagine the earthy jewel tones and delectable tastes of autumn harvest on your dinner plate. Even after our first frosts, nutrient-dense, calorie-sparse root vegetables deliver a bounty of body-warming energy for the months ahead. Many of the super-healthy hearty fall “greens”  such as chard, the kales and cabbages, Brussels sprouts and beet, collard and mustard greens  taste even better when they are kissed by frost. Cooler temperatures stimulate plant sugar production leading to a touch of sweetness. In addition, October is the month to stock up on sweet or tart FRESH & LOCAL apples. Consider building optimal health while supporting local farmers and growers with October’s plentiful produce. For cooking demos and ample samples of “Black Bean Smothered Sweet Potatoes” and “Tangy Cranberry Salsa with Pumpkin Seeds” plus more seasonal recipes and healthy coaching for easy whole-foods meals, sign up for