Whole Foods Extravaganza

Whole Foods is a wonderful place. I  wish it were closer. It's a good thirty minutes away, making it only a once or twice a month trip for me. I could spend hours there, honestly. I won't go into detail as to what's available there, as I'm sure you all know. However, I have recently realized their prices on many items are comparatively priced to my local supermarket, and sometimes even better. Alas, there are certainly items more expensive, but for the convenience I'll just purchase them there or make a quick stop elsewhere.

On my last visit, I discovered a few fantastic tidbits. They have a Kid's Club. Who knew? I certainly didn't. But I was pleasantly surprised while waiting in line to return a beauty product I didn't love (GREAT return policy.) A woman with young child in tow asked for the Kid's Club special treat. What? Fortunately I didn't have any little ones with me, unfortunately I couldn't test out this new discovery. I certainly asked about it. In my local Whole Foods, simply ask for the Kid's Club snack at customer service and you'll receive a single-size treat. The two times I've been able to take advantage of it they've offered a fruit snack and a pumpkin/sesame cracker - both thoroughly enjoyed by my 4-year old. From what I've read online, availability varies by store, as well as how they manage it. Some stores require a special card, some stores allow you to pick out your treat while you shop and then reimburse you at check-out.

I also found out they will replace your reusable Whole Foods shopping bags for free. They really do. Mine should've been replaced a while ago, but I never asked about it. During checkout, the woman bagging my groceries took notice of the many rips and pulls on my bags and went ahead and gave me new ones. Fabulous.

Yet another bonus, Whole Foods offers cooking classes and special programs for both adults and children. I have yet to participate in any, but it sounds like they're always offering a special program, activity, or event. You can check online at www.wholefoodsmarket.com for a calendar of events in your local area. For example, the Glastonbury, CT store is having a Gluten-Free Extravaganza this weekend. While you're on their site, check out their coupons. Another 'who knew' for me - didn't know they existed until my recent web search.

Getting enough Omega-3's?

You've probably heard that you should be taking your fish oil...and you should be. But how about your kids? Mine do! Fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, that are important for brain, eye and heart health. In adults, omega-3's can help alleviate joint pain, decrease inflammation, act as an anti-ager, keep your heart healthy and boost brain function. In children, they're important for their rapid eye and brain development. Some studies even point to deficiencies in omega-3's contributing to behavior and learning difficulties, as well as more frequent illness.

Omega-3s can be found in nature, but are we really getting enough? Dietary sources include cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, tuna, and herring (wild-caught is best, of course.) Other common sources include flaxseeds, canola oil, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts.

To supplement my intake, I use flavored Nordic Naturals in liquid form. I hate taking pills, so I'll put a teaspoon or two in a cup of orange juice in the morning and I'm done. Easy. My children, on the other hand, are not so eagerly receptive. I can sneak it into a smoothie, but that's about it. After doing a lot of research online, I discovered Dolphin Pals DHA Gummies. The serving size is three delicious fruity tasting gummies. They love it. They ask for them in the morning. They don't contain all the garbage (corn syrup, artificial flavors, etc.) that many others do. They're also molecularly distilled, which essentially means they're clean. The distillation process removes any pesticide / herbicide residue, heavy metals (mercury) and toxins (dioxins, PCBs.)

Dolphin Pals DHA gummies

Quite a while ago, my mom recommended a website where she's found some great prices on her vitamins and supplements, vitacost.com. I finally took her advice and checked it out. They do have amazing prices. This is where I purchase both the Nordic Naturals and Dolphin Pals. They're currently running a promotion for free shipping on orders over $49.

Please note I am not a doctor, nor do I have a medical background. I am a consumer who is concerned with what I give / feed my family. I do a lot of research to educate myself prior to my posts. My opinions are, of course, my own. Please take caution and consult with your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.