Do You Eat It?

The best products by far to buy in their organic form would have to be edible products. This is especially true for different types of produce, such as tomatoes and lettuce. Because these items are certified as organic, it usually means that only organic pesticides have been used on them. This means that they are probably safer to eat, and more worthy of the higher cost. You still need to be careful buying organic produce. Some of it may not actually be certified as organic, which means it may not be organic at all. Be sure to ask your grocer if it is certified organic.

Food Rip-offs

While produce is good to buy in organic, other foods may just be a rip-off.  Check your cans of organic soda for aspartame, especially if they are diet. Aspartame is a dangerous chemical, and just because something is organic, it doesn’t mean that it is safer in spite of the aspartame. Also, carbonation damages bones, so no amount of “organic” ingredients will make this safer for you. If you like the taste, continue buying it, but if you’re buying it specifically for the organic label, beware. Also, any soy product is more dangerous than good. Because soy damages the thyroid, eating high quantities of soy products can actually hurt you instead of helping you.

Beauty Products

Some organic mineral products can actually damage your skin if you are not careful. People with sensitive skin may have trouble with organic foundation, because it has such a high mineral content. Minerals are considered good, but in high quantities they can damage skin instead of repairing it. Always test these products on a small patch first, and beware if you have sensitive skin.

Organic products can be healthier for you, but beware of where you buy them from, and exactly what ingredients are in them. Soy is especially dangerous, so be careful. If you shop with caution, you can eat healthier foods, use healthier products, and still not break the bank.

Buying Organic – Is it Worth the Cost? was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

• Due to the increased popularity of organic products, you no longer have to search high and low or visit specialty stores to ensure your family is eating healthy. In fact, not only do most grocery stores carry organic products, they also have store brand products which will save you more money than buying the equivalent name brand. Look for coupons for your favorite organic products and always check out the clearance or marked-down items that can save you money without sacrificing quality.
• In an ideal world we would be able to have all organic produce. The reality is there will be times when buying everything organic is not possible. It is important to know that some produce is “dirtier” than others. Avoid up to 80% of pesticides by choosing onions, corn, pineapple, broccoli, peas and asparagus that is non-organic. Buy organic grapes, cherries, apples, strawberries and carrots whenever possible as they are part of the worst “offenders” group for contamination.
• Limit or eliminate sodas and juice. These sweet beverages not only pose a threat to your health, they are costly as well. With more children and adults dealing with obesity and diabetes, it makes sense to closely monitor the amount of soft drinks and juice consumed by your family.
• Experiment with different recipes to find meals that cost less yet provide a balanced diet for your family. This includes trying to incorporate beans, lentils and other legumes into your meal rotation. Reduce the amount of meat needed for your meals and see your grocery bill get smaller. You can do this by modifying your recipe to reduce the amount of meat needed, thus satisfying your craving for meat without costing a ton of money.
• Shop at the local farmers market or consider joining a co-op which allows you to buy straight from the farmer. This not only supports the local economy but also allows you to put food on your table that originated around the block versus around the world. This results in food that is less expensive, less damaging to the environment and fresher than those found in the grocery aisle.

Eating healthy is important regardless of the state of the economy. These tips should help you save money on your grocery bill while still gaining the benefits of eating a balanced diet.

Eating Healthy On A Budget was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: SedonaMagoRetreat.org

When selecting travel destinations, many factors go into a traveler’s decision-making criteria. Is it a destination that has been on a wish list? Is it an activity offered at a location? Is there a lifestyle reason driving a certain type of vacation?

According to SpaFinder’s 2008 State of Spa Travel survey an increased interest in travelers seeking wellness/health elements at spas exists. Health and wellness is now one of the most critical considerations for today’s spa traveler, with 90 percent of travel agents reporting that health/wellness is either ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ important to their vacationing clients.

“Spa travel is increasingly a fundamental part of the health and wellness regime for many Americans, young and old,” said Susie Ellis, president of SpaFinder.

Photo Credit: SedonaMagoRetreat.org

One destination and travel experience a traveler might consider when planning their next vacation or personal wellness escape is the Sedona Mago Retreat Center in Arizona. The Mago Retreat Center is more than “treatments” as it is known for its wellness and self-improvement programs.

First, the location can not be ignored as the breath taking red rocks are some of the most splendid natural beauty in the United States one can witness and experience. Just being in this location esults in a sense of relaxation and desire to tackle the outdoors. Sedona is an ideal location for travelers’ experiences in learning, meditation and healing.

In fact, one of the attractions to this geographic area is Sedona’s heritage coupled with the Navajo, Apache, and Yavapai Native American tribes when they roamed its landscape.

“Sedona Mago Retreat is a place where you can experience spiritual values of growing your soul for total health and well-being, discovering universal principles for a meaningful life, and showing respect for our sacred home the Earth. Mago means Mother Earth in ancient Asian cultures,” Larry Rosenberg, communication director for Mago Garden Retreat Center says.

To compliment the vacation experience, be sure to participate in one of the many program offerings including the Tao Wellness Retreat, a one-day, customized program designed to rejuvenate one’s mind, body and soul. Through a private one-on-one consultation, health guide and exercise classes, your body and mind can become totally rejuvenated. A few program benefits include a morning and evening yoga class, a spa and rock sauna, starlight meditation in outdoor Jacuzzi and more. All of this for $300, inclusive of accommodations.

Photo Credit: SedonaMagoRetreat.org

For those who are more adventurous or looking for a physical transformation, Dahn Mu Do, which is based on Korean martial arts practices, may be ideal. While very intense and physically demanding, it is also very gentle and healing for the body. According to the Sedona Mago Retreat Center founder Ilchi Lee, “everyone should master some sort of physical discipline in order to master the brain. Through overcoming the limits of your body, you overcome the limits of your mind, as well.” Depending on skill level, two courses are offered starting at $5,500 (which includes accommodations).

Another unique and beneficial retreat program is its Successful Aging Seminar which focuses on brain fitness. Based on the five-step Brain Education method and the latest findings in neuroscience, the course will show its participants simple and practical exercises to get the most out of life by using the brain to its maximum potential. This course is the perfect long-weekend escape.  Upcoming 2008 program offerings include: November 21-23; and December 19-21. A two-night session is $490 and an accommodation fee of $124 (+$35 per day for meals).

Regardless of program a traveler selects, there are other wellness activities offered too. For people who experience excessive stress and tension, or have a lot of accumulated physical/mental fatigue, there are physical relaxation, stress relief healing and energy balancing healing sessions (price ranges from $90–$250 for 30 to 80 minute sessions).

Photo Credit: SedonaMagoRetreat.org

Horseback riding is a popular excursion for many vacationers. How about horseback meditation? Partaking in this activity at the Mago Retreat Center is not just riding a horse versus it allows a rider to experience wild nature and vortex energy on horseback. This activity brings together a healing horse, energy and health. Offered at $100/hr.

There is nothing ordinary about the Mago Retreat Center’s programs or activities. Other activities include a Vortex tour, Organic Garden tour, daily exercise classes, a Ki Meditation Tour and more. Its yoga that is taught is Dahn Yoga, the only form of yoga that focuses on improving brain health thereby reducing stress, increasing cognitive ability, and other benefits. Not only do the programs, environment and activities call to a healthier well-being, but the cuisine is health conscious and organic vegetarian meals.

“Mago is a nonprofit foundation committed to advancing values that harmonize humanity and the Earth, and develop greater physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual connection,” Rosenberg explains.

Luxury does exist in wellness. Travelers can choose from a standard casita (starts at $136/night with taxes and fees included) to one of four luxury suites in its Heaven Rock House ($414/night with taxes and fees included) which features its own living room, Jacuzzi bath, kitchen, washer-dryer, cable television, wireless Internet access and more. With over 120 modern guest rooms, most of which can sleep two comfortably, the Sedona Mago Retreat Center can accommodate over 200 guests.

For more information, or to make reservations, call toll free 1-800-875-2256. To learn more, visit: www.sedonamagoretreat.org.

Traveling to this wellness center in Sedona is more than a trip…it is a life changing experience. So, in essence, the Sedona Mago Retreat Center is a vacation souvenir that travelers will keep reaping the benefits from upon their return home.

Health & Wellness Travel: Sedona Mago Retreat Center was created by and is property of American Consumer News.