There are over 200 varieties of Chile peppers (the generic term given to all hot peppers). In addition to containing a rich supply of vitamins and minerals, the health benefits of hot peppers make them an essential addition to any spicy-style dish.

Collectively, these peppers provide a significant amount of Vitamin A – which coverts into beta-carotene in the body and is known to reduce symptoms of both asthma and arthritis. Carotenoids are also present; they are an antioxidant that promotes healthy tissue in the respiratory, gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts.

Capsaisin is the key ingredient in peppers such as Cayenne that give hot peppers their healthy (and hot) reputation. It’s located in the inner white ribs of the pepper walls. Capsaisin can reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure and contribute to the healthy functioning of the heart. It has also been used to reduce inflammation in nerve-based diseases as well.

The smaller the pepper, the more intense the spicy flavor. Hot peppers can be added to a variety of dishes – eaten raw or cooked, blended into sauces or stuffed. Possibilities are endless for these spicy additions.

About Christine Eubanks

Christine Eubanks is a Holistic Health, Life and Love Transformation Coach. She helps women to up their game in life and love so they can connect to their own powerful version of love – finding life balance, personal health and deeper connection in relationships. She believes that we must be truly healthy and whole within ourselves first – only them can we extend that love outwards into our most fulfilling relationships. Christine was named the Bay Area’s “Best Nutritionist” 2011 and works with women all across the US who are on a mission to improve their relationship to life and love. Connect with Christine at www.loveandtomatoes.com.

www.loveandtomatoes.com

3 c cooked forbidden rice

2 c unsweetened coconut milk

1 cinnamon stick

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1 c dates, pitted and chopped

1 green apple, cored and chopped

1 tsp raw cacao powder

1/2 tsp honey

1/4 c raisins

salt to taste

Generous 1/4 c toasted and chopped almonds

Combine the rice, milk, cinnamon. cloves and dates in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Add the apple, raisins and a sprinkle of salt. Stir in the raw cacao and then honey. Remove cinnamon stick before serving. Garnish with toasted almonds. Serve warm or room temperature.

Fair Trade products are products that are produced by workers who are paid a fair wage for their labor and perform their job with safe working conditions. A fair wage is defined as one that covers the basic needs of food, medical, housing and education. Child Labor Laws, women’s rights and humane practices are honored as part of the agreement for safe working standards.

Fair Trade originated as a way to ensure farm workers in developing countries were paid enough to survive. It has grown to become a $6 billion industry focused primarily on the production of many American staples such as bananas, cocoa, sugar, coffee and tea.

In addition to setting standards for working conditions and wages, Fair Trade farmers are encouraged to tend to their crops using sustainable farming practices and non-GMO seeds. Many communities integrate their crop management – coming together to manage the crops, and also making decisions as a community about how to invest money earned into further development of the community. Fair Trade products therefore also support the expansion of women’s programs, housing development, leadership programs and other community-enhancing infrastructures.

Support the fair wages, standards and community development of developing country farmers by purchasing goods labeled “Fair Trade Certified” throughout the month of May.

May 11th is World Fair Trade Day. Join us in celebrating this month.

“World Fair Trade Day is a global celebration of fair trade, bringing together thousands committed to building healthy and sustainable communities world-wide. When you choose fair trade products and ingredients, you help improve the lives of farmers, farm workers, producers and their families” -Fair World Project

About Christine Eubanks

Christine Eubanks is a Holistic Health, Life and Love Transformation Coach. She helps women to up their game in life and love so they can connect to their own powerful version of love – finding life balance, personal health and deeper connection in relationships. She believes that we must be truly healthy and whole within ourselves first – only them can we extend that love outwards into our most fulfilling relationships. Christine was named the Bay Area’s “Best Nutritionist” 2011 and works with women all across the US who are on a mission to improve their relationship to life and love. Connect with Christine at www.loveandtomatoes.com.

Here are some of our staff picks for fun and easy picnics.

Crissy Field – Hands down the best local grilling with views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Watch the sea of boats while digging your toes in the sand. Get there early to snag a picnic table and grill.

Alta Park Plaza – Just uphill from our Fillmore store. Breathtaking views, a playground for the kids and an off-leash dog area make this a favorite lounging location.

Washington Square Park - Great for people watching, lounging with friends and soaking up sunshine among tourists and locals alike.

By now you’ve probably heard of the term BPA-Free and its frequent association with can liners, plastics and even receipts. BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical compound that functions as a xenoestrogen – which essentially means that it confuses and disrupts the way hormones function in our bodies.

Typically, we think of hormones specifically in relation to reproduction, but hormones are responsible for just about every chemical interaction that takes place in your body from food digestion to energy levels and brain development. Hormones play an essential role in our health as well as development and therefore, the concern of BPA’s toxic interference with these hormones is the primary reason that BPA-free products have become so widespread.

When it comes to protecting yourself, here are 3 ways you can minimize the exposure they receive to BPA:

1) Purchase BPA-free toys, teething rings, pacifiers and plastic containers. Many manufacturers have stopped using BPA since studies first began questioning its use in recent years. That said, the only way to ensure that this compound is not present in any part of your children’s products is to pay attention to labels. Both Real Food stores have a selection of BPA-free baby products that are safe for infants and children.

2) Buy products bottled in glass containers rather than cans. Glass is the safest, most non-toxic way to reduce chemical exposure in food. Real Food Company carries several common canned goods such as tomato sauce and beans in glass. When glass is not possible, look for cans labeled with “BPA-free liners”.

3) Recycle old receipts. Women in particular, keep purses filled with receipts that are exposing us to BPA residue every time we fish in our purses or pockets. When you no longer need a receipt, clear it out and keep your surroundings clear. Real Food Company uses BPA-free receipt tape in the register for cleaner and safer handling.

About Christine Eubanks

Christine Eubanks is a Holistic Health, Life and Love Transformation Coach. She helps women to work less, live more and find the love of their life so they can connect to their own powerful version of love – finding life balance, personal health and self-love. She believes that we must be truly healthy and whole within ourselves first – only then can we extend that love outwards into our most fulfilling relationships. Christine was name the Bay Area’s “Best Nutritionist” 2011 and works with women all across the US who are on a mission to improve their personal relationship to life and love. Connect with Christine at www.loveandtomatoes.com

One of my favorite ways to get a ton of nutrients and vitamins into my body is to drink them down in a fresh pressed glass of juice. Of course, for every glass of juice that I make at home, I end up composting a good cup or two of pulp. This drives me crazy because it feels like such a waste of high quality food and much-valuable fiber. So I went to work figuring out what I could do with all that leftover pulp. Here are seven of my favorite suggestions for making good use of the rest of the fruits and veggies from your morning juices.

1) Use them as a topping for your lunch or dinner salads. Run the pulp through a food processor so it’s super-fine and sprinkle atop your lettuce greens.

2) Stir them into soups. This is a great way to bulk up a watery soup and add some extra flavor.

3) Homemade bread. Enough said. Yum.

4) Salad dressing. Stir a small amount in with olive oil and vinegar to make your own veggie vinaigrette.

5) Dips and spreads. Mix into hummus, cream cheese or any other dip that satisfies. Use as a spread on your sandwiches or dip veggies into your super-food spread. Most spreads taste good with mostly veggie pulp (although a little ginger and beets never hurt anything). Fruit juice pulp combines well with soft cheeses.

6) Crackers. Use a dehydrator if you have one, otherwise, find a veggie cracker recipe that sounds good and bake in the oven until crispy.

7) Pizza sauce. Particularly good when you want to uses a sauce that’s fresh and skips the added sugars found in many tomato-based sauces.

About Christine Eubanks

Christine Eubanks is a Holistic Health, Life and Love Transformation Coach. She helps women to work less, live more and find the love of their life so they can connect to their own powerful version of love – finding life balance, personal health and self love. She believes that we must be truly healthyand whole within ourselves first – only then can we extend that love outwards into our most fulfilling relationships. Christine was name the Bay Area’s “Best Nutritionist” 2011 and works with women all across the US who are on a mission to improve their personal relationship to life and love. Connect with Christine at www.loveandtomatoes.com

Sauce:

2 large tomatoes (use heirloom when they are available or roma tomatoes if not or canned diced tomatoes if fresh are not available)

1 medium jalapeno (remove seeds and inner membrane)

1/2 bunch cilantro (reserve some nice leaves for garnish)

1/4 c lemon juice

1/4 c olive oil

3 cloves garlic

1/2 t sea salt

1/4 t turmeric

In food processor, pulse then blend rough cut tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil.  Add sea salt, black pepper and turmeric to taste.  Toss cooled cauliflower in sauce.  Plate and garnish with cilantro leaves.

Here are some of the benefits of each of the colors found in fruits and vegetables:

Red – Red foods are most known for their high levels of antioxidants which help purify blood, prevent various forms of cancers, reduce the risk for heart disease and improve overall health by preventing damage from free radicals. Foods high in red health benefit nutrients include strawberries, apples, tomatoes, beets, cherries and cranberries.

Orange/Yellow – Orange and yellow foods are high in potassium, Vitamin A and C, making them particularly helpful for reducing heart disease risk by reducing the blockage and buildup in arteries – thanks to their color-based source of bioflavonoids. Orange and yellow foods include peaches, pears, papayas, sweet potatoes, oranges, lemons and yellow squash.

Green – Green foods – particularly leafy green vegetables – are high in Chlorophyll, which is the plant-based equivalent of human blood. Green foods are good for boosting energy and mood, detoxification, and balancing the body’s blood sugar, as well as for reducing cholesterol and inflammation. Green foods include, broccoli, green bell peppers, kale, spinach, green beans and brussel sprouts

Blue/Purple – High in phytochemicals called phenolics and anthocyanins, both of which act as antioxidants, the fruits and vegetables in this category are good for anti-aging support, including the support of the brain and memory over time. Blue and purple foods include most berries, eggplant, prunes, plums and grapes.

White – White foods are known for their antibacterial properties. These foods help you to stay healthy – warding off diseases and infections that attack the immune system and make you sick. Common white foods include garlic, onions, ginger and mushrooms.

About Christine Eubanks

Christine Eubanks is a Holistic Health, Life and Love Transformation Coach. She helps women to work less, live more and find the love of their life so they can connect to their own powerful version of love – finding life balance, personal health and self love. She believes that we must be truly healthy and whole within ourselves first –only then can we extend that love outwards into our most fulfilling relationships. Christine was named the Bay Area’s “Best Nutritionist” 2011 and works with women all across the US who are on a mission to improve their personal relationship to life and love. Connect with Christine at www.loveandtomatoes.com.

Our ancestors ate seasonally because they had no choice. Food choices were dependent on the regional climate and growing conditions of the land around them. Naturally, their bodies evolved to prefer the types of food that we were acclimatized to receiving and those genetic predispositions still are present in our individual bodies today. To some degree, we do this naturally – craving warm, hearty foods in the winter and cool, hydrating foods in the summer.

Springtime foods are traditionally meant to cleanse and purify the body – removing the stored toxins and heaviness from the wintertime months. Just like the spring rains are designed to wash the earth clean – taking away left over leaves and snows and revealing fresh grounds for planing new seeds, so it is with our bodies. Spring greens – leafy greens in particular, are essential ruffage for cleaning out our intestines, repairing our immune system and preparing our bodies for the year to come.

Here are 3 leafy greens to stock up on when you’re in the store:

Mustard greens – These bitter greens are super-agents for detoxifying the body, due in part to their high levels of antioxidant nutrients – including large amounts of Vitamins C and E. They have one of the highest anti-inflammatory benefits on the body and help prevent against many forms of cancer. Enjoy them as an addition to pastas, salads, or sauteed and made into their own delicious side dish.

Collard greens – Known for their frequent appearance in Southern food, these greens are a member of the cabbage family that can be prepared a variety of ways ans with a myriad of flavors.. They’re particularly good for lowering cholesterol and adding an energetic boost of vitamins and minerals to your meal.

Dandelion greens – These greens are best known for their spring cleansing abilities. They are the most nutritious leafy green available, with 188% of your daily Vitamin K in each cup. Use them in spring salads, soups, sandwiches and smoothies.

About Christine Eubanks

Christine Eubanks is a Holistic Health, Life and Love Transformation Coach. She helps women to work less, live more and find the love of their life so they can connect to their own powerful version of love – finding life balance, personal health and self love. She believes that we must be truly healthy and whole within ourselves first –only then can we extend that love outwards into our most fulfilling relationships. Christine was named the Bay Area’s “Best Nutritionist” 2011 and works with women all across the US who are on a mission to improve their personal relationship to life and love. Connect with Christine at www.loveandtomatoes.com.

Nettle Leaf

Stinging Nettle is an herb that has been used for centuries to treat allergy symptoms, particularly hayfever, which is the most common allergy. Nettle contains biologically active compounds that help reduce inflammation. Decongestants, antihistamines, allergy shots and even prescription medications treat only the symptoms and tend to lose effectiveness over a period of time. They can also cause drowsiness, dry sinuses, insomnia and high blood pressure. Nettle has none of these side effects. It can be used on a regular basis and has an impressive number of other benefits.

Quercetin-Solaray 25%

Quercetin is an antioxidant and acts like a antihistamine and can also have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Quercetin prevents immune cells from releasing histamines – chemicals that cause allergic reactions. On that basis, researchers believe that quercetin may help reduce symptoms of allergies, including runny nose, watery eyes, hives and swelling of the face and lips.